The Hochablass is much more than a historical dam - it is a symbolic landmark of Augsburg and embodies the city's long-standing engineering skills and inventiveness. It plays a key role in Augsburg's water management system, which has supplied the city with clean drinking water and energy for over 700 years. In the Hochablass, water from the Lech is controlled and channeled into various canals that flow across Augsburg and still use hydropower today.
The Hochablass as we see it today dates back to 1911/1912, when it was rebuilt in reinforced concrete after the great flood disaster in 1910. Its iconic tower is reminiscent of a medieval defensive tower and is a popular photo motif. The two stone figures at the end of the bridge symbolize the historical professions that were associated with water: on the one hand the mill operators and on the other the raftsmen who used the Lech as a transport route.
In addition to its technical function, the Hochablass also has an ecological significance. The water levels regulated by the weir support the natural river system of the Lech and the adjacent floodplains. For several years now, a small hydroelectric power station has also been integrated here, which contributes to environmentally friendly energy generation and secures the hydroelectric potential of the Hochablass for the future.
The Hochablass is a popular destination for locals and tourists who want to enjoy the Siebentischwald, the Eiskanal or simply the Lech. When the weather is nice, walkers and cyclists flock to the bridge to hear the rushing of the water and enjoy the view of the Lech. The proximity to nature, combined with technical finesse and historical significance, makes the Hochablass a unique and indispensable part of Augsburg's cityscape.