The Birkungen reservoir, which covers around 35 hectares, was once built as a service water reservoir for the Deuna cement works and was put into operation in 1987. Today, the reservoir, which is fed by the River Ohne, is important as a buffer for flood protection and nature conservation. A circular trail directly around the lake invites you to go hiking.
The town of Leinefelde-Worbis wants to develop the water for tourism over the next few years. A camping park with restaurants and a bathing beach is to be built on the northern shore. In future, the lake will be directly accessible from Leinefelde via a new cycle and footpath.