Talsperre Klingenberg, Reservoir and cultural heritage monument in Klingenberg, Germany.
Talsperre Klingenberg is a curved gravity dam made of rubble masonry that rises about 310 feet (94 meters) above the valley floor and is topped with a distinctive crown. The structure holds water for drinking supplies, manages flood control, and generates electricity through its power station.
Construction started in 1908 following severe flooding in 1897, driven by the need for flood protection, and the dam opened for operations in 1914. The project applied the latest engineering techniques of its era and shaped how water power was developed in the Saxon region.
The name comes from the Klingen Valley that the dam crosses, and over time it became an important landmark for the region. Visitors can still observe the classical architectural features that architect Hans Poelzig integrated into the design.
The reservoir is most accessible from viewpoints on the dam itself or along the shoreline paths that offer clear views of the structure. Wear sturdy shoes since ground conditions around the area vary depending on the season.
Between 2005 and 2013, the entire reservoir was drained for major renovation work, offering a rare chance to study the dam's internal structure closely. A temporary underground tunnel kept water flowing to Dresden during all those years.
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