Perlenbachtalsperre, reservoir in Germany

The Perlenbachtalsperre is a stone dam reservoir in the High Fens area near Monschau, fed by the Perlenbach and a few smaller streams. The structure holds back water used for drinking water supply and also powers a small hydroelectric plant.

The dam was built in the 1950s and completed in 1956 to supply the region with drinking water. Decades later, a hydroelectric plant and an expanded water treatment facility were added to the site.

The name comes from the Perlenbach, the main stream feeding the water. On fine days, walkers and families follow the paths around the shore or sit quietly by the water.

The reservoir is easy to reach by car from Monschau, and marked walking paths lead around the water. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, as the trails can be wet depending on the weather.

The catchment covers 64.4 square kilometres, and just under two thirds of it lies on Belgian soil. The source and upper course of the Perlenbach rise on the Elsenborn military training area in Belgium, so the stream crosses the border before it reaches the reservoir near Monschau.