The Eibenstock Reservoir is Saxony's largest drinking water dam, a vast man-made lake tucked into the forested hills of the Ore Mountains. It's an impressive feat of engineering that quietly supplies drinking water to over 600,000 people — and a surprisingly scenic spot for a peaceful walk.

The scenery here is calm and green, with dense spruce forests wrapping around the shoreline and long views across the dark, tannin-stained water. The color comes from natural humic substances washed down from the surrounding moors, giving the lake an unusual, almost tea-like tint. In summer the paths around the reservoir are popular with walkers and cyclists, autumn brings rich forest colors, and winter can blanket the whole area in snow and quiet. Since this is a protected drinking water source, swimming and water sports are strictly off-limits — but that's exactly what keeps the place so unspoiled.

How to get there

• Viewpoint above the dam near Neidhardtsthal — open to the public since 2014, easy access, short walk
• Marked circular trail around the entire reservoir — moderate difficulty, several hours, with many spots offering views over the water

Practical information

• Swimming and water sports on the reservoir are prohibited to protect the drinking water supply
• The dam crest near Neidhardtsthal has been freely accessible since 2014
• A free hiking map with trails and information can be downloaded from the dam authority's website

A fun detail: in 2012 artist Klaus Dauven created a huge reverse graffiti artwork called 'Fisch-Reich' across the entire dam wall, depicting two trout — one of the largest works of its kind in Europe.