Best attractions and places to see around Riveristalsperre center on its role as a drinking water reservoir and its surrounding natural landscape. The area features an impressive dam and a scenic circular hiking trail that encompasses the reservoir. Visitors can explore various viewpoints and natural features, including rock formations and the reservoir itself. The region offers opportunities for outdoor activities within a natural setting.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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It takes a while, but then... one anthill after another, with thousands of ants in full activity. If you stand still too long, you'll have them all over your body ;) I've never seen anything like it.
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If you want to see the lake well, you should do the tour when the trees are not in leaf 😊
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Striking rock formation on the circular route around the Riveristalsperre.
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The Riveristalsperre mainly serves the city of Trier and the communities of Gutweiler, Korlingen and Sommerau for drinking water supply. It is located near Riveris and Osburg on the edge of the Osburger Hochwald and the Ruwer Valley in the district of Trier-Saarburg. A beautiful circular trail with a length of about 7.5 kilometers leads around the dam. The Riveristalsperre dam is 178 meters wide and consists primarily of valley and hillside gravel. There are forelocks at the two roots of the dam, the structures of which are 9 m high earthen dams.
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The Riveristalsperre is a drinking water dam that was built in the Riveris valley and has been supplying the city of Trier with drinking water since 1958. Technical data: Dam: 350,000 m³ slope and valley gravel, dam height: 50 m, dam width: 178 m, content: up to 5 million m³ drinking water. The area around the dam is a water protection area. You can walk around the dam on a leisurely hiking trail. There is a large car park below the dam. Swimming and water sports are not permitted on the dam, as the water must be protected from contamination.
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Here you can see the effects of the long, dry summer of 2022
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Wonderful view and nice bench to pause.
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Wonderful quiet tour around the dam
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The primary natural feature is the Riveris Reservoir itself, a vital drinking water source offering beautiful views. You can also discover a striking Rock Formation at the Riveris Reservoir along the circular hiking trail.
Yes, a popular approximately 7.5 to 8-kilometer circular path winds around the Riveristalsperre, offering picturesque views. This path is closed to car traffic, ensuring a peaceful experience. For more hiking options, including easy and moderate trails, you can explore routes like the 'Riveris Reservoir – Riveris Dam loop from Riveris' on the Hiking around Riveristalsperre guide.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful views over the water and the surrounding forested hills of the Hochwald. Specific viewpoints include the View of Riveris Dam, which offers perspectives of the barrage, and the Double viewing bench overlooking the Riveris Reservoir, a perfect spot for a break. From certain vantage points, you can even see distant landmarks like the Sommerau castle ruins and Marienlay Castle.
Yes, the area is family-friendly. The circular hiking trail is generally accessible, and near the parking area below the dam, there's a Wassertretbecken (water-treading basin) and a small Barfußpfad (barefoot path) where children and adults can cool their feet in the Riveris stream.
The circular path around the reservoir is popular among cyclists. For more extensive cycling adventures, including gravel biking, you can find routes like the 'Ruwer Valley Cycle Path – Ruwer-Hochwald Cycle Path loop from Osburg' in the Gravel biking around Riveristalsperre guide.
The Riveris Dam is an impressive 50-meter high and 178-meter wide structure that holds back 5 million cubic meters of drinking water for Trier. While the dam itself is a central landmark, the path over it is closed. However, free guided tours of the dam are occasionally offered by the Trier public utility company, providing insight into its function and construction.
The circular path around the Riveristalsperre is generally dog-friendly, making it a great place for walks with your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash, especially given the area's role as a drinking water reservoir.
The Riveristalsperre is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. Summer is also popular, especially for enjoying the water-treading basin. Winter can offer serene, snow-covered landscapes.
There is parking available, typically below the dam, which serves as a convenient starting point for the circular trail and access to the water-treading basin.
While the Riveristalsperre itself is primarily a natural and engineering marvel, its function as a water supply connects it to historical infrastructure. The broader Rhineland-Palatinate region, where it's located, boasts significant cultural attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Trier, such as the Porta Nigra and Imperial Baths, which are a short drive away.
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful reservoir and the peaceful circular route, which is ideal for hiking and walking. Many appreciate the stunning views, the opportunity to pause on benches overlooking the water, and the overall natural setting. The area is often described as a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Yes, the circular path around the reservoir is popular for jogging. For more dedicated running routes, you can find options like the 'Running loop from Osburg' in the Running Trails around Riveristalsperre guide.
The main circular trail around the Riveristalsperre is generally considered easy to moderate, with some uphill sections but mostly manageable terrain. It's suitable for most fitness levels. Komoot also offers a variety of trails, from easy to moderate, as detailed in the Hiking around Riveristalsperre guide.


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