Oder dam: water sports in the Harz Mountains

If you plan your summer vacation in the Harz Mountains, you might think of long hikes in pithy landscapes. This is what the region around the Oder reservoir offers - and even more: In the clear water of the reservoir above Bad Lauterberg you can also swim and bathe very well.

The good news for mindful decelerators right at the beginning: Motorboats are not allowed on the reservoir of the beautiful Oder Valley Dam - 53 meters high and 316 meters long. But that's about it for the restrictions for water sports lovers: bathing is possible, as well as surfing, sailing or rowing or rubber dinghies. Even fishing is possible (and permitted with the appropriate license). The best conditions to jump into the lake at the end of a day of hiking.

In the nearby Bad Lauterberg there are 67 (!) varied, mostly shorter hikes in the tour book alone. Bad Lauterberg itself is a lively town with around 11,000 inhabitants and, as a Kneipp and health resort, is equipped with numerous wellness facilities - so an excursion is worthwhile for several reasons. Another piece of advice for ambitious hikers: There are five day stages for the quality trail "Harzer-Hexen-Stieg" between Osterode and Thale - it would not be a mistake to take the time for this wonderful hike.

By the way, you can find tips on how to travel comfortably and inexpensively on long-distance and local trains with Deutsche Bahn here.

Cover photo: stock.adobe.com/Michael Wilkens