The Greifenbachstauweiher is a scenic reservoir tucked in the Ore Mountains, between the towns of Geyer and Ehrenfriedersdorf. Originally built to serve the region's tin mines, it's now one of the most popular recreation spots in the area, offering swimming, diving and boating.

Surrounded by forest, the lake has a calm, woodland charm that shifts with the seasons - lively with swimmers and paddlers in summer, and wonderfully quiet and still in winter when snow settles over the shoreline. Its slightly reddish-tinted water comes from the Rotes Wasser stream that feeds it, and the surrounding hills of the Erzgebirge make for a peaceful backdrop to a walk or a swim.

How to get there

• From Geyer - parking near the reservoir, about 15-20 minutes on foot, easy route
• From Ehrenfriedersdorf - forest trail along the Greifenbach stream, about 30-40 minutes, easy/moderate route

Practical information

• Swimming area open seasonally, with lifeguards in summer
• Boat and kayak rental available
• Popular spot for recreational diving

The reservoir dates back to the 14th century, when it was built to supply water for the tin mines of Ehrenfriedersdorf, and its dam was later raised during World War II by French and Soviet prisoners of war - a striking bit of history behind today's peaceful lake.