Losheim am See – On May 25th, the municipality of Losheim am See presented another construction project in the reservoir area that benefits the further development of the tourism destination in the Hochwald region: just in time for the start of the bathing season, the Losheim beach pool now features a modern functional building, which serves as the new supervision and sanitary facility at the popular natural pool and event site by the reservoir shore. According to the current planning status, the new building will cost around 370,000 euros. The Ministry of Economic Affairs of Saarland is financing the construction and other measures in the reservoir area, such as the new Tourist Information Center, with a 95-percent subsidy from state funds. The municipality of Losheim am See is contributing its own share of the construction costs, took over the tendering and planning phases, and managed the construction process. Construction began in June 2021. Except for the complete furnishing of the beach pool supervision lounge, the new supervision and sanitary building is finished and can be used immediately. With one exception, only local and regional construction companies and craftsmen were involved in the construction to generate added value locally and ensure short distances.
The ground floor covers an area of approximately 76 square meters. It houses accessible restroom facilities, a first aid room, and six individual changing rooms. The building is constructed using a timber frame method on a reinforced concrete slab and features exterior wood fiber insulation. The design is simple with occasional color accents, allowing the functional building to blend harmoniously into the beach bath environment. Natural planting is intended to ecologically enhance the area in the coming weeks. Access to the upper floor, which has a covered, surrounding observation platform, is via an external steel staircase. There is the lounge area for the beach bath supervisors. The surrounding observation platform allows good monitoring of the beach bath and water area, enabling quick intervention if necessary. During opening hours, the bathing supervision at the Losheim beach bath is always carried out by a trained lifeguard employed by the municipal operation. On weekends and public holidays, as well as during school holidays, members of local DLRG clubs also provide voluntary support on site.
Mayor Helmut Harth explained at the official inauguration the reasons that led to the construction of the new building and the additional measures currently being implemented around the reservoir: "With the construction of our new, modern Tourist Info at the Losheim Reservoir, the municipality of Losheim am See is not only investing in the further development of its own tourism concept, but also responding to the increased demands of our tourist guests and providing a decisive, new impetus for tourism in the entire Hochwald region and beyond. In this context, the new construction of the supervision and sanitary building at the beach resort should also be seen as another investment in the reservoir environment. On good summer days, 5,000 to 10,000 day visitors come to our Losheim Reservoir. In addition, concerts and other events with up to 20,000 visitors and nationwide appeal take place at the event grounds of our beach resort. For this, modern and barrier-free infrastructure is required, which we can now provide with the newly built functional building."
The mayor of Losheim was pleased about the financial support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and sees it as a clear mandate for the lakeside community to further promote regional tourism in order to achieve sustainable yet continuous growth. "With the help of many measures, we will make the reservoir area fit for the future. The creation of new event formats, such as the 'Draussen am See Outdoor Festival' as a flagship event, is also on our agenda, which also includes measures to extend the season. The expansion of cycling infrastructure for mountain bikers as well as for everyday cycling and the enhancement of the village landscapes within the framework of an urban development concept are also part of our long-term strategy."
Together with Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke, Mayor Helmut Harth officially opened the 2022 beach season this Wednesday just in time for the extended weekend. As early as April 25th, the new pedal boat fleet with 25 modern boats was officially put into operation at the reservoir lake, and the new tenants of the pedal boat rental and the kiosks on the west and east shores were introduced. The hoteliers and restaurants around the reservoir lake in turn used the past year to invest and develop new offerings.
“The sandy beach has also been renewed, so it invites our young and old guests to play and relax in the usual quality,” added Mayor Helmut Harth. “But there are also new things to discover in the reservoir area. Since the beginning of the year, there has been a visitor guidance system in a modern design at the Stausee recreation area. It makes orientation easier for our reservoir guests on-site and provides information about recreational and gastronomy offerings around the reservoir. Our campsite operator is also investing in the Losheim campsite and is currently constructing several tiny houses, among other things.”
Economic and Tourism Minister Jürgen Barke emphasized the touristic importance of the lake community in his closing greeting: "Losheim am See is one of the most attractive tourist municipalities in Saarland and plays in the Champions League of the Greater Region, especially with its active and nature-related offerings. We are pleased to be able to make another contribution to the expansion of the infrastructure here on site."
