Top 20 Lakes around Steinberg am See
Best lakes around Steinberg am See are defined by their origin from former lignite open-cast mines, creating a distinct landscape in East Bavaria. The Steinberger See, the largest lake in East Bavaria, covers an area of 1.84 km² and forms a central part of the region alongside the Murner See. These lakes offer a blend of natural areas and recreational facilities. The area provides opportunities for various water sports, cycling, and hiking.
Best lakes around Steinberg am See
- The most…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Lake Steinberg
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View of Lake Murnersee
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Observation Tower at Murner See
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Lake Steinberger
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Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee
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Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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The Mariental inn is only open on weekends. The next place to stop for refreshments would be in Ramspau G.H., near the church.
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Beautiful path around the lake, unfortunately a bit crowded in summer
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Beautiful lake and a lovely circular path (approx. 8 km) with many idyllic places to stop for a break.
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Very nice recreation area near Schwandorf
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The Steinberg Lake, together with the Murner Lake, forms the heart of the region and offers everything that water sports enthusiasts, those seeking relaxation, cyclists, hikers or recreational athletes need. A well-developed and pleasant path leads around Lake Steinberg, and display and information boards have been set up everywhere and bring the region, nature and history closer.
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The Steinberg Lake, together with the Murner Lake, forms the heart of the region and offers everything that water sports enthusiasts, those seeking relaxation, cyclists, hikers or recreational athletes need. A well-developed and pleasant path leads around Lake Steinberg, and display and information boards have been set up everywhere and bring the region, nature and history closer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Steinberg am See?
The lakes around Steinberg am See offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy water sports like waterskiing, wakeboarding at Wild Wake Park, Lake Steinberger, sailing, surfing, paddle boating, and stand-up paddling. There are also extensive opportunities for cycling and hiking. Designated swimming areas and beaches are available for relaxation.
Are there family-friendly attractions around the lakes in Steinberg am See?
Yes, the region is very family-friendly. The Steinberger See is home to the Erlebnisholzkugel, the world's largest walkable wooden sphere, which features over 30 experience stations, suspension bridges, and a giant slide. The Freizeitpark Movin'Ground on the eastern shore offers trampolines, bouncy castles, water slides, and pedal boat rentals. Both Lake Steinberg and Lake Murner have easy circular routes suitable for families.
What kind of hiking trails are available around the lakes?
You'll find well-maintained paths around the lakes. A popular route is the approximately 7-kilometer path circling the Steinberger See, offering scenic views and information about the region. Lake Murner also has a pleasant circular route with information boards. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes in the area, such as the 'Beach at Steinberger Lake – Lake Steinberg loop' or the 'Steinberger See Circular Trail', which can be found in the Hiking around Steinberg am See guide.
Can I cycle around the lakes in Steinberg am See?
Absolutely. Both the Steinberger See and Murner See feature well-maintained and easy-to-cycle circular routes. These paths often include information boards about the local nature and history. For more cycling adventures, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Steinberg am See or the Gravel biking around Steinberg am See guide.
What is the origin and history of the lakes in Steinberg am See?
The lakes in the Oberpfälzer Seenland, including the Steinberger See and Murner See, originated from former lignite open-cast mines. This industrial past has transformed into a unique recreational landscape. The Braunkohle and Heimatmuseum nearby preserves and showcases this mining history.
Are there good viewpoints of the lakes?
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The Erlebnisholzkugel at Steinberger See offers a panoramic platform with spectacular views of the Oberpfälzer Seenland. Additionally, Lake Murner features a lookout tower that provides fantastic views of the lake and the adjacent Charlottenhofer Weihergebiet nature reserve. You can also find a dedicated View of Lake Murnersee highlight.
What is the water quality like for swimming in the lakes?
The water quality of the lakes, particularly the Steinberger See, has significantly improved over the years. It is now considered a popular diving area in the Upper Palatinate with good visibility, and there are numerous designated swimming areas and beaches around both the Steinberger See and Murner See.
Where can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Numerous restaurants, cafes, and beer gardens are available around the lakes. For example, the Kugelwirtschaft is located at the Erlebnisholzkugel near Steinberger See, offering regional delicacies. The Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee is another popular spot with a beautiful beer garden directly on the Hammerseerundweg, perfect for enjoying food and drinks after a hike.
Is the Erlebnisholzkugel accessible for people with strollers or wheelchairs?
Yes, the Erlebnisholzkugel at Steinberger See is designed to be barrier-free, making it accessible for families with strollers and individuals using wheelchairs. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the impressive structure and its panoramic views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Steinberg am See?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. The well-developed circular paths around Lake Steinberg and Lake Murner, the variety of water sports, and family-friendly attractions like the Erlebnisholzkugel are frequently highlighted. The region's unique history as former open-cast mines also adds to its appeal.
Are there opportunities for waterskiing or wakeboarding?
Yes, the Steinberger See is home to the Wild Wake Park, one of Germany's most modern and renowned facilities for waterskiing and wakeboarding. It features four cable cars suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
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