Oestertalsperre, Water reservoir in Plettenberg, Germany
Oestertalsperre is a water reservoir in Plettenberg featuring a gravity dam constructed from rubble stone masonry. The facility is surrounded by a path system that combines paved sections with adjacent forest trails for access around the water body.
Construction started in 1904 under engineer Otto Intze's direction, though multiple construction contractors went bankrupt during the building phase. The project finally reached completion in 1907 after a prolonged development process.
The reservoir has become a focal point for local recreation and outdoor pursuits, with residents regularly using the surrounding paths for walking and cycling. The site represents how water management infrastructure can integrate into daily community life and leisure activities.
Access to the path system is available year-round and requires only standard walking shoes or cycling gear. Forested sections can become slippery during wet weather, so appropriate footwear and caution are advisable.
The dam was engineered using the gravity principle, where the structure's weight alone resists water pressure without requiring external bracing. This approach was innovative for its era and represents an important technical achievement in early 20th-century dam design.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
