Vöhrenbach: The History of Technology and Fasnet

Vöhrenbach sparks curiosity with an unusual dam, a centuries-old Fasnet tradition and experiences centered around water. The Linach Dam combines striking architecture with various ways to explore water power and the history of technology. There is also a cycle route, swimming opportunities and a glimpse into Black Forest culture.

The Linach Dam: a structure with a distinctive design

The Linach Dam is located within the municipal area of Vöhrenbach. It is Germany’s first and only series-arch dam with a sloping water face. Together with its associated power station, it forms a unique kind of technology museum. The dam was built between 1922 and 1925; the town of Vöhrenbach renovated and reactivated it from 2005 to 2007. It is Germany’s only reinforced-concrete series-arch dam and a cultural heritage monument of nationwide significance.

Its technical distinction lies in its design: several arches make up the dam, whose water face slopes. This makes the site not only a structure to visit, but also an example of an unusual construction. A water power trail leads from the power station around the lake. Information panels explain this rare technical structure and give the circular route a particular theme.

Circular route and audio adventure tour

If you would like to explore the Linach Dam in different ways, in addition to the water power trail there is the interactive audio adventure tour “The Rescue of the Linach Dam.” It follows a circular route starting and ending on top of the dam and takes around two to two and a half hours. When the lake is impounded, you can walk along the top of the dam. This condition is important when planning a visit, while the approximate tour duration provides a guide for managing your time.

Both experiences focus on the technical structure but offer different perspectives: the water power trail circles the lake and features information panels, while the interactive audio drama takes center stage on the adventure tour. When planning your outing, you can choose based on the kind of experience you prefer, without confusing the two routes.

Swimming and cycling

Vöhrenbach’s solar-heated swimming pool has a 50-metre pool and a children’s paddling pool. The outdoor pool also has a slide and two diving towers with 1-metre and 3-metre boards. The swimming facilities described therefore range from paddling to swimming and diving. As the outdoor pool operates seasonally, it is best to check the latest operating information before your visit.

Another option for active days is the flat Bregtal cycle route. It is suitable for families and connects with the Danube Cycle Path. For families planning an outing, this is a specific option alongside the activities at the Linach Dam: here, the focus is on cycling along a flat route; there, on the history of technology and a circular trail. This makes it easy to choose the activity that best suits your outing based on what you would like to do.

Fasnet and Black Forest architecture

Vöhrenbach’s centuries-old Fasnet tradition includes cap evenings and the major Monday parade. This tradition continues to shape Fasnet today. The Uhrmacherhäusle (Clockmaker’s House) illustrates another aspect of local architecture: clockmaker Elias Dolt built it in 1725. It is a restored, typical example of a small Black Forest craftsman’s house built of wood. In Vöhrenbach, the distinctive design of the dam and a historic craftsman’s house thus represent different forms and themes of architecture.

More to explore in the Black Forest-Baar district

In the wider destination of the Black Forest-Baar district, Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet adds to the cultural picture: in December 2014, it was added to Germany’s nationwide UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Register. Carnival in the Black Forest-Baar district lasts six days, from Schmotziger Dunnschtig (Fat Thursday) to Ash Wednesday. This offers a regional perspective on the tradition, while cap evenings and the major Monday parade are part of Vöhrenbach’s Fasnet.

The Black Forest-Baar district also offers a specific option for walks: a 2.5-kilometre circular route leads around oval Kirnberg Lake and over the dam. Alongside Vöhrenbach’s attractions, this regional example offers a different kind of outing; the destinations and their respective activities remain clearly distinct.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Donaueschingen, Schönwald in the Black Forest, Sankt Georgen in the Black Forest, Nußbach, Tuningen, Triberg in the Black Forest, Bad Dürrheim, Bräunlingen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Black Forest-Baar district.