Silberteich, reservoir in Germany
Silberteich is a reservoir in the Harz Mountains, stretching between wooded slopes and held back by a dam approximately 90 meters long and 50 feet high. The water is shallow and calm, fed by small streams and rainwater, creating a still surface that mirrors the sky and surrounding trees.
This reservoir was built in 1755 to store water for nearby mines and power the ore extraction operations. Just five years later, in 1760, the dam failed during a flood disaster that killed four people; it was rebuilt afterward and became known as the New Pond.
This body of water is connected to local mining legends and now serves as a stop along the Nature Myths Trail, where visitors encounter stories about water spirits and mountain folklore. Hikers and families pause here to sit quietly and absorb the stillness that defines the place.
This pond sits along a marked trail and is reachable on foot or by bicycle, with pathways running along the dam. The routes around the water are wide and easy to walk, making them suitable for families and hikers of all abilities.
A protected biotope occupies the northwestern corner of the water, off-limits to visitors and serving as habitat for uncommon plants and animals. This hidden zone demonstrates how vital it is to leave portions of natural spaces undisturbed so they can flourish.
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