Best lakes around Weisenheim am Berg provide access to diverse natural features within the Palatinate Forest. This wine village offers opportunities to explore both tranquil bog ponds and geologically significant quarry lakes. The area is characterized by its natural landscapes and serves as a starting point for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Weisenheim am Berg.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
So no one has to slip through the fence to take photos
3
0
Something really great was built there. The platform was newly installed and now you have a great view of the quarry and the lake.
1
0
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."
5
0
Platform with a great view of the basalt lake deep in the crater. Now nobody has to climb over the fence anymore 😉
4
0
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!
2
1
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.
8
1
This is the smaller, more accessible lake that emerged after the basalt quarries near Forst were abandoned in the 1980s. Today it's a nature reserve, so you'd better avoid swimming here. It's definitely worth seeing.
10
0
This quarry lake is really spectacular. Unfortunately there is no access and no really good view, but this "canyon" is very fascinating. The Margarethental as such is less beautiful. But the hiking trails that branch off before or after are recommended.
3
2
The region offers a diverse range of natural features. The Ungeheuersee is a protected natural monument, notable as the only raised bog in this low mountain range, featuring rare plant life like orchids and cotton grass. The Basalt Lakes, including Basalt Lake (Nordbruch) and Basalt Lake South Quarry (Forst, Palatinate), are unique geological formations in former basalt quarries, showcasing nature reclaiming industrial sites with impressive deep craters.
Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. The Ungeheuersee is an idyllic spot with hiking routes suitable for families. The Eiswoog is a popular bathing lake with sunbathing lawns and shady paths, perfect for a family day out. Additionally, the Lambsheimer Weiher features a beach and restaurant, making it a great option for families.
Weisenheim am Berg is an ideal starting point for various hikes. Many attractive routes lead to the Ungeheuersee, offering pleasant forest passages and numerous resting spots. You can find more details on specific routes, including easy and moderate options, in the Hiking around Weisenheim am Berg guide.
The Eiswoog is a popular bathing lake with sunbathing lawns, ideal for swimming. The Lambsheimer Weiher also has a beach area suitable for swimming. However, swimming is generally advised against in the Basalt Lakes, such as the Basalt Lake South Quarry (Forst, Palatinate), as they are nature reserves.
Yes, the Basalt Lakes offer significant geological and historical interest. They formed in abandoned basalt quarries that operated until the 1980s. The Basalt Lake (Nordbruch), for instance, has an observation platform providing views of the deep crater lake and information about the quarry's history, which dates back to 1841. The basalt deposit itself is a notable feature of the region.
The Eiswoog offers refreshments and facilities, including a hotel with a cozy beer garden right on its shore. The Lambsheimer Weiher also features a restaurant and a beach bar, sometimes with live music, for visitors to enjoy.
The Ungeheuersee is a tranquil and idyllic flat bog pond, protected as a natural monument since the 1930s. It's part of the only raised bog in this low mountain range, making it an ecologically significant site. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate its rare plant life, including orchids and cotton grass, found on its small floating islands.
Yes, the Basalt Lake (Nordbruch) features an observation platform, installed in June 2024, offering impressive views of the crater lake. The Basalt Lake South Quarry (Forst, Palatinate) also provides scenic views of the lake within the quarry. The Ungeheuersee is described as a very idyllic place, offering picturesque views of its unique bog ecosystem.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the tranquil bog pond of Ungeheuersee to the dramatic geological formations of the Basalt Lakes. The Eiswoog is loved for its romantic forest setting and as a popular bathing spot. Many also enjoy the picnic opportunities and quiet areas, such as those found near the Basalt Lake South Quarry (Forst, Palatinate).
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the area. Several MTB routes pass by or near the lakes, including trails that incorporate the Ungeheuersee. You can explore various routes, from easy to moderate difficulty, in the MTB Trails around Weisenheim am Berg guide.
Despite its name, which translates to 'Monster Lake,' the Ungeheuersee is a tranquil and idyllic spot. Its name actually derives from the words 'Unger,' meaning forest pasture, and 'Heyer,' referring to enclosures, reflecting its historical use rather than any monstrous qualities.


Still not found your perfect lake around Weisenheim am Berg? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.