The Amselbach Dam is one of the smallest dams in the Free State of Saxony, tucked away near Zwickau. It's a lovely spot for anyone who enjoys a quiet, off-the-beaten-path walk combined with a touch of industrial history.

Built from concrete and faced with rubble stone, the dam holds back the waters of the Amselbach, a small tributary of the Zwickauer Mulde. The setting is intimate and green, with forest reaching almost to the water's edge, and the only sounds are the stream and birdsong. In summer it's a pleasant place for a walk and a break by the water, in autumn the surrounding woods turn golden and red, and in winter the dam takes on a quiet, austere character. The crown of the dam is open to walkers, though keep in mind there's no bridge over the flood spillway, so you can't cross to the other side along it.

How to get there

• Weißbach near Zwickau — short walk on a forest track, approx. 20-30 minutes, easy difficulty

The dam was built between 1938 and 1942 to supply water for Reichsbahn steam locomotives, and it also served as a source of drinking water for the local area — today it's mainly a peaceful corner for a nature break.