Top 20 Lakes in the Westerwald
Lakes in the Westerwald offer a diverse natural landscape, characterized by historic dammed lakes originally used for fish farming. This region, particularly the Westerwald Lake District, provides extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. The interconnected waterways and surrounding forests make it a notable destination for nature observation and recreation. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, many of which are integrated into a network of hiking and cycling trails.
Best lakes in the Westerwald
- The most popular lakes highlight is Dreifelder…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Three-Lakes Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Siegaue Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Wooden boardwalks at the Dreifelder Weiher
Highlight • Bridge
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Dreifelder Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Krombach Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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View of Dornheckensee
Highlight • Viewpoint
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NABU Observation Hut at Krombachtalsperre Nature Reserve
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Wiesensee
Highlight • Lake
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Weilberg Quarry
Highlight • Natural Monument
The highlight is on the tour "Weg der …
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Lakeside Rest Area at Wiesensee
Highlight • Rest Area
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Popular around Westerwald
Hiking on the Cologne Trail – Discover nature close to the city
Lahnwanderweg Trail – The Lahn from its source to the estuary
Sieg Nature Trail – Pure nature
Lahn-Dill-Bergland-Pfad – Hiking trail
Siegerland-Höhenring – A classic in six stages
Siegerland-Höhenring – Discover a classic in 6 days
Hike Germany's Druid Trail – Legends, myths and mining
German Limes Cycle Path – Riding from the Rhine to the Danube
Lahn Cycle Path — from the Rothaar Mountains to the Rhine
Rheinsteig Trail – The 21 stages along the Rhine
Other adventures in the Westerwald
Tips from the Community
The name is once again misleading: Of course, the local hiker knows that there are by no means several lakes visible from this spot. Rather, it is the "good old Father Rhine," which can be seen several times, seen here from above.
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Stop and enjoy the view over the pond
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One of many beautiful places to take a break with a view of the lake.... (if there was water in it again!)
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The Weilberg is one of the many relics of the Siebengebirge from the time of the volcanoes that formed the landscape around 30 million years ago (Tertiary period). At that time, the volcanic activity began with a huge ash rain. Inside the earth was a huge magma focus that had created eruptions in various chimneys and crevices. Loose material was thrown explosively through these eruption sites to the earth's surface. This was deposited on the earth's surface and solidified into tuff. Lava penetrated the forming trachytuff layer and colored the tuff red at the contact zone. This can still be clearly seen today. The lava solidified into hexagonal basalt columns, often into slender columns. Later, liquid basalt penetrated the old tufa layer again in one passage and formed a "basalt tulip" at the upper end. Over the course of time, the destructive power of nature eroded the soft tuff layer through erosion, weathering and erosion. The hard layers of basalt resisted these forces and are therefore so close to the surface today that they were quarried. There are three large groups of volcanic rock in the Siebengebirge: 1. Trachyte (e.g. Drachenfels, Lohrberg) - used in the construction of Cologne Cathedral 2. Latite (e.g. Stenzelberg, Wolkenburg) - used for baroque building decoration 3. Basalts (e.g. Weilberg, Ölberg, Petersberg) - use e.g. B. for coastal reinforcement or as gravel for road and railway construction In the 19th and early 20th century, basalt was mined on the Weilberg, as in many other places in the Siebengebirge. The workers toiled for ten hours to extract the valuable stone by hand with hammers, crowbars, iron wedges or stone forks. It was particularly dangerous for the workers, who were lowered to the blast site on a rope. The extracted rock was transported to the nearby stone crushing plant. The workers loaded the mined rock into wagons and brought it down to the valley. From 1889, a narrow-gauge railway was built for transport, which led down into the Rhine Valley to the loading point on the ships. At weekends, she brought the day trippers to the Siebengebirge in passenger transport. Basalt was and is very popular for building roads, paths and railways, but also for bank and dike reinforcements (also in the Netherlands!). This quarry activity, which ended in 1942, offers the visitor a fantastic insight into times long past. Information boards give the visitor important information about the history of the origins of the volcanic landscape and the Weilberg, but also about the history of quarrying.
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The Krombachtalsperre can be circumnavigated well.
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This is the closed Weilberg basalt quarry.
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The Krombachtalsperre extends over two federal states: the dam is in Hesse, but the larger part of the water surface is in Rhineland-Palatinate. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krombachtalsperre
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at the lakes in the Westerwald?
The lakes in the Westerwald offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy water sports like rowing, pedal boating, and stand-up paddleboarding, especially at Dreifelder Pond. Many lakes, such as Wiesensee, are excellent for hiking, walking, cycling, and swimming. The region also features extensive networks of marked cycling and hiking trails, including the "7 Pond Trail".
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Westerwald?
Yes, many lakes in the Westerwald are very family-friendly. Dreifelder Pond offers easy paths suitable for families and water sports. The Postweiher is known for its natural beach bath, making it a great spot for swimming with children. The "Radrundweg Seenplatte" cycling path around Dreifelder Weiher is also flat and ideal for families.
Which lakes are best for nature observation and wildlife?
The Westerwald Lake District includes several protected natural biotopes that are excellent for nature observation. Dreifelder Pond is a vital habitat for rare wading birds, waterfowl like red-necked and black-necked grebes, and endangered fish species. The Haidenweiher is a bird sanctuary with a walking trail, perfect for spotting marsh birds like egrets and lapwings. The Brinkenweiher is notable for the presence of the endangered bitterling fish.
Can I go swimming in the Westerwald lakes?
Yes, several lakes in the Westerwald are popular for swimming. The Postweiher features a natural beach bath, making it a favored spot for a refreshing dip. Wiesensee also offers opportunities for swimming during warmer months.
What hiking opportunities are available around the lakes?
The Westerwald lakes are surrounded by numerous hiking opportunities. The Westerwald Lake District alone features over 130 kilometers of marked hiking trails, including the "7 Pond Trail." The Postweiher is a point of interest along the long-distance Westerwald Climb. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore the Hiking in the Westerwald guide.
Are there cycling routes around the lakes in the Westerwald?
Absolutely. The "Radrundweg Seenplatte" is a 20 km cycling path around Dreifelder Pond, known for its flat terrain suitable for families. The Siegaue Nature Reserve also features a well-developed bike path. The Westerwald Lake District offers a network of over 130 kilometers of marked cycling trails. You can find more cycling options in the MTB Trails in the Westerwald guide.
What is the historical significance of the Westerwald lakes?
Many of the lakes in the Westerwald, particularly those in the Westerwald Lake District, have a rich history. They were originally dammed by monks for fish farming as early as the 12th century. Over centuries, these lakes were expanded and have evolved into the popular recreational and natural areas we see today.
Can I visit the lakes in winter?
Yes, the lakes can be visited year-round. Wiesensee, for example, offers unique experiences in colder winters when it freezes over, allowing for walks directly across its surface. Always exercise caution and check local conditions before venturing onto frozen lakes.
Are there campsites or accommodation options near the lakes?
Yes, there are camping facilities available. The northwestern shore of Dreifelder Pond hosts a campsite called "Haus am See." Camping facilities are also available at Freilingen campground near the Postweiher. For a more exclusive experience, the Hausweiher is primarily accessible for guests of the "Park Hofgut Schönerlen" campsite.
Which lake is known for its circular trail?
Krombach Reservoir is well-known for its very successful circuit trail. Visitors appreciate the pleasant route and good terrain for exploration around the dam.
Are there any unique viewpoints around the lakes?
Yes, the region offers several beautiful viewpoints. The Three-Lakes Viewpoint provides stunning vistas, including sections of the Rhine that resemble lakes, and views of Drachenfels and Cologne Cathedral. There are also specific viewpoints like the View of the Dreifelder Pond, offering idyllic spots to enjoy the scenery.
What makes the Westerwald Lake District special?
The Westerwald Lake District is special due to its collection of seven historic lakes, originally created for fish farming. These lakes are interconnected by inlets and outlets and are surrounded by a vast network of over 130 kilometers of marked cycling and hiking trails. It's a diverse area offering recreational activities, unique natural biotopes, and significant wildlife habitats.
Most popular routes in the Westerwald
Most popular attractions in the Westerwald
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Still not found your perfect lake in the Westerwald? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
