4.6
(4759)
17,918
hikers
563
hikes
Hiking around Dam Kelbra offers diverse landscapes centered around the Kelbra Reservoir, an internationally recognized bird habitat. The region features well-maintained paths along the dam and through surrounding areas, providing views of the Kyffhäuser hills. The terrain includes flat sections around the reservoir, with gentle ascents into the nearby hills and the Kyffhäuser mountains. This area is characterized by its significant natural features and designated nature reserves.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
4.9
(40)
109
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(10)
61
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.1
(12)
83
hikers
17.0km
04:20
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(7)
57
hikers
6.52km
01:39
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(16)
30
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Located directly on the riverbank path
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From the dam you have a great view of the village church of St. Wigberti Thürungen.
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From the dam you have a great view of the St. Petri-Pauli Church in Berga.
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This boundary stone is located a bit off the hiking trail in the field. It was erected around 1820 on the border between the Kingdom of Prussia and the Principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen.
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The Kelbra Reservoir is located on the Helme River behind the Kelbra Dam at the northwest foot of the Kyffhäuser Mountains. It extends through the Goldene Aue (Golden Meadows), predominantly in the Mansfeld-Südharz district of Saxony-Anhalt. Small reservoir sections in the southwest and south, located on the border between the Kyffhäuser district and the Nordhausen district, are located in Thuringia. Initially, only a green – i.e., normally dry – flood retention basin was planned for the reservoir. However, a main dam was then built to create a permanent reservoir, and a secondary dam to maintain a basin that would absorb the masses of the Helme River system in the event of flooding. Thus, there are now two adjacent basins, the lower of which, when permanently impounded – i.e., a permanent reservoir – has 12.3 million m³[1] of storage capacity and approximately 6 km²[2] of surface area at a lake level of 155.25 m above sea level. It has a maximum depth of 5.5 m[1] and a length of 3.8 km[3]. The upper basin, which lies west to northwest above the secondary dam and borders the western and northwestern banks as arable land and pasture, is only dammed in the event of flooding. Together, both basins have a storage capacity of 35.6 million m³, of which 23 million m³[1] serve as flood protection. After the test damming, which lasted until 1969[2], the dam was officially put into operation. The reservoir, which is largely used for tourism, offers sailing and windsurfing opportunities, a textile and nudist beach, a campsite, boat rentals, a water slide, and various restaurants and other facilities near the reservoir. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talsperre_Kelbra
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The Kelbra Dam was built together with the retention basin located just upstream (behind the L2079 road). Together, they serve to protect against flooding, while the reservoir is used solely for irrigation, fishing, and recreation. Since 1978, the lake and retention basin have formed the Ramsar Protected Area 176, Helmestausee Berga-Kelbra, covering 14.53 km². It overlaps in the southwest with the combined Natura 2000 area Kyffhäuser – Badraer Schweiz – Solwiesen (ID 4632-302). The reservoir and flood retention basin are jointly and cooperatively managed by the Thuringian Long-Distance Water Supply and the Dam Authority of Saxony-Anhalt. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talsperre_Kelbra
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The Kelbra Dam is located at the northwest end of the Kyffhäuser Mountains, between Auleben in the west, Görsbach in the northwest, and Badra in the southwest (all in Thuringia), as well as Bösenrode in the north, Berga in the northeast, and Kelbra in the east (all in Saxony-Anhalt). It is located in the Goldene Aue (Golden Aue) between Nordhausen (Thuringia) in the west and Sangerhausen (Saxony-Anhalt) in the east. Its dam impounds the water of the Helme River, which flows into the reservoir in the northwest and leaves it in the northeast. Part of the Helme water is artificially diverted to the north (bypass) and channeled into the Thyra, which flows into the Helme shortly thereafter. Approximately 1 km south-southeast of the Helme's outflow, the reservoir is also drained by a brine ditch. Near the southern shore of the reservoir/flood retention basin, at the northern foot of the Kyffhäuser Mountains, is the Numburg Cave. Numburg Cave Source https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talsperre_Kelbra
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The terrain around Dam Kelbra is quite varied. You'll find relatively flat sections, especially along the Kelbra Reservoir, which are ideal for leisurely walks. For those seeking more challenge, there are gentle ascents into the surrounding hills and the Kyffhäuser mountains, offering panoramic views. The area is known for its diverse landscapes, from clear waters to deciduous forests.
Yes, the Dam Kelbra region offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. There are over 540 routes available, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. This includes a good mix of easy, moderate, and more challenging trails.
For families, the trails directly around the Kelbra Reservoir are particularly suitable. These routes are generally flat and offer numerous resting spots. An easy option is the Kelbra Reservoir – Kelbra Reservoir (Kelbra Dam) loop from Kelbra, which is 2.7 miles (4.4 km) long and provides accessible views along the dam and shoreline.
Many trails around Dam Kelbra are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion. However, as the reservoir is an internationally recognized bird habitat and parts of the area are within the Kyffhäuser Nature Park, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in sensitive ecological zones, to protect wildlife.
The best seasons for hiking in Dam Kelbra are spring and autumn. In spring, the landscape is vibrant with bright colors and flowering meadows. Autumn transforms the deciduous forests into a spectacular display of hues. Both seasons offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for exploration.
Yes, circular routes are a popular way to explore the area. A notable moderate option is the Solequelle Auleben – Kelbra Reservoir in Kyffhäuser Nature Park loop from Seecamping Kelbra Quick-Camping, which is 9.2 miles (14.8 km) and offers varied scenery around the reservoir and into the nature park. Another moderate circular route is the Auleben Brine Spring – View of Kelbra Reservoir loop from Kelbra Seebad, covering 10.5 miles (17.0 km) through open landscapes with reservoir views.
The Kelbra Reservoir itself is a central natural feature, offering beautiful water views. You can also find viewpoints like the View of Kyffhäuser Monument, Rothenburg, and Television Tower from Kelbra Dam, providing expansive vistas. The Kyffhäuserberg offers spectacular panoramic views over the entire region for those willing to undertake a more demanding hike.
Yes, the region is rich in historical significance. Hikers can reach the imposing Kyffhäuser Monument, which is an architectural marvel with a fascinating history. The Barbarossa Cave is another historical sight that can be visited along some of the hiking routes, adding a cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure.
The hiking trails in Dam Kelbra are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 3,800 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding hills.
Generally, no specific permits are required for hiking on the public trails around Dam Kelbra. However, as parts of the area are within the Kyffhäuser Nature Park and the reservoir is a protected bird habitat, it's important to respect local regulations, stay on marked paths, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
The hikes around Dam Kelbra cater to all difficulty levels. You'll find a significant number of easy routes, particularly around the reservoir, making them accessible for most. There are also many moderate trails that offer a bit more challenge, and a selection of difficult routes for experienced hikers seeking more demanding ascents into the Kyffhäuser mountains.
Absolutely. Many trails, especially those that venture into the surrounding hills and the Kyffhäuser mountains themselves, offer stunning views of this range. For instance, the View of Helmestausee – Kelbra Reservoir in Kyffhäuser Nature Park loop from Kelbra provides excellent vistas of the Kyffhäuser Nature Park.


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