Rappbode Dam
Sachsen-Anhalt
The Rappbode Dam, located in the East Harz region of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, is the largest drinking water reservoir in the country and features Germany's highest gravity dam at 106 meters tall. Constructed between 1952 and 1959, the dam impounds the Rappbode and Hassel rivers, creating the expansive Rappbodestausee reservoir, which covers approximately 3.9 square kilometers. The dam system includes the main dam and several auxiliary dams, such as the Rappbode Auxiliary Dam near Trautenstein, which supports drinking water supply and flood control. The area surrounding the dam is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring rocky crags on the eastern shore and historical sites like the former Trageburg castle, which once guarded an old long-distance trade route. The dam also contributes to regional electricity generation through its associated hydropower plant. Today, the Rappbode Dam is a vital infrastructure element for flood protection, water supply, and recreation, attracting visitors for walking and sightseeing in the scenic Harz Nature Park.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Rappbode Dam area is during late spring to early autumn when walking trails are accessible and the natural scenery is at its peak. Visitors are advised to check local weather and trail conditions before visiting. While the dam itself is a functional infrastructure site, nearby walking routes and viewpoints provide excellent opportunities for hiking and photography. It is recommended to plan your visit ahead, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid crowds. While there is no specific ticket required for walking around the dam area, some guided tours or visitor centers might offer additional information and access to restricted areas. Discounts or group rates may be available for organized tours.
Interesting facts
- •The Rappbode Dam is the tallest gravity dam in Germany at 106 meters height.
- •It impounds the largest reservoir by volume in the Harz region, with approximately 109 to 113 million cubic meters capacity.
- •The dam system includes several auxiliary dams, including the Rappbode Auxiliary Dam which is 25 meters high.
- •The area around the dam was historically guarded by castles such as the Trageburg, protecting old trade routes.
- •The dam was built with involvement from the West German construction company Polensky & Zöllner during the GDR period.
- •Inscriptions on the dam commemorate its construction as a major socialist engineering achievement in East Germany.
- •The dam provides drinking water, flood protection, and hydroelectric power for several nearby communities.
History
Initial plans for dam construction in the Rappbode valley date back to 1891, with a large 150-meter high dam proposed but later revised to avoid flooding local villages.
Construction began during World War II but was halted in 1942 for war reasons.
The project was resumed in the German Democratic Republic era with updated engineering techniques, leading to the laying of the foundation stone in 1952.
The dam was completed and commissioned on October 3, 1959.
Between 1995 and 2009, the dam underwent extensive renovations, including road surface renewal and symbolic modifications to its inscriptions.
In 2022, the Rappbode Dam was officially recognized as a Historic Landmark of Engineering in Germany.
Place Guide
Rappbode Auxiliary Dam
An auxiliary dam near Trautenstein that works in tandem with the main dam to impound the River Rappbode. It features a 25-meter high gravity dam and is surrounded by rocky crags and historically significant sites such as the former Trageburg castle ruins.
Main Rappbode Dam1952-1959
The primary dam structure standing 106 meters tall, the highest gravity dam in Germany. It creates the Rappbodestausee reservoir and includes a hydropower plant, waterworks, and flood protection infrastructure. The dam's crest carries a road (L96) and features inscriptions commemorating its construction.
