Vöhrenbach: Linach Dam, Fasnet and the History of Technology

Vöhrenbach brings together an extraordinary dam, the centuries-old Fasnet carnival tradition and a range of ways to enjoy an active holiday. Linach Dam is a landmark destination for anyone interested in technology and architectural heritage; there is also an audio-play adventure tour, paths by the lake and more to discover in the town.

The history of technology at Linach Dam

Linach Dam is located within the municipal boundaries of Vöhrenbach. Built between 1922 and 1925, it was refurbished and recommissioned by the town of Vöhrenbach between 2005 and 2007. It is Germany’s first and only arch-row dam with an inclined upstream face, as well as the country’s only reinforced-concrete arch-row dam. Together with its associated power station, it forms a unique kind of technical museum and is regarded as a cultural heritage monument of national significance.

If you would like to explore the site’s history rather than simply admire it, you can take the interactive audio-play adventure tour “The Rescue of Linach Dam.” The circular route starts and ends on the crest of the dam and takes about two to two and a half hours. When the lake is full, you can walk along the dam crest. The educational trail offers a different way to learn about hydropower: it starts at the power station building, goes around the lake and is lined with information panels explaining this rare engineering structure.

Local history and Fasnet

Smaller buildings also tell the story of the region’s craft traditions. Built in 1725 by clockmaker Elias Dolt, the Uhrmacherhäusle (Clockmaker’s House) is a restored, typical example of a small wooden craftsman’s house from the Black Forest. It complements the dam’s focus on technology with a testament to traditional craftsmanship.

Vöhrenbach’s centuries-old Fasnet tradition includes cap evenings and the Grand Shrove Monday parade. Local customs continue to shape the Fasnet today. The Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet also holds a special place across the wider Schwarzwald-Baar district: in December 2014, it was added to Germany’s national UNESCO register of intangible cultural heritage. Carnival in the Schwarzwald-Baar district lasts six days, from Shrove Thursday to Ash Wednesday. This regional context adds perspective on Vöhrenbach’s own tradition without equating the two.

Cycling and swimming

For an active day out, try the flat Breg Valley Cycle Route, which is suitable for families and connects with the Danube Cycle Route. If you’d rather spend your holiday days swimming, Vöhrenbach’s outdoor pool has a solar-heated 50-metre pool, a children’s paddling pool, a water slide and two diving platforms with 1-metre and 3-metre boards. As this is an outdoor pool, check the seasonal opening hours before your visit.

The excursions offer different experiences: the circular route at Linach Dam combines audio storytelling and the history of technology, the hydropower trail goes around the lake, and the cycle route offers another way to get active. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider which of these activities you would like to shape your days away.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schönwald in the Black Forest, Niedereschach, Furtwangen in the Black Forest, Sankt Georgen in the Black Forest, Gremmelsbach, Gütenbach, Unterkirnach, Villingen-Schwenningen.

Return to the main travel overview: Schwarzwald-Baar district.