Hochwasserrückhaltebecken Herrenbach, reservoir

The Hochwasserrückhaltebecken Herrenbach is a reservoir on the Herrenbach stream, crossing the border between the Rems-Murr-Kreis and the Landkreis Göppingen near Adelberg and Schorndorf-Unterberken. Its 22-metre-high, 220-metre-long earthen dam holds back just under 2 million cubic metres of water. The permanently partly filled lake covers around 17 hectares, reaches depths of up to 18 metres, and has a pre-basin separated from the main basin by a smaller dam.

The reservoir was built in the early 1970s to protect nearby towns from flooding during heavy rains. It operates as part of a larger flood control system on the Fils river, working together with two additional reservoirs near Donzdorf and Lauterstein.

The reservoir is operated by the Wasserverband Fils, the same body responsible for the Christental and Simonsbachtal flood retention basins. Its surroundings in the eastern Schurwald have become a popular local recreation area for hikers and walkers, while the lake itself is used only by anglers for leisure.

The area is accessible by car or public transportation, with parking available at the Herrenbachtal entrance and near Adelberg monastery. Visitors should stay on marked paths, especially during maintenance work, as the ground can be muddy and slippery.

The reservoir is operated by the Wasserverband Fils, the same water association that runs the Christental and Simonsbachtal flood retention basins. Its dam is built of earth, stands 22 metres high and runs 220 metres across the valley, holding back just under two million cubic metres of water.