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Bleiloch Reservoir

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

The Bleiloch Reservoir is the largest dam in Germany by storage volume, with a capacity of approximately 215 million cubic meters of water. Built between 1926 and 1932 as part of the Saale Cascade in the Thuringian Slate Mountains, its primary purposes were regulating the water level of the Saale River and generating hydroelectric power. The dam structure itself is a gravity dam with a height of 65 meters and a crest length of 205 meters. The resulting reservoir extends for about 28 kilometers, winding through the narrow river valley in a fjord-like manner. Beyond its importance for water management, the region has developed into a major recreational area for water sports, hikers, and anglers. The technical facility is regarded as a masterpiece of engineering from the early 1930s and continues to play a vital role in Thuringia's energy infrastructure today.

Location: Thuringia, Germany
Top sights: Bellevue · Comeniuszentrum · Schloss Ebersdorf
Nearby: Naila (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-1	3	8	12	16	18	18	13	8	3	-1
Rain mm	60	46	51	41	74	67	83	69	60	56	63	65

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The reservoir is heavily integrated into the regional road network of Thuringia, with excellent signage directing motorists. Several local towns along its extensive shores serve as practical starting hubs for various activities.

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Best season

The high season spans from late spring through summer, offering well-suited conditions for water sports, camping, and boat tours. Autumn draws hikers with colorful forested slopes, while winters are generally quiet and chilly.

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Terrain & paths

The expansive water body meanders gracefully between densely forested, moderately steep hillsides. Visitors will find a mix of well-maintained lakeside promenades, organized campsites, and more rugged, natural hiking trails.

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What to bring

Standard outdoor wear and sturdy walking shoes will perfectly suit exploring the surrounding trails and view points. If planning to swim or rent a boat during summer, remember to pack appropriate swimwear and sun protection.

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Parking

Abundant parking options exist, ranging from paid lots near major marinas and beaches to free roadside areas further away. Arriving before noon is highly recommended during the warmest summer weekends to secure a good spot.

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Safety

Swimming is generally very safe in designated areas, but be mindful of passing boats and varied water depths. While hiking, simply stay on the marked forest paths to avoid unnecessary slips on the damp, wooded slopes.

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Time needed

A scenic drive and short stroll can be easily accomplished within just a couple of hours. However, many families and couples choose to spend a full day or a weekend fully engaging with the outdoor activities available.

Geography

Area

9.2 km²

Coordinates

50.48000, 11.66000

Facts

The Bleiloch Reservoir has a maximum water depth of approximately 58 meters.
Construction took six years and was completed during the Great Depression.
The surface area of the reservoir is about 9.2 square kilometers at full capacity.
The hydroelectric power plant has an installed capacity of about 80 megawatts.
Since 1997, the annual 'SonneMondSterne' festival has been held on its shores.
Due to its size and shape, the reservoir is often called the 'Thuringian Sea'.