Glingebachtalsperre, reservoir
The Glingebachtalsperre is a dam near Finnentrop in North Rhine-Westphalia that holds back water from the Glinge stream, stretching approximately 750 meters (2,460 feet) across. It forms part of a pumped-storage power system and sits surrounded by dense forests that shape the surrounding landscape.
The dam and Rönkhausen pumped-storage facility were built in 1969 to generate electricity during peak demand and manage water flow in the region. This project became part of a water management system that has regulated river flows and energy supply in the Sauerland for decades.
The reservoir draws its name from the Glinge stream, a waterway with roots in the region's medieval past according to local accounts. Visitors and residents alike use this quiet setting as a retreat from daily life, finding peace in the forest and water.
A walking trail around the reservoir is about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) long and takes just under four hours; the path is well-maintained and winds through forests and along the water. The area is also accessible for cycling and fishing, though visitors should respect local regulations and the environment.
The area is part of the Christine-Koch-Weg, a hiking trail spanning over 120 kilometers that passes through forests, fields, and small villages, offering walkers insights into the quiet life of the region. This extended route connects several landscape types and reveals the network of smaller water resources scattered throughout the area.
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