Barrage de la Kerspe, Stausee in Nordrhein-Westfalen
The Barrage de la Kerspe is a large reservoir formed by a massive stone dam stretching 360 meters across the valley between Halver, Kierspe, and Wipperfürth. When full, the water covers approximately 148 hectares and is held back by thick walls built to safely contain the stored water.
Construction of the dam began in 1908 and was completed in 1913, marking an important milestone in early twentieth-century engineering for the region. During the 1990s, the structure was inspected and reinforced with new safety features and monitoring equipment to ensure its continued reliability.
The name references the Kerspe Valley, which was flooded to create this water body. Visitors can observe the landscape from viewpoints and understand how this structure serves the communities that depend on its water supply.
Access to the dam itself is restricted for safety reasons, but visitors can view it from designated viewpoints near the site. Information boards explain the dam's size, age, and purpose, and the surroundings are well-maintained for a pleasant visit.
A small hydroelectric plant with two turbines uses the reservoir water to generate electricity for the surrounding communities. This dual function demonstrates how the site serves multiple purposes beyond storing drinking water.
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