Wippertalsperre and reservoir
The Wippertal Dam is located on the Wipper River of the same name between Wippra, Königerode, Dankerode, Horla and Rotha. It was built from 1951 to 1952 as a pre-dam for a larger dam, which was never built. Thus, the Wippra dam, with a length of 126 metres and a height of around 18 metres above the valley floor, is the only dam structure on the Wipper.
Originally, the Wippra dam was used to supply water to the copper slate mining operations in Mansfeld and Hettstedt. Today it is used for flood protection, for hydroelectric power generation and above all as a local recreation area.
An approximately six-kilometre-long circular hiking trail leads through the wooded surroundings around the dam and the lake. Here, nature lovers can put their feet in the water and enjoy the flora and fauna of the Harz with all their senses. The lake is also designated as a fishing water.
