A small flood retention reservoir tucked into the forests of Saxon Switzerland, offering a surprisingly peaceful and scenic stop despite its practical purpose of protecting nearby villages from flooding. The Mordgrundbach stream feeds this quiet pool, complete with a tiny island in the middle, surrounded by dense woodland.

The setting is calm and wooded, with trees reaching almost to the water's edge, creating a hushed, secluded feel that makes it easy to forget you're looking at an engineered structure rather than a natural pond. In spring and summer the greenery reflects beautifully on the water, autumn brings warm forest colours to the surroundings, and in winter the basin can partially freeze, adding to its quiet charm. It's a good spot for a short breather away from the crowds.

How to get there

• Hellendorf - short walk on a forest track, about 20-30 minutes, easy route
• Also reachable from trails around Bahratal - easy to moderate route

Practical information

• The dam is an earth embankment with a clay core - a technical structure, so access to the dam crest may be restricted
• The basin operates with a partial permanent water level, so water levels can vary
• Fishing is allowed in designated areas of the reservoir

A fun detail is the small island in the middle of the basin - an unusual feature for such a modest retention reservoir, and a favourite subject for visitors' photos.