The Sunken Valley
Over 2500 people had to leave their homes when the Biggetal dam was built. New settlements such as Neu-Listernohl, Sondern-Hanemicke, Eichhagen and Stade were created. The massive expansion included 4.4 km of main road, 14.8 km of country road, 18.2 km of district and municipal roads and 31 km of side roads. Eight large viaducts and 24 smaller bridges were built, striking signs of a profound change that had a lasting impact on the region.
In the 1960s, the Biggetal dam was built on the outskirts of Attendorn - a fascinating hydraulic structure. Its main mission: flexible storage and release of water to ensure a steady flow in the Ruhr. Up to 40% of the required water flows into the Ruhr via Bigge and Lenne. The dam also protects against flooding, with an impressive flood protection capacity of 32 million cubic meters. From February to May, this space is used for regular damming. The powerful Bigge power station releases water on a preferential basis. The Lister and Lennekraftwerke hydroelectric power plants generate 24 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year with five turbines and a total output of 18 megawatts.The Listertalsperre, built in 1912, became a forebay basin with the Bigge dam. The main basin dams up two thirds of the Lister dam wall and uses the difference in water level to generate energy. Kreiswerke Olpe takes most of its water from here. Below Attendorn lies the picturesque Ahauser Stausee reservoir. Built in 1938 to regulate the Bigger river, it is now a compensatory pond for the Biggetal dam. An impressive earth dam and a weir system with a power station ensure that the water is dammed up. Two movable flap gates and two fixed weir fields complete the picture.
Text www.ruhrverband.de
The signs to the Sunken Valley
Along the Biggerandweg trail and along the hiking trail around Listersee, there are a total of 24 signs pointing out the sunken villages. An exciting addition to your exploration tour - be it hiking, cycling or a relaxed family outing. Be inspired by the secrets of bygone times and immerse yourself in the history that this picturesque setting has to tell.