Home / Environment / Nature Reclaims German Coal Pit: Lake Named 'Living Lake of the Year'
Nature Reclaims German Coal Pit: Lake Named 'Living Lake of the Year'
1 Oct
Summary
- Former lignite mining pit transformed into Germany's largest artificial lake.
- Lake Geiseltalsee was named Living Lake of the Year on World Water Day 2023.
- The lake supports diverse aquatic life and 240 bird species.
Decades of lignite coal mining in Germany's Geiseltal valley left behind a desolate pit, but a remarkable transformation began preparation for flooding in 2003, completed in 2011. The resulting Geiseltalsee now covers 1,840 hectares and is Germany's largest artificial lake, holding 423 million cubic meters of water.
This man-made lake, recognized as the Living Lake of the Year on World Water Day 2023, boasts exceptionally clear, nutrient-poor waters. These conditions allow algae to grow down to 13 meters and support a rich diversity of life, including aquatic insects, fish, and 240 bird species.
The valley's historical significance for paleontology, with fossils dating back 45 million years, adds another layer to the site. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with local divers monitoring underwater plants and conservationists managing cliff habitats for nesting birds.
While the ecological condition was rated very good in 2023, growing human use poses challenges. Legal disputes arose in 2026 regarding the opening of certain lake areas, with a court ruling in August 2026 temporarily restricting leisure use in the northern part.
