Wahnbach Dam

The Wahnbach Dam, a drinking water reservoir, is nestled in the impressive and varied landscape amidst stunning natural scenery. It was constructed between 1955 and 1957 with a maximum storage capacity of approximately 41 million cubic meters. The dam rises imposingly 45 meters above the valley floor, offering panoramic views across the water. The reservoir has a maximum depth of 46,0 meters, and the water level at maximum capacity reaches 124,0 meters above sea level.
The varied topography, extensive forests, open meadows, and idyllic agricultural landscape with numerous babbling brooks invite you to take walks and hikes. A circular trail approximately 24 kilometers long (Reservoir circular trailThe trail leads along mostly natural paths around the reservoir. Hikers must repeatedly ascend and descend, but are also rewarded with unobstructed views of the dam at many points. The thought of the remains of former houses, connecting roads, and bridges submerged in the reservoir awakens the desire to explore the secrets of this natural landscape.

Since the reservoir is essential for a secure drinking water supply, it is protected by a water protection zone, which also regulates recreational use in this beautiful natural landscape. Hikers, walkers, and cyclists must stay on the marked trails within Water Protection Zone I. Picnics, camping, barbecues, swimming, and animals in the water are prohibited. Parking around the reservoir is unfortunately very limited. 

The Wahnbach reservoir is fed by the Wahnbach stream, which has its source on the slopes of the Heckberg near Drabenderhöhe and, as a typical low mountain range stream, flows for approximately 21 kilometers through a unique natural landscape, past idyllic villages. This area is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails (for example, the Bergischer Weg trail).www.bergisches-wanderland.de), themed hiking trails (www.bergisch-hoch-vier.orgThe area is very well developed and offers an attractive recreational space. Away from the hustle and bustle around the reservoir, visitors can also enjoy the peace and quiet of nature here.