Top 20 Lakes around Erlangen
Best lakes around Erlangen are situated in Bavaria, Germany, providing access to diverse natural landscapes. The region features several appealing lakes, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. These bodies of water are popular for recreation and serve as natural escapes from urban areas. Erlangen's surrounding lakes provide a variety of experiences for visitors.
Best lakes around Erlangen
- The most popular lakes is Dechsendorfer Pond, a lake that offers spacious sunbathing lawns for relaxation and barbecues. This lake is suitable for swimming, paddleboarding, rowing, and sailing, with a circular path for walking or cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Sklavensee, an artificially created lake. Water quality tests have shown good results, making it suitable for fishing.
- Visitors also love Märchenweiher near Atzelsberg, a lake consisting of several ponds nestled within a forest. This location is cherished as a tranquil spot to unwind.
- Erlangen is known for recreational lakes, forest ponds, and artificially created lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from popular swimming spots to tranquil natural areas.
- The lakes around Erlangen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 800 upvotes and 80 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Dechsendorfer Pond
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You can cycle around the lake on a circular route. Of course, the path is also ideal for walking or hiking. If the Dechsendorfer Weiher should be your stage destination on a longer bike tour, you can, for example, stay overnight at the campsite by the lake.
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Märchenweiher near Atzelsberg
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Great Bishop's Pond
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Sklavensee
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The Grubweiher, as it is correctly called, is an artificially created lake. It was created in the late 60s and 70s when construction rubble was dumped at the entrance to the Kehlgraben. The water from “Webersbuckel” could no longer drain away and so a lake was formed covering an area of one hectare and with a water depth of up to five meters. Water samples showed good results so that it could be used for fishing.
Link:
nordbayern.de/region/erlangen/lehrpfad-am-see-1.2528664
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Gasthaus Gumbrecht — Beer Garden by the Pond
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Small Bishop's Pond
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Great Bishop's Pond
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Great Bishop's Pond North Shore
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Dechsendorfer Weiher
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Sambach Pond
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Tips from the Community
The Dechsendorfer Weiher (Großer Bischofsweiher) and the almost equally large Kleiner Bischofsweiher were created in the Middle Ages by the Bamberg bishops as carp ponds. Due to the large water surfaces and the immediate surroundings, both ponds are of great importance for species and biotope protection, especially for water birds. The Dechsendorfer Weiher are a popular destination for those seeking local recreation due to their proximity and closeness to nature. The pond is used as a bathing pond; however, use was restricted by the algae problem. The bathing ban is also announced locally and by clearly visible signs or signs at the bathing area. The fields to the west of the ponds are in the Sandachse Franken nature conservation project and the forest areas of the Markwald directly adjacent to the east are protected forest. The entire area is a landscape conservation area. The Dechsendorfer Weiher was previously flowed through by the Röttenbach. This has now been created as a new Röttenbach over a length of 1.6 km from the intermediate dam inlet area to the downstream area of the Dechsendorfer Weiher. A near-natural watercourse is intended to improve the previously moderate water structure and create new habitats for the ecological diversity of nature. The lack of passability of the Röttenbach was restored. In the new Röttenbach, nutrients, sediments and also fish from the catchment area of the Dechsendorfer Weiher can be diverted around it into the downstream area of the pond. The pond is no longer in the main tributary but in the bypass and can therefore be managed in terms of the quality and quantity of the incoming water. With the targeted planting of aquatic plants, the pond was returned to a plant-dominated state. [ Source: https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gewaesserschutz-dechsendorfer-weiher ]
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That means, in summer, a lot of grey geese that poop all over the meadow (actually a lawn with a bathing area)
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Currently free again. The beaver 🦫 had made himself comfortable under the forest path. Danger of collapse ⚠️
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There is everything you need at the lake and also a playground
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It was even open today at around 1pm. The daily menu included currywurst, schnitzel and bratwurst. A really lovely and huge beer garden (all new seating outside), very inviting and the food is delicious. Also ideal with children because there is almost no traffic and the adjacent pond is always inviting to watch frogs :-)
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The “Dechsi” always works. Summer and winter.
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Because "smaller" is sometimes more.....
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dechsendorfer Weiher a popular destination?
Dechsendorfer Weiher, also known as Großer Bischofsweiher, is highly popular for its comprehensive recreational facilities. It offers clean waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, rowing, and sailing. Visitors can enjoy spacious sunbathing lawns, designated barbecue areas, and a 3.8 km circular path for walking, jogging, or cycling. Amenities include kiosks, restaurants, changing rooms, and a campsite. Swimming supervision is typically provided on weekends and public holidays during summer.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Erlangen?
Yes, several lakes around Erlangen are family-friendly. Dechsendorfer Pond is excellent for families, offering swimming, sunbathing, and a circular path. Märchenweiher near Atzelsberg provides a peaceful natural setting, and Great Bishop's Pond has a kiosk and a small playground for children.
Can I go swimming in the lakes near Erlangen?
Yes, you can go swimming in some lakes. Dechsendorfer Weiher is particularly suitable, known for its clean and clear waters and often having swimming supervision during peak times. While water quality tests for Sklavensee have shown good results, it is generally considered too shallow for swimming.
What kind of activities can I do at Dechsendorfer Weiher?
At Dechsendorfer Weiher, you can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, paddleboarding, rowing, and sailing. The lake features spacious sunbathing lawns for relaxation and barbecues. A 3.8 km circular path around the lake is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. There are also kiosks and restaurants nearby for refreshments.
Is Sklavensee suitable for fishing?
Yes, Sklavensee (also known as Grubweiher) is suitable for fishing. Water quality tests have yielded good results, and it is known to host various fish species such as carp, pike, eel, tench, bream, and perch. There's even a 'Slavensee fish educational trail' where you can learn about the native fish.
Where can I find a tranquil spot to relax by a lake?
For a tranquil spot to unwind, consider Märchenweiher near Atzelsberg. This location consists of several ponds nestled within a forest, offering a peaceful natural setting away from the daily grind. Locals affectionately call it 'Swan Lake' or 'fairy tale pond' due to its serene atmosphere.
Are there hiking or cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, there are numerous hiking and cycling routes near the lakes. For instance, a 3.8 km circular path around Dechsendorfer Weiher is popular for walking and cycling. You can find more options, including easy hikes and road cycling routes, by exploring the Easy hikes around Erlangen or Road Cycling Routes around Erlangen guides.
What amenities are available at Dechsendorfer Weiher?
Dechsendorfer Weiher is well-equipped with amenities for visitors. These include two kiosks and nearby restaurants like Gasthaus Gumbrecht, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and designated barbecue areas. For those wishing to extend their stay, a campsite is also available by the lake.
Are there any lakes suitable for paddleboarding?
Yes, Dechsendorfer Weiher is an excellent choice for paddleboarding. Its clean and clear waters, combined with ample space, make it ideal for this activity, alongside rowing and sailing.
What is the origin of Sklavensee?
Sklavensee, also known as Grubweiher, is an artificially created lake. It formed in the late 1960s and 1970s when construction rubble was dumped at the entrance to the Kehlgraben, preventing water from draining away. This led to the accumulation of water, forming the lake which covers one hectare and reaches depths of up to five meters.
Are there dog-friendly options for visiting lakes?
While specific dog-friendly swimming areas are not explicitly detailed, many natural areas around the lakes, such as the circular paths at Dechsendorfer Weiher or the forest paths near Märchenweiher, are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and local regulations are followed.
How can I get to Dechsendorfer Weiher using public transport?
Dechsendorfer Weiher is located in the north-west of Erlangen and is accessible via public transport. Specific bus routes connect Erlangen city center to the Dechsendorf area, making it convenient to reach the lake without a car. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most current information.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Erlangen?
The lakes around Erlangen are particularly appealing during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. However, the circular paths and tranquil spots like Märchenweiher offer pleasant experiences for walking and relaxation throughout spring and autumn as well.
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