Top 20 Lakes around Gefrees
Lakes around Gefrees are located in the Fichtel Mountains of Upper Franconia, a region known for its natural landscapes. The area features a variety of lakes, including large reservoirs and smaller moor lakes. These water bodies contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor activities and nature appreciation. Gefrees offers diverse recreational opportunities for visitors.
Best lakes around Gefrees
- The most popular lakes is Fichtel Lake, a lake that is an artificially created storage pond and a popular recreational area. It features a recommended loop trail of about 2.7 kilometers.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Weißenstadt, a lake that is the largest in the Fichtelgebirge, covering approximately 50 hectares. It offers an ideal, paved lake route of about 3.5 kilometers and is rated for its excellent bathing water quality.
- Visitors also love Karchesweiher, a small lake with numerous hiking trails starting from it. It is a good starting point for tours in the surrounding area and features an inn.
- Gefrees is known for recreational lakes, reservoirs, and moor lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with unique features and activities.
- The lakes around Gefrees are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3000 upvotes and over 2000 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Fichtel Lake
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Karchesweiher
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North Shore of Fichtelsee
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It is great to cycle around the lake. In summer it invites you to go swimming or boating. In winter you can ice skate on an ice rink on the shore of the Fichtelsee. What's particularly cool is that the ice is illuminated and you can rent ice skates on site. Here in the north of the lake begins the Seelohe nature reserve, where you will find typical raised moor vegetation.
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Lake Weißenstadt
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Weißenstadt Lake
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Tips from the Community
I always feel comfortable at Lake Weißenstadt.
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The balancing path in the spa park combines elements of varying levels of difficulty into one course. The project is intended to enable young and old people to exercise in the fresh air, train their sense of balance and improve their health.
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A circumnavigation of the lake is great, and then a delicious ice cream at the market
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Enjoying the view with the bikes around the lake is recommended 😍
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Very nice bathing lake. It's worth a visit.
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Beautiful lake with opportunities for swimming (for young and old) in summer and play opportunities for the little ones. There are also a few good places around the lake. There is a beautiful view over the lake towards Waldstein and Schneeberg.
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With around 50 hectares, the Weißenstädter See is the largest lake in the heart of the Fichtelgebirge. It was artificially dammed, lies on the upper reaches of the Eger and is fed by it and the Hirtenbach. The lake was created again in 1976 where the Weißenstadt town pond was until 1820. This dried up due to the opening of the dams and 200 plots of land were created on the area. The city bought back the land in the mid 1970's and replanted the recreational lake. The easily walkable four-kilometre-long shore path is one of the most-visited footpaths in the Fichtelgebirge, is barrier-free and is also suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with prams.
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Numerous hiking trails start from this small lake and the adjacent car park. Since the Karchessee is located directly on the B 303, it is not so idyllic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What water sports and activities are available at the lakes near Gefrees?
The lakes around Gefrees offer a variety of water sports. At Lake Weißenstadt, you can enjoy swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and boating. The Förmitztalsperre is popular for fishing, swimming, sailing, surfing, and diving. Fichtel Lake is great for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and boating. Motorized boats are generally not permitted, ensuring a tranquil experience.
Are there family-friendly lakes with amenities for children around Gefrees?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. The Trebgastsee features a spacious playground, a fun arena, a volleyball field, and a skate park. Lake Weißenstadt is also considered ideal for families due to its diverse recreational offerings and excellent water quality. Fichtel Lake also has a children's playground and sports fields.
What kind of hiking and cycling trails can I find around the lakes?
Many lakes offer dedicated trails. Lake Weißenstadt has a 4 km long, asphalted, and handicapped-accessible trail, including a 'Poesiepfad'. The Förmitztalsperre features a hiking path around the reservoir. Fichtel Lake has a well-maintained circular hiking trail of about 2.7 kilometers. The Trebgastsee offers a 1.5 km hiking trail and a paved bike path connecting to Bayreuth. For more extensive routes, explore the Mountain Hikes around Gefrees or Cycling around Gefrees guides.
Which lakes are suitable for fishing near Gefrees?
The Förmitztalsperre is highly regarded by anglers. Common catches there include perch, carp, pike, zander, and bream, making it a rewarding spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails around the lakes?
Yes, Lake Weißenstadt offers a 4 km long, asphalted, and handicapped-accessible trail, making it suitable for wheelchair users and those with strollers.
What natural features or reserves can be found near the lakes?
Near North Shore of Fichtelsee, you'll find the 'Seelohe' nature reserve, a marshland with typical high moor vegetation and the iron-rich 'Jean-Paul-Brunnen' (Sauerbrunnen). The Fichtelsee itself is a beautiful moor lake surrounded by forests and rocks, offering a very natural appearance despite its artificial origins.
What are the best times to visit the lakes around Gefrees?
The lakes are popular year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, with excellent bathing water quality at lakes like Lake Weißenstadt and Trebgastsee. In winter, when temperatures allow, Fichtel Lake offers ice skating and curling on an prepared ice rink.
Are there cafes or restaurants available near the lakes?
Yes, you'll find amenities near several lakes. Lake Weißenstadt has numerous benches and cafés along its shore. The Förmitztalsperre also offers gastronomy options. Near Karchesweiher, there's a highly recommended inn, the Waldrasthaus Karches.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Gefrees?
While specific dog-friendly regulations can vary, many natural areas and trails around the lakes are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. Fichtel Lake is generally considered dog-friendly for walks around its perimeter.
What makes the Förmitztalsperre unique among the lakes?
The Förmitztalsperre is a large reservoir, originally built for water management, flood protection, and energy generation. It stands out for its expansive water surface of 120 hectares, offering ample space for a wide array of water sports, including diving, and is particularly favored by anglers. You can find more information on Frankentourismus.de.
Are there options for gravel biking near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers excellent opportunities for gravel biking. You can find routes that incorporate the lakes, such as the 'Fichtel Lake – North Shore of Fichtelsee loop'. Explore more options in the Gravel biking around Gefrees guide.
What is the origin of Fichtelsee?
The Fichtel Lake, despite its natural appearance today, is artificial in origin. It was created in connection with historical mining activities in the region and was later enlarged. This history gives it a unique character as a beautiful moor lake nestled in the Fichtelgebirge.
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