Diemeltalsperre Hydroelectric Power Plant

The entire complex is very impressive due to its size and force in the narrow valley.

The demand to create a cross-waterway connection between the rivers Rhine, Ems, Weser and Elbe in order to connect the western German industrial area with the agricultural areas in the east was often hotly debated in the Prussian House of Representatives. It was not until the Prussian Water Act of April 1, 1905 that the expansion of the German inland waterway network was decided. Construction of the Diemel Dam could therefore begin in 1912. However, due to World War I, construction work had to be interrupted and could not be continued until 1919. It was completed in 1924, with the total construction costs at the time being estimated at around 4.85 million gold marks, excluding inflation. The reason for its construction was the construction of the Mittelland Canal from Minden to Hanover in 1906. The Diemel Dam was designed to supply the feed water for the Mittelland Canal with the Eder Dam when the Weser was at low water levels, which was pumped from the Weser into the Mittelland Canal. In addition, the water released by the two dams was intended to improve the poor shipping conditions on the Upper Weser when the water level was low in summer and autumn. Since 1960, however, the release has only been primarily based on the needs of shipping on the Upper Weser. The Diemel Dam and the power station building are now listed buildings.
Source: sauerland-seen.de/Diemelsee/Prospektanfragen-Service/Fakten-Fakten-Fakten/Historie-der-Diemeltalsperre

Great views of the dam and facilities.