Talsperre Malter, Reservoir and cultural monument in Dippoldiswalde, Germany
Talsperre Malter is a reservoir with a curved gravity dam made of quarry stone masonry, featuring a crown length of 193 meters and width of 6.1 meters. The structure was built with a storage capacity of 8.78 million cubic meters and collects water from the Rote Weißeritz stream.
Construction of the reservoir took place between 1908 and 1913, prompted by severe flooding in 1897 that demonstrated the urgent need for water regulation in the region. That flood made clear to authorities and residents alike how essential it was to control future overflow.
The reservoir is tied to local history through the relocation of Niedermalter village, which fundamentally reshaped the landscape when it was built. The water surface now defines the regional scenery and reflects how infrastructure permanently transformed life in the area.
The reservoir can be visited from paths around the water that offer different perspectives of the structure. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and follow local walking routes for the best experience.
From 1968 to 1983, an underwater station called Malter I operated at the reservoir, conducting research in underwater biology. This unusual project was an early example of scientific work in extreme environments.
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