The Sorpe Dam is the fifth largest dam in North Rhine-Westphalia
The Sorpe dam, built between 1926 and 1935, is a perennial reservoir whose main task is to support the other Ruhrverband dams in securing the low water elevation of the Ruhr for water supply. A reservoir with a storage capacity greater than the average annual inflow, i.e. which requires more than one year to fill, is referred to as an over-year reservoir.
Water from neighbouring catchment areas is fed into the reservoir via a bypass system that increases the annual capacity of the Sorpe reservoir.
The Sorpe Dam is also used for local drinking water and energy production. It is also possible to practise water sports such as sailing, surfing, swimming, rowing and diving. There are also numerous campsites and holiday home settlements on the western bank of the main basin and the Amecker reservoir. The eastern shore is mainly reserved for "quiet" recreation.
The Sorpe Dam is considered an attractive fishing water with annual catches of over 50 kilograms per hectare.
Tasks and function
During our tours, you will learn interesting facts about the construction, water supply and operation of our dams.
The two Francis turbines used in the power plant at the Sorpe dam flow into the equalising pond, from which the water is released evenly into the lower reaches of the river via a Kaplan turbine as part of the Ruhr water management system.
The Sorpe Dam offers numerous opportunities to spend your leisure time in an active or relaxing way. Whether fishing, cycling or diving - discover the various sports and leisure options.
Sport & Leisure
To the south-west of Arnsberg, in the town of Sundern, lies Lake Sorpe with a water surface area of 338 hectares. It stretches between the districts of Langscheid and Amecke over a length of 6.5 kilometres.
Lake Sorpe is up to 600 metres wide and reaches a maximum water depth of 57 metres when full.
You can find more detailed information about fishing on Lake Sorpe on our fishing website.
Our leisure map provides you with an overview of the designated bathing areas at the Sorpe Dam. The North Rhine-Westphalia State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV) also provides an overview of the designated bathing areas in NRW in accordance with the EC Bathing Water Directive in an interactive map.
In the summer months, various passenger boats on Lake Sorpe invite you to go on excursions.
The use of the Sorpe dam with rowing boats, canoes or inflatable boats falls under public use and can therefore be practised free of charge. Various clubs have set up on the lakes, from which further information on water sports activities can be obtained.
The following sailing clubs and schools are based at the Sorpe Dam:
Purchase of boat licences
Sailing clubs
Sailing Club Sorpesee Iserlohn e. V.
Sailing Club Freiheit Langscheid 1974 e. V.
Canoe Club Sorpesee Altena e. V.
Yacht Club
Diving is possible all year round in the Sorpe dam - the Sorpesee diving school operates a summer and a winter diving site (both subject to a fee). However, ice dives are not possible. The winter diving site is open from 15 November to 31 March, the summer diving site from 1 April to 14 November.
Bookings and courses
