Markersbach Lower Reservoir Circular Walk – Pure Nature

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Discover the lower reservoir of the Markersbach pumped-storage power station, nestled between hydroelectric power and a forest idyll.

The walk starts at the lower reservoir of the Markersbach pumped-storage power station. Information boards on the dam explain the function of Germany’s second-largest pumped-storage power station, which plays an important role in storing renewable energy.

As you cross the dam, the striking viaduct catches the eye. Deutsche Bahn is currently testing autonomous driving on this historic railway line.

The route then leads along well-maintained paths through varied woodland, circling the lower reservoir once. Beautiful views of the water and landscape open up time and again. Rest areas along the route invite you to linger.

A particular highlight is the “Mühlchen” with its small water wheels, seating and play facilities. A few metres further on, a large water wheel, a shelter and a Kneipp facility await. From there, the route leads back to the car park.

Details

n°97822481
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.68 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 404 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 377 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,031 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,811 ft
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Photos

Markersbach Lower Reservoir
Markersbach Lower Reservoir Dam
A mystical atmosphere in the autumnal forest
Hikers in the autumn forest

Description of the walk

Start: The walk starts at the car park at the Markersbach lower reservoir.

Markings: Markersbach Lower Reservoir circular trail – yellow dot.

(S/E) From there, the route first crosses the dam.

(1) Hikers then turn right into the forest.
From here, keep to the right and follow the signs for the “Markersbach Lower Reservoir Circular Trail”, marked with a yellow dot.
The path leads all the way round the entire lower reservoir until you reach the starting point at the car park. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,824 ft - Car park at the Markersbach lower reservoir
  2. 1 : mi 0.23 - alt. 1,867 ft - End of the dam – turn right into the woods
  3. S/E : mi 3.68 - alt. 1,837 ft - Car park at the Markersbach lower reservoir

Notes

How to get there

Bus

  • Bus route 332 from Schwarzenberg to Markersbach (Zufahrtsstollen) – limited service
  • Line 415 from Aue and Schwarzenberg or from Annaberg-Buchholz to Markersbach, primary school (approx. 1 km to the start of the walk)

Directions

  • From the B 101 in Markersbach, head directly towards the pumped-storage power station (signposted)
  • Access via the S271 or B101 to Markersbach

Parking

  • Car park at the dam, free of charge
  • Car park at Markersbach outdoor swimming pool

Coordinates

  • DD 50.524900, 12.875777
  • GPS 50°31'29.6"N 12°52'32.8"E
  • UTM 33U 349433 5599149
  • w3w ///brought.switch.off.explorer

Places to stop for refreshments nearby

Worth a visit

Editor’s tip

After the hike, those interested can also take a look at the upper reservoir.

Book recommendations from the author

The Markersbach pumped-storage power station in Saxony, with a capacity of 1,050 megawatts, is the second-largest pumped-storage power station in Germany and ranks among the largest hydroelectric plants of its kind in Europe. The Markersbach pumped-storage power station was built between 1970 and 1981 near Markersbach in the Ore Mountains and went into operation in 1979. It underwent refurbishment in 1990 and 1998. It consists of an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir housing the power station. The turbines are located in a 44-metre-high cavern, situated approximately 100 metres below the administration building and slightly below the floor of the lower reservoir.

Further information and links

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