Top 20 Lakes around Altleiningen
Best lakes around Altleiningen are situated within the Palatinate Forest, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This region is characterized by its mixed forests and unique geological formations, including former basalt quarries. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from tranquil bog ponds to picturesque reservoirs. The area provides opportunities for hiking and observing natural features.
Best lakes around Altleiningen
- The most popular lakes is Ungeheuersee, a lake that is a flat bog pond fed by the Krumbach.…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ungeheuersee
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Basalt Lake South Quarry (Forst, Palatinate)
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Eiswoog
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Every two years the lake is pumped empty. Eiswoogfest.
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Lake Eiswoog and Viaduct
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Basalt Lake (Nordbruch)
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It is located on the Pechsteinkopf, which takes its name from the basalt …
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Tips from the Community
Originally created for fish farming by monks from the nearby monastery
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In the summer, a SunDowner event takes place here every two Wednesdays. It's a lovely way to watch the sun set over the lake while enjoying a bratwurst and a spritzer or a wheat beer.
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So no one has to slip through the fence to take photos
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Something really great was built there. The platform was newly installed and now you have a great view of the quarry and the lake.
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Since June 2024, there has been an observation platform on the edge of the Nordbruch crater lake, which offers a great view of one of the two basalt lakes. Information board no. 7 next to the viewing platform tells the interesting story of this quarry: "The basalt deposit around Forst is 820 m long and 260 m wide and is slightly dumbbell-shaped. The Margaretental runs through the middle of the deposit, which is why the basalt had to be mined in TWO separate quarries. The north quarry was the first to be opened up in 1841, but production there was only for the quarry's own needs. Five years later, in 1846, mining also began in the south quarry. In 1897, mining in the north quarry was stopped until a lease agreement with the municipality of Forst made further mining possible in 1911. A 2800 m long cable car was built to transport the extracted rock, which ended directly at the railway line near Deidesheim and was only replaced by a transport road in 1969. Mining in the south quarry was stopped in 1964. In December 1990, operations in Nordbruch finally ceased. Following the closure, both sites were recultivated and officially returned to nature in 2011."
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Platform with a great view of the basalt lake deep in the crater. Now nobody has to climb over the fence anymore 😉
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Great sight if you're tall enough to look over the edge. Not visible to children. Luckily it was completely cordoned off due to the brittle edges. Impressive crater!
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From the path, the ballast quarry offers an impressive view of the lake that has formed there. It is located on the Pechsteinkopf, which takes its name from the basalt found there. The ballast was mined in open-cast mining until the 1980s. In addition to a smaller crater in the southwest, a larger one was created in the northeast, which is 100 m deep and 200 m in diameter. Initially, the rock was transported by a circular cable car to a loading station with a grinding mill on the Neustadt-Bad Dürkheim railway line. The cable car was more than 2 km long and ran between Forst an der Weinstraße and Deidesheim across the German Wine Route. After basalt mining was stopped, the grinding mill and cable car were dismantled and the edges of the craters were cordoned off to prevent access. Because the water escaping in the mining area is no longer pumped out as it was during mining times, two ponds formed on the bottom of the mining craters, which are now natural biotopes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Altleiningen unique?
The lakes in this region offer diverse natural beauty. You can find unique geological formations like the Basalt Lake South Quarry, which formed in a former basalt quarry, and the Basalt Lake (Nordbruch) with its impressive observation platform. The Ungeheuersee is a tranquil raised bog pond, a protected natural monument with rare flora. The Eiswoog is a picturesque reservoir known for its lush reflections.
Are there good hiking opportunities around the lakes near Altleiningen?
Yes, the lakes are surrounded by excellent hiking trails. The Eiswoog features a 3-kilometer path encircling the lake, part of which is a disabled-friendly nature trail. The Ungeheuersee is accessible via trails like the Ganerbenweg and a circular hiking path. For more extensive options, you can explore various running, cycling, and gravel biking routes in the area. Check out the Running Trails around Altleiningen, Cycling around Altleiningen, and Gravel biking around Altleiningen guides.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
The Eiswoog is very family-friendly, offering sunbathing lawns, swimming opportunities, and a disabled-friendly circular path. Rowing boats can also be hired there. The Retzberg Pond at Sippersfeld Pond also has facilities and is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for families.
Can I swim in the lakes near Altleiningen?
The Eiswoog is a popular bathing lake where you can swim and relax on sunbathing lawns. However, swimming in the Basalt Lake South Quarry and Basalt Lake (Nordbruch) is generally advised against as they are nature reserves.
What kind of natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see?
You can observe unique geological formations at the Basalt Lake (Nordbruch), which has an observation platform offering superb views of the crater lake. The Ungeheuersee is a protected natural monument featuring a raised bog with rare orchids and cotton grass on its floating islands. The Eiswoog is known for its lush green forests reflecting in the water, earning it the nickname 'Palatinate Canada'.
Are there any historical or culturally significant sites near the lakes?
The Ungeheuersee is a protected natural monument established in the 1930s, significant for being the only raised bog in the Palatinate Forest. The Basalt Lake (Nordbruch) formed in a former basalt quarry that ceased operations in the 1980s, with information boards detailing its industrial history.
What amenities are available at the lakes?
At the Eiswoog, you'll find a hotel-restaurant on the dam wall where you can also hire rowing boats. The Ungeheuersee has the Weisenheimer Hut (also known as the Ungeheuersee Hut) on its shore, which is open on weekends. The Retzberg Pond at Sippersfeld Pond also offers facilities and a hut.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Altleiningen?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and boat trips at the Eiswoog and enjoying the lush green reflections. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and observing the changing foliage, especially around the Ungeheuersee and its unique flora.
Are the lakes accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Eiswoog features a disabled-friendly nature trail with an observation platform, making it accessible for a wider range of visitors. The Retzberg Pond at Sippersfeld Pond is also noted as wheelchair accessible.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Altleiningen?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. The Ungeheuersee is loved for its idyllic setting and unique bog ecosystem. The Basalt Lake South Quarry and Basalt Lake (Nordbruch) are appreciated for their impressive views and geological interest. The Eiswoog is popular for its recreational activities, beautiful reflections, and amenities.
Is there public transport available to reach the lakes?
While specific public transport details for each lake are not extensively provided, the journey to Eiswoog can be an adventure itself, with the Stumpfwaldbahn, a narrow-gauge railway, traveling through the Stumpfwald to the lake. For other lakes, access is primarily via hiking trails.
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