During extreme low water, the remnants of the village of Asel, including a bridge and building foundations, become visible above the waterline.
The 1943 bombing raid by the RAF 617 Squadron used specialized rotating depth charges to destroy the central section of the dam.
The reservoir capacity is approximately 199 million cubic meters of water.
The power station integrated into the structure operates on a pumped-storage principle to assist grid stability.
The dam's construction necessitated the evacuation and flooding of three entire villages: Asel, Bringhausen, and Berich.
The Edersee Dam is a massive masonry wall built between 1908 and 1914 to regulate water levels for the Weser River and generate hydroelectric power. It spans 400 meters in length and stands 47 meters high, creating one of Germany's largest reservoirs. The dam was famously breached by Allied 'bouncing bombs' during Operation Chastise in World War II, causing catastrophic downstream flooding. Following the attack, the structure was rebuilt within months. The reservoir serves as a hub for recreational activities, including swimming, diving, and boating. Underwater ruins of villages flooded during the original construction periodically emerge during periods of low water level. The site remains a functional hydroelectric facility managed by E.ON. It serves as a central feature of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park region.
The mid-point of the dam wall looking back toward the reservoir, or the shoreline viewpoint directly below the dam wall looking up at the masonry.
Check the official reservoir water levels online before visiting if you hope to see the submerged village ruins.
Walk across the entire length of the dam for views overlooking both the deep reservoir and the valley floor below.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby treetop walk (Baumkronenweg) located on the reservoir's northern shore.
Do not attempt to swim or dive near the base of the dam structure, as these areas are restricted for safety and operational reasons.
