Top 20 Lakes around Wackersdorf
Lakes around Wackersdorf are situated in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, an area transformed by former lignite mining. The flooded pits from mining operations, which ceased in the 1980s, have created a landscape of several lakes. This region now offers diverse opportunities for recreation and outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Wackersdorf
- The most popular lake is Lake Steinberg, a lake that forms a central part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District. It offers a well-developed path around its perimeter…
Last updated: May 9, 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 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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Very nice, interesting and easy-to-drive circular route around Lake Murner. Many well-made information boards, a barefoot path, the tertiary forest and the observation tower are, among other things, the highlights on the circuit. There is always a beautiful view over the lake and the adjacent ponds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Wackersdorf?
The lakes offer a wide range of activities. At Steinberger See, you can enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, and stand-up paddling, with facilities like the Wild Wake Park. Murner See is popular for diving, surfing, stand-up paddling, and pedal boating. Brückelsee is known for sailing. All lakes also offer opportunities for cycling and walking on well-developed paths.
Are there family-friendly attractions at the lakes near Wackersdorf?
Yes, the region is very family-friendly. Steinberger See features the 'Erlebnisholzkugel' (Adventure Wooden Sphere) at inMotion PARK, which is the world's largest walk-in wooden adventure ball, offering panoramic views and adventure stations. At Murner See, families can visit the Erlebnispark Wasser-Fisch-Natur, which provides interactive learning about nature and pond farming, along with a fairy tale forest and an observation tower.
Where can I find good spots for swimming and sunbathing?
Murner See is an excellent choice, featuring inviting bathing areas with expansive sunbathing lawns and sandy beaches, creating a Caribbean-like atmosphere. The Klausensee, a natural bathing area south of Schwandorf, also offers a sand beach and a large sunbathing lawn with child-friendly water access, though it operates as a paid natural bath.
What are the best lakes for cycling and hiking?
Both Steinberger See and Murner See offer excellent options. A well-developed and scenic path surrounds the Steinberger See, perfect for cycling and walking, with information boards. Similarly, an easy-to-navigate cycle path encircles the Murner See, often shared with pedestrians, and includes informative boards. You can find various routes, including easy cycling tours like the 'Panoramic View of the Lake – Lake Steinberg loop' or running trails like the 'Murner See loop', by exploring our cycling and running guides for the area.
Are there any viewpoints or natural landmarks to visit?
Yes, the 'Erlebnisholzkugel' at Steinberger See offers a viewing platform 40 meters high with panoramic views of the entire lake district. Additionally, the View of Lake Murnersee is a popular viewpoint offering great perspectives of Murner See and the adjacent nature reserve.
What dining options are available directly at the lakes?
You'll find several options. At Steinberger See, bistros and cafés are available directly by the lake. Murner See features the Murano Beachclub, which offers a Mediterranean ambiance with palm trees and a beach bar. The Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee also offers a beautiful beer garden directly on the Hammersee, perfect for enjoying food and drinks after an activity.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Wackersdorf?
The lakes are popular throughout the warmer months, especially for water sports and outdoor activities. Summer can be quite busy, particularly at Murner See. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for cycling and hiking, with fewer crowds. The 'Erlebnisholzkugel' at Steinberger See is open year-round.
Are there less crowded lakes or quieter spots for relaxation?
While Steinberger See and Murner See can be lively, Brückelsee is often considered one of the 'little brothers' and is particularly known for sailing, potentially offering a different atmosphere. The Klausensee, being a paid natural bath, might also offer a more structured and potentially less chaotic environment for swimming.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Wackersdorf?
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful circular routes around lakes like Murner See and Steinberger See, which are suitable for families and offer great views. The diverse water sports opportunities, the unique adventure attractions like the 'Erlebnisholzkugel', and the inviting bathing areas with sandy beaches are also highly appreciated.
Are there any specific regulations for water activities like swimming or boating?
While general activities like swimming, stand-up paddling, and pedal boating are popular, specific regulations for motorized boats or certain water sports may apply to individual lakes. For instance, Brückelsee is particularly known for sailing. It's always advisable to check local signage or official websites for the most current rules regarding permits and designated areas for specific water activities at each lake.
Is the area around the lakes accessible for people with limited mobility or wheelchairs?
Yes, some areas are designed with accessibility in mind. For example, the path around Lake Murner is noted as being wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors to enjoy the lakeside scenery.
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