Rur Dam, Hydroelectric dam in Heimbach, Germany
The Rur Dam is a dam in Heimbach that rises more than 75 meters high and creates a large body of water stretching through wooded valleys. The dam wall itself consists of concrete and stone, with a fixed spillway in the middle, while the water extends for several kilometers and is surrounded by green hills.
The dam was built between 1934 and 1939 to store water and generate energy. In February 1945, troops opened the gates deliberately to slow advancing armies, causing flooding downstream.
The reservoir offers a popular starting point for hikers and cyclists who follow the paths along the shore. Many visitors come here to enjoy the quiet surroundings and walk along the water.
A visit works best in clear weather, when you can enjoy the view over the lake and surrounding forests. Several paths run along the shore that can be explored on foot or by bicycle.
The dam wall separates the Tonsberg peninsula and Eichert island, which today are visible as separate landforms in the water. These natural elevations were integrated during construction and now shape the form of the lake.
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