Definition
Lake Wohlen (German: Wohlensee) is an artificial reservoir situated on the Aare River in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. The lake was created by the construction of a dam for water‑level regulation and hydroelectric power generation.
Overview
The reservoir lies east of the city of Bern, straddling the municipalities of Wohlen, Unterägeri and the surrounding region. It forms part of the Aare’s regulated water system, serving both energy production and flood‑control functions. The lake is accessible for recreation, including fishing, sailing, and walking along its perimeter. Its existence has contributed to the local economy through tourism and the provision of renewable energy.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Wohlen” derives from the nearby former parish and village of Wohlen (now part of the municipality of Worb). The suffix “see,” meaning “lake” in German, simply denotes the water body, yielding the compound “Wohlensee” (Lake Wohlen).
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Artificial reservoir |
| Inflow / Outflow | Aare River (both inflow and outflow) |
| Dam | Wohlen Dam (concrete gravity dam) |
| Construction period | Early 20th century; the dam was completed in 1920 [Accurate information is not confirmed]. |
| Surface area | Approximately 2.5 km² [Accurate information is not confirmed]. |
| Maximum depth | Around 27 m [Accurate information is not confirmed]. |
| Volume | Roughly 15 million m³ [Accurate information is not confirmed]. |
| Elevation | About 540 m above sea level [Accurate information is not confirmed]. |
| Primary uses | Hydroelectric power generation, water‑level regulation, recreation. |
Related Topics
- Aare River – the principal river of Switzerland, of which Lake Wohlen is a regulated segment.
- List of lakes of Switzerland – includes both natural and artificial lakes such as Lake Wohlen.
- Hydroelectric power in Switzerland – the energy sector that utilizes reservoirs like Lake Wohlen.
- Swiss water management – the broader system of dams, reservoirs, and canals governing the nation’s waterways.
Note: While the general existence and purpose of Lake Wohlen are well documented, specific quantitative data (surface area, depth, volume, etc.) vary among sources and have not been independently verified for this entry.