Zankwieser Teich, Stausee in Deutschland
Zankwieser Teich is a small reservoir near Clausthal-Zellerfeld surrounded by dense forest. The water is slightly acidic and held back by an earthen dam with a distinctive bent shape, measuring roughly 160 meters long and 200 meters wide.
The reservoir was built in 1688 to supply water for mining operations in the region, used for washing and processing ore. In 2010, the entire Oberharzer water system that includes this pond was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The pond's name reflects its mining heritage in the Harz region. Today, visitors come here to experience a quiet retreat where the forest surroundings and still water create a place for peaceful reflection and nature observation.
The site is easily reached from Clausthal-Zellerfeld by driving about 2 kilometers north and following signs toward Festenburg. A free parking lot at the nearby Kiefhölzer Teich provides a short 300-meter walk through woodland to reach the reservoir.
The water is acidic due to surrounding peat soils and plants, which means few fish thrive here, but these conditions create a special habitat for specialized bog fauna. This makes it a place for nature enthusiasts interested in exploring unusual ecosystems and the rare species that depend on them.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
