Teufelsteich, reservoir
Teufelsteich is a reservoir in the Harz District fed by several small streams that spreads across roughly 20 hectares in an elongated, narrow form. The dam was rebuilt in the 1980s and stands nearly 18 meters high, with the water behind it capable of holding up to 785,000 cubic meters.
Teufelsteich was built at the end of the 17th century to supply surrounding mines with water and to power machinery through water force. In the 20th century mining declined in importance, and since 1947 the reservoir has primarily served as the region's drinking water supply.
The Teufelsteich takes its name from the nearby Teufelsberg mountain to the northwest, which gave the reservoir its distinctive identity. Today the water serves as a protected drinking water source, which means swimming and water sports are not allowed, though fishing with a permit is permitted.
The reservoir can be explored on foot with walking paths around the water and across the dam, including a viewpoint on the southeast shore called Teufelsblick. The area is set in quiet surroundings, well-maintained, and offers leisurely walks, particularly for visitors exploring the region between Harzgerode and Neudorf.
A special spot is the Teufelsblick on the southeast shore, a viewpoint offering fine views of the entire lake that many visitors overlook. The reservoir is also part of the mining heritage trail, a route that tells the story of mining in the region and guides walkers through former mining areas.
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