Construction underway that aims to surpass Lake Constance in grandeur.
The energy company RWE is set to reclaim the site of the former Hambach open-pit mine after the coal phase-out, transforming it into an impressive artificial crater lake. By 2040, this new crater lake will cover around 1,200 hectares of water surface, making it one of the largest in Germany.
The crater lake, upon completion, is expected to reach depths of up to 365 meters, significantly exceeding the current deepest point of the Bodensee and surpassing the world record for the deepest dive by a submersible. By 2033, the crater lake will have reached a third of its target depth, and significant visible progress can be expected within a few years due to the funnel shape of the pit.
The filling of the artificial crater lake is scheduled to start in 2030, with the relocation of water volume from the Rhine to begin in 2023. The crater lake, during the filling phase, will be usable for water sports, offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts.
Once completed, the Hambach Lake will rank seventh in terms of area between Bavaria's Ammersee and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Plauer See. It will also take second place in terms of volume behind the Bodensee and ahead of Bavaria's Starnberger See. The crater lake, if completed, will cover an area of 42 square kilometres and will hold a volume of around 3.6 billion cubic meters.
Reclamation measures around the crater lake will make it an attractive recreational area for hikers and cyclists, transforming the once industrial site into a vibrant and welcoming space for the public. The Hambach Lake, upon completion, will be a testament to Germany's commitment to sustainable development and the repurposing of industrial sites for the benefit of the environment and the community.
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