Have you ever seen a lake born from a dam? The Wienerwaldsee is just that. Twenty kilometers west of Vienna lies this tranquil reservoir a testament to human ingenuity and nature’s resilience. Created between 1895 and 1897 by damming the Wienfluss river the Wienerwaldsee initially served as a vital water source for Vienna itself. Imagine the scale of such an undertaking. The dam a colossal 240 meters long and 13 meters high impounded 1430000 cubic meters of water. It wasn’t merely a water source though. The Wienerwaldsee also served as a flood control mechanism for the often-flooding Wien river a role it continues to play today.
This wasn’t just some functional structure. The area surrounding the Wienerwaldsee quickly became a designated nature reserve. Swimming and ice skating are strictly prohibited helping to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Look closely you might spot some of the rare animals that call this place home. Pike zander carp and tench are common fish. The endangered dice snake also finds refuge here. Birds like grey herons great crested grebes coots and river lapwings grace the skies above the water. Even beavers despite past disturbances have made a lasting home here their presence slowly expanding along the Wienfluss.
Near the weir on the northern shore stands a statue of Wilhelm Kress. This wasn’t just any man. Kress was a pioneer in seaplanes. His daring spirit led him to test his prototypes on the Wienerwaldsee. On October 3 1901 a tragic accident occurred. During a test flight his aircraft was caught in a gust of wind. It plunged into the water sinking without a trace. Remarkably Kress survived the incident. His story a testament to both bravery and misfortune serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with early aviation. The Wienerwaldsee holds more than just water. It holds stories.
Today the Wienerwaldsee is no longer used as a reservoir. However it remains a meticulously maintained water protection area cared for by the city of Vienna. It’s a haven for wildlife a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. As you walk around its shores. Appreciate not only the beauty of the lake itself but also the rich history the engineering prowess and the quiet resilience of nature embodied within this special place. The Wienerwaldsee. More than just a lake it’s a story waiting to be discovered.