The dam is constructed using over 1,000 individual concrete blocks, a design choice necessitated by the material shortages following World War I.
It was one of the first dams in Germany to be restored for modern power generation after being fully decommissioned for nearly two decades.
The reservoir area is a protected habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including rare amphibian species native to the Black Forest region.
The internal structure of the arch includes a drainage gallery that allows for the monitoring of water pressure and seepage.
The project was originally commissioned by the city of Vöhrenbach to provide independent electricity to local factories and households.
The Linachtalsperre is Germany's only arch gravity dam constructed from concrete blocks. Built between 1922 and 1925 to generate electricity, the dam was decommissioned in 1988 but underwent a comprehensive restoration to resume hydroelectric production in 2007. It stands 25 meters high and spans 143 meters in length, creating a reservoir used for regional flood control and renewable energy. The site features a historic powerhouse that serves as a monument to early 20th-century industrial architecture. Visitors can access a trail system that crosses the dam crest and circumnavigates the reservoir. The structure is integrated into the rugged landscape of the Southern Black Forest, utilizing the Linach river valley's topography. Its unique block-based construction method remains a subject of civil engineering interest.
The center of the dam crest for a symmetrical view of the water and the surrounding forest valley.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trails surrounding the reservoir can be uneven and muddy.
Bring binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching, as the reservoir attracts various waterfowl.
Follow the designated paths to protect the sensitive ecosystems surrounding the reservoir banks.
Attempting to climb the exterior concrete faces or entering restricted service areas of the dam structure.
The dam crest path may be closed during severe winter weather or maintenance periods.
