Lakes around Meißner are situated in the Werra-Meißner-Kreis region of Hesse, Germany, an area characterized by its natural beauty and the prominent Hoher Meißner mountain massif. The region offers a diverse landscape with significant bodies of water, including the man-made Werratalsee and the unique Kalbesee, a former lignite mine. These lakes provide opportunities for recreation, nature observation, and insights into the area's geological and industrial history.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Be sure to take a tour around the Werrasee
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Beautiful lake, but there are blue-green algae in it
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Here you can finally make some progress!
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The Werratalsee is 104 hectares in size and over 2,000 m long. At its widest point it measures over 600 m. You can easily go around it on a 7 km long loop on the hiking/biking path marked yellow 4.
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you can very well ride around it by bike or go for a walk
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Legend of the Frau Holle pond: The lake forms the entrance to Frau Holle's subterranean realm. At the bottom lies her castle of pure silver, surrounded by lush gardens full of flowers, fruit and vegetables. Every noon the beautiful young woman appears at her lake to take her bath in the middle of the pond. That's why this place is also called 'Bathroom of Frau Holle'. As the light earth mother and goddess of fertility, Mother Holle gave people rich harvests. She brought the rain that brought growth to the fields, and when she shook out their beds, the snow that covered everything. If they were angered, they brought misfortune and misery to the land.
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The two most prominent lakes are the Werratal Lake, a large man-made lake offering diverse water sports and recreation, and the Lake Kalbe, a unique former lignite mine on the Hoher Meißner known for its geological history. Additionally, the mythical Frau Holle Pond on the Hoher Meißner is a popular spot for its legends and hiking trails.
The Werratal Lake is a hub for various activities. You can enjoy swimming, sailing, windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, and stand-up paddling. There's also a 7-kilometer barrier-free circular path perfect for walking, cycling, jogging, and inline skating. Designated bathing areas with sandy beaches and playgrounds make it ideal for families. The lake is also a venue for cultural events.
Yes, Lake Kalbe on the Hoher Meißner is a former open-pit lignite mine, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial past. Impressive basalt shelves rise above the lake, and information boards explain the history of mining operations. The Frau Holle Pond is steeped in local folklore and legends, adding a mythical historical layer to your visit.
The lakes are integrated into various hiking routes. Around the Lake Kalbe, you can explore trails like the Kalbepfad, offering scenic views of the lake and the Hoher Meißner. The Frau Holle Pond also has great, well-signposted hiking trails around it. For more options, you can find numerous running and hiking trails around Meißner, including routes with varying difficulty levels.
Absolutely. The Werratal Lake is very family-friendly, with sandy beaches, playgrounds, and a safe circular path for cycling and walking. The Frau Holle Pond is also popular with families, offering easy hiking trails and the allure of mythical stories. Many highlights, including the Werratalsee Beach (Schwebda), are specifically noted as family-friendly.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Werratal Lake features a beautiful 7-kilometer circular path ideal for relaxed cycling, with many resting places. The Werra Cycle Path near Grebendorf also offers scenic sections with great lake views. You can explore various road cycling routes and gravel biking routes around Meißner that often incorporate lake views.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly scenic experiences with pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for water sports and swimming at Werratal Lake. In winter, places like the Frau Holle Pond can exude a magical atmosphere, especially with snow.
Yes, on the northern shore of the Werratal Lake near Meinhard-Grebendorf, there is a nature conservation area. This area is home to numerous rare bird species, which can be observed from a dedicated viewpoint, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors frequently praise the diverse activities available, from active water sports to tranquil nature observation. The scenic beauty, especially the views of the low mountain landscape and the Hoher Meißner, is highly appreciated. Many also enjoy the well-maintained paths for cycling and walking, as well as the historical and mythical aspects of sites like Lake Kalbe and Frau Holle Pond.
Yes, for those looking to stay overnight, the *****KNAUS Campingpark is conveniently located on a peninsula between the Werratal Lake and the Werra river, offering various accommodation options.
While specific public transport routes vary, the Werratal Lake is conveniently located within a 5- to 10-minute walk from Eschwege's historic old town, which is accessible by public transport. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local bus schedules.
Yes, swimming is possible at the Werratal Lake, which has designated bathing areas with sandy beaches. The Werratalsee Beach (Schwebda) is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, though it's always recommended to check current water quality information.


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