Wiehltalsperre

Wiehltalsperre is a drinking water reservoir in Reichshof, Germany, stretching across 6.5 kilometers with a width between 80 and 500 meters. The basin holds 31.5 million cubic meters of water within a protected natural landscape surrounded by forested hills.

Construction took place during the 1960s, when 450 residents from eleven villages were relocated to make room for the water reservoir. Planning aimed to secure drinking water supply for the growing catchment area in the Bergisches Land region.

Walking routes around the water lead through wooded slopes and open meadows, where visitors experience the quiet of the protected shoreline zone. Local residents use the paths for walks and nature observation throughout the year.

Several access points along the shore road make it easy to join the circular routes, which suit families and older visitors. In good weather, viewpoints offer views over the entire water surface and surrounding woodland areas.

A small island in the preliminary basin became widely known through commercials by Krombacher Brewery and now attracts many visitors. The island remains uninhabited and serves as a refuge for waterfowl.