Oestertalsperre, Water reservoir in Plettenberg, Germany
Oestertalsperre is a reservoir in Plettenberg, in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, held back by a gravity dam built from rubble stone masonry. A network of paths runs around the water, mixing open lakeside sections with stretches through the surrounding forest.
Work on the dam began in 1904, led by engineer Otto Intze, but several contractors went bankrupt during construction, causing repeated delays. The reservoir was eventually completed in 1907, three years after the project started.
The reservoir draws locals for walks and bike rides along the shore, especially on weekends and warm evenings. The surrounding paths feel like a green corridor weaving between open water and dense forest.
The paths around the reservoir are open throughout the year and work well for both walking and cycling. Wooded sections can get slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea before heading out.
The dam holds back water using only the weight of its own stone mass, with no anchoring or bracing of any kind. This was an unusual choice for a dam of this size in Germany at the time it was built.
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