グラーフシャフトの湖・トップ20

The dam was built at the end of the 1930s to supply the Euskirchen cloth industry with process water. Construction was not completed in 1940 due to the war, so the capacity is only 70,000 m³ instead of the planned 300,000. Completion was planned in the 1980s, but this was not carried out due to the decline of the cloth industry. The dam was technically overhauled in 1996–1997. The dam, in conjunction with the neighboring Steinbach dam, supplies process water for industry and agriculture. It is operated by the Euskirchen-Swisttal water supply association. The dam is only monitored manually. Source: Wikipedia

The small reservoir, not much larger than a pond, is surrounded by forest and offers a wide lawn for sunbathing on the dam wall. In summer it is definitely nice to relax here, even if swimming is not allowed. On the left, a small trail leads through deciduous forest high above the lake.

Four old ponds lie along the path as if strung on a pearl necklace. It's quiet here and perfect for a little rest.

The Steinbach dam, which is not far away, is now dry - i.e. after the heavy rain catastrophe of July 2021 - and a green area can be seen instead of water. Here at the Madbach dam, which is basically the little brother in comparison, you can actually still find the reservoir. During our visit there were several two-legged and four-legged bathers in the water...

The Eulenbach has dug deep into the terrain and the drought of the past summer has left its mark on the ponds. The water system seems to be completely out of balance here.

Nice view from above through the woods

The Königssee is 1 ha in size and 30 meters deep. Here tertiary basalt rock was mined until 1942, which was broken into gravel. The Königssee, filled with groundwater, developed from the mining pit. The basalt rock was brought to crushing plants in Oberzissen via a cable car. The gravel was brought from the Brohltalbahn to the Rhine port for shipment.

A nice place to take a break. The pond is currently covered with duckweed, the green color gives the pond a mystical touch.