Lakes around Freihung present a variety of natural water bodies within the Upper Palatinate region. This area, while a smaller municipality, is characterized by serene natural beauty and opportunities for recreation. Historically, some water bodies served industrial purposes, such as supplying 18th-century gunsmiths, while others are protected as crucial habitats for wildlife. The landscape features both natural swimming ponds and significant bird sanctuaries, providing diverse experiences for visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Autumn 2025 Town Hall Cafe reopens - Cafe Manuela delicious treats, breakfast and refined light meals again new friendly team worth a visit - check the website for opening hours!
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Just relax and watch the ducks.
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This is a beautiful pond.
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There is a very nice cafe here, it invites you to stop for a break.
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The Weiherhammer ironworks was built in the Upper Palatinate community of Weiherhammer, which now has the same name, between Mantel and Etzenricht on the Beckenweiher and its tributary, the Röthenbach, which flows into the Haidenaab. Around 1674, the sovereign considered building a blast furnace on the Beckenweiher due to the increasing shortage of wood and charcoal in the area around Amberg and Sulzbach. When the Philippsburg hammer mill was then shut down due to a lack of coal, the sovereign Theodor Eustach began to have a blast furnace built on the eastern bank of the Beckenweiher (the so-called blast furnace next to Mantel) around 1700. On October 17, 1719, a hammer hut was inaugurated that was powered by water from the Beckenweiher. The houses of Weihersdorf were built on the west side of the Beckenweiher so that the wooden houses were protected from flying sparks; the settlement was given the name Beckendorf. He got into a dispute with the electoral forester Franz Benno von Hann zu Mantel over hunting in the Beckenweiher and the removal of wood, which put the factory in trouble due to the lack of charcoal deliveries; the dispute was only ended by the intervention of the government. (Source: Wikipedia)
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The OWV log cabin Weiherhammer is a good place to stop off and - with a reservation - even have lunch.
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Very interesting, unfortunately well shielded against entry.
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For swimming and relaxation, the Mantel bathing pond is highly recommended. It's known for its idyllic setting, beautiful, often shady lawn, and free access. Another popular choice is Dießfurt Recreation Lake, which features two swimming lakes and a natural pebble beach, perfect for cooling off and sunbathing.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Mantel bathing pond is family-friendly with its free access and shady areas. Dießfurt Recreation Lake is also popular with families, offering swimming and a natural beach. For nature exploration, the Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary provides an educational hiking trail suitable for all ages.
The Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary is an excellent spot for wildlife observation. This protected area, including a lake and its silting zones, is a crucial habitat for various waterfowl and an important stopover point for migratory birds. It's home to one of the largest black-headed gull colonies in northern Bavaria.
You can find various hiking trails near the lakes. For instance, an educational hiking trail leads along the Brandner Canal to the Beckenweiher and the Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary, explaining geology, cultural history, and nature. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Freihung, which include easy and moderate trails like the 'Lindenweiher – Bridge Over the Vils loop'.
Yes, several cycling and mountain biking routes incorporate the lakes. For mountain biking, you can find routes like the 'Haidenaab Bridge – Mantel bathing pond loop' from Freihung. For touring cyclists, the 'Haidenaab River – Mantel bathing pond loop' is a popular choice. You can discover more options in the cycling guides and MTB trail guides around Freihung.
The Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary has historical significance; its pond was part of a chain that supplied water to 18th-century gunsmiths. Additionally, the Hammerschloss Röthenbach, a historic castle with the Röthenbacher Hammerweiher, is nearby and offers a glimpse into the region's past.
For the Mantel bathing pond, there are beautiful, shady lawns with free parking spaces available. Specific parking information for other lakes might vary, but generally, local recreational areas are equipped with visitor parking.
Near Dießfurt Recreation Lake, you can find the Josephsthal Inn with its beer garden, perfect for refreshments after a swim. Close to the Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary, there's a café at the town hall where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Visitors particularly appreciate the serene natural beauty and the diverse recreational opportunities. The free access and idyllic setting of the Mantel bathing pond are highly valued for relaxation and swimming. The Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary is loved for its importance as a bird habitat and its educational trails. Overall, the community enjoys the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature.
Yes, several lakes offer scenic viewpoints. Both the Mantel bathing pond and Dießfurt Recreation Lake are noted for their pleasant views. The Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary also provides excellent spots for observing the landscape and its avian inhabitants.
The Brandnergraben and Beckenweiher represent an original meadow landscape that flows into the village of Weiherhammer. Historically, the Beckenweiher was part of a larger system that supplied water to the Weiherhammer ironworks, which was founded in the early 18th century. Today, it's an important natural area, particularly for its connection to the Weiherhammer Bird Sanctuary.


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