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Freyung-Grafenau

Sankt Oswald

Top 20 Lakes around Sankt Oswald

Best lakes around Sankt Oswald offer diverse natural landscapes for exploration. This Austrian municipality provides access to several picturesque lakes and ponds, each with distinct features. The region is characterized by its natural beauty, including forests and mountains, providing a setting for various water-based activities and tranquil spots. These bodies of water are ideal for recreation and enjoying the natural environment.

Best lakes around Sankt Oswald

  • The most popular lakes is Martinsklause Reservoir, a lake that was created in…

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Martinsklause Reservoir

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The Martinsklause is one of the best preserved Klausen (also called thresholds) in the Bavarian Forest National Park. As an artificial reservoir, the water was created in the 19th century …

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Lake Rachel

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The Rachelsee is one of three Karseen of the Bavarian forest. It is located in the extreme north of the municipality of Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte. On the Czech side of this …

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This dam serves as flood protection, drinking water storage and energy generation. Information boards provide information about the construction and much more about the dam. Worth seeing!

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Reschbachklause

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The refuge and the table / bench corner on the other side of the pool are ideal for a short break with a snack. You can also see traces of the local residents of the Reschbachklause along the basin ...

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Großarmschlag Reservoir

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The idyllic reservoir is lined by dense forest and offers you a perfect photo opportunity. Here the water of the Große Ohe is dammed up and used to generate electricity.

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Popular around Sankt Oswald

Hiking tips for the Bavarian Forest

Discover the wild nature in the Bavarian Forest National Park on leisurely hikes

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Alwin
July 25, 2025, Martinsklause

Small, picturesque reservoir. It reminds me a lot of the Harz Mountains.🫶

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Scout Jens
February 13, 2022, Martinsklause

A very beautiful lake that was once created for the timber drift and renovated as a monument. Here again one of the well-made and easy-to-understand information boards in the national park on this very topic.

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Sepp
December 19, 2021, Martinsklause

Invites you to linger.

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Jakwandern
October 15, 2021, Reschbachklause

Very nice and quiet location. Great place to rest. The information board at this location provides information about the lake and the hermitage.

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Sascha 🗻
September 12, 2021, Rachelsee

Those who descend from Rachel to Spiegelau have multiple chances to see the lake. The best view is from the Rachel Chapel window.

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Well suited for a rest on the hike. There are benches on the bank and there is also enough space for a picnic.

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A quiet corner of nature, where you can relax and linger.

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The Martinsklause is a timber rafting hermitage in the Bavarian Forest in the district of Freyung-Grafenau. The hermitage is located in the Bavarian Forest National Park in the unincorporated area of Waldhäuserwald about 2 km west of the Lusen mountain and about 1 km northeast of the village of Waldhäuser at an altitude of 974 m. The water surface is about 3,400 square meters. It is a water dam built for timber rafting in 1835 and was renovated by the National Park Administration in 1976/1977. The headwaters of the Kleine Ohe collect in the Martinsklause.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lakes can I find around Sankt Oswald?

The Sankt Oswald region features a diverse range of water bodies, including natural lakes, artificial reservoirs, and tranquil ponds. These vary from historical timber rafting reservoirs like Martinsklause Reservoir and Reschbachklause, to natural glacier lakes such as Lake Rachel, and popular bathing lakes like Waldhausen Bathing Lake.

Are there family-friendly lakes for visitors with children?

Yes, several lakes around Sankt Oswald are suitable for families. Waldhausen Bathing Lake is a popular spot with recreational facilities. The St. Oswald Swimming Pond also provides an idyllic setting for water activities during summer. Additionally, Frauenau Drinking Water Reservoir and Reschbachklause are noted as family-friendly in the komoot community.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?

The lakes around Sankt Oswald are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, cycling, and hiking. For example, there are many MTB Trails around Sankt Oswald, Cycling routes around Sankt Oswald, and Mountain Hikes around Sankt Oswald that pass by or offer views of these beautiful lakes.

Which lakes are good for swimming and water sports?

Waldhausen Bathing Lake is ideal for swimming and offers various recreational facilities. The St. Oswald Swimming Pond is another excellent choice for water activities during the warmer months. Further afield, Lake Millstätter See, known for its warm water, offers numerous lidos, boat rentals, stand-up paddling, sailing, surfing, and kayaking.

Are there any historical or cultural landmarks associated with the lakes?

Yes, several lakes have historical significance. Martinsklause Reservoir and Reschbachklause were originally built in the 19th century for timber rafting and are preserved as cultural monuments within the Bavarian Forest National Park. Frauenau Drinking Water Reservoir also serves as a dam for flood protection, drinking water storage, and energy generation, with information boards detailing its construction.

What natural features can I observe at the lakes?

The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Lake Rachel is a natural glacier lake where you can see the Rachel summit and Rachel Chapel. Pfaffenstegteich, nestled in the Weinsberger Forest, offers stunning panoramic views, especially vibrant in autumn. The idyllic Großarmschlag Reservoir is lined by dense forest, providing picturesque photo opportunities.

When is the best time to visit the lakes around Sankt Oswald?

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at Waldhausen Bathing Lake and St. Oswald Swimming Pond. Autumn offers particularly stunning views at Pfaffenstegteich and Forest Pond, as the surrounding trees display vibrant colors. The region's lakes are generally beautiful year-round for hiking and enjoying nature.

Are there quiet lakes for relaxation and nature observation?

For a tranquil experience, Nepomuk Pond offers a peaceful atmosphere outside of its annual festival. Pfaffenstegteich and Forest Pond, both situated in forested areas, are also known for their idyllic settings and opportunities for quiet relaxation. Lake Afritzer See and Lake Brennsee, located between wooded slopes, are appreciated for their peaceful environments.

Can I find places to eat or stay near the lakes?

While specific cafes, pubs, or accommodations directly at every lake are not detailed, the Sankt Oswald municipality and surrounding areas offer various options. Many popular lakes like Waldhausen Bathing Lake provide refreshments. For broader options, you can explore the municipality of Sankt Oswald for restaurants and accommodation. For more information on the municipality, you can visit lower-austria.info.

Are the lakes accessible by public transport or do I need a car?

Accessibility varies by lake. While some popular spots might have public transport connections, having a car generally offers more flexibility to explore the diverse lakes and ponds around Sankt Oswald, especially those nestled deeper in natural areas. It's advisable to check specific transport options for individual destinations.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in this region?

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the lakes. Many appreciate the opportunities for rest and relaxation, as well as the diverse recreational activities available, from swimming and hiking to enjoying scenic viewpoints. The komoot community has shared over 800 photos and given more than 1400 upvotes, highlighting the region's appeal.

Are there any lakes suitable for fishing?

Yes, Lake Afritzer See and Lake Brennsee, located in the Gegendtal valley, are particularly appreciated by fishermen for their crystal-clear waters and peaceful environments.

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

Sankt Oswald-RiedlhütteSpiegelauWaldhäuser WaldSchönbrunner WaldGrafenauNeuschönauMauther ForstHohenauSchönbergRingelaiFürsteneckNeureichenauMauthAnnathaler WaldInnernzellPerlesreutFreyungZentingHaidmühleLeopoldsreuter WaldEppenschlagThurmansbangSaldenburgWaldkirchenHinterschmidingFrauenberger und Duschlberger WaldPhilippsreutJandelsbrunnRöhrnbachSchöfwegPhilippsreuter WaldGrainetGraineter Wald

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