The Carlsfeld Dam, also known as Weiterswiese Reservoir, is the highest-situated dam in Saxony, tucked away in the Ore Mountains near the village of Carlsfeld. It's a place where engineering history meets quiet forest scenery, offering a peaceful walk around a reservoir with a curious brownish tint to its water.

Built between 1926 and 1929 from rough-hewn stone using the Intze principle, the curved gravity dam is an impressive sight against the surrounding spruce forests. The water carries a natural brown tinge caused by humic substances washed down from the moors and woodlands above, giving it the lowest visibility of any reservoir in Saxony - often just around a meter. In summer, the trail around the lake is calm and shaded, while winter here can bring seriously deep snow, since this area regularly records some of the heaviest snowfall in the region.

How to get there

• Carlsfeld - circular walking trail around the reservoir, easy difficulty
• The dam crest itself can be walked across, adding a nice extra stop to the route

Practical information

• Swimming and water sports are not allowed, as this is a drinking water reservoir
• Walking around the lake is permitted and is the main way to explore it
• Current water levels and flow data are published on the Saxon dam authority's website

A fascinating detail: repair works uncovered remains of a medieval tin-washing site dating back to around 1500, proving this valley was a mining hub long before the dam was ever built.