Our visit to the Okertalsperre (Oker Dam) was informative, and recreational as well. Its…read moreconstruction was completed in 1956 for controlling the flood and for generating energy. The hydroelectric power station at Romkerhalle is fed by the Oker Reservoir. This arch-shaped dam is located in the Harz mountains in Lower Saxony, Germany, and is fed by the River Oker. It is one of the most beautiful dams of the Harz region, and the largest dam in Lower Saxony with almost 2 square kilometers of water surface and a traffic volume of 47 million cubic meters. Behind the 75 m high, 260m long curved dam wall is a picturesque, widely branched reservoir with many beautiful bays and a maximum depth of about 65 meters. It is also used indirectly for the production of drinking water. In the summer the reservoir offers ideal conditions for water sports, swimming, bathing, surfing, boat trips, fishing, and diving. In winter with sufficiently thick ice, skating and ice skating are also enjoyed by the visitors. There is a trail of about 9 km long offering great views of the lake and leads through impressive landscapes. The tourists also have a fun campsite situated on the banks of the reservoir with plenty of shades - another attraction well-kept, tidy, and clean. Our trip was fun-filled and thought-provoking. Concisely, this multi-purpose dam is used for flood control, power generation, navigation, human consumption, and as a health resort.

This reservoir is situated a few kilometers away from Bad Harzburg. Its primary purpose is to…read moreprovide drinking water to the region, but it also produces electricity. The walk there is pleasant despite its name (Teufelsstieg - devil's climb). When we were there in August, the water level was quite low. You can taste the water from a little fountain situated on the Western side of the dam. The dam has a nice bit of history because the demarcation line between West and East Germany went right across it. Workers were originally only allowed to stay on their side of the dam which must have made for some weird interactions. The river is called the Ecker and ultimately flows in the Weser in direction of Bremen. The lake is called Eckerstausee and the dam Eckertalsperre. It was all a little bit confusing to us non-native speakers :)