The Wippertalsperre is located in the middle of the large forest area between Wippra, Königerode, Dankerode, Horla and Rotha.
The Wippertalsperre is the only dam in the Wipper river basin. It was built in 1951/52 as a reservoir. It was used to supply industrial water, in particular to provide sufficient water for copper slate mining in the region. The hydroelectric power station integrated into the dam wall generates electricity from hydropower and local recreation now also plays a major role at the 2.2 km long and 190 m wide dam. Although the construction of a main dam was considered, it was not realized.
The Wipper has its source near the Auerberg near Stolberg in the Harz Mountains. It meanders for around 85 kilometers to Bernburg, where it flows into the Saale. The discharge capacity of the Wipper is low, so that in its current state even minor floods can cause it to overflow. The Wippertalsperre has only a low flood protection effect.
After the 1994 floods, which caused over €17 million in damage, the construction of an additional „green retention basin“ above Wippra was discussed as part of the development of a flood protection concept for Saxony-Anhalt. Construction of the dry basin, which will be built on the site of the main dam planned at the time, began in July 2014.
The stamping station is located on the 5.8 km circular trail around the Wippertalsperre dam, which is signposted from the dam wall. From Königerode, you can also reach the circular trail around the dam via the Schiefergraben forester’s lodge and the nearby forest parking lots.
