Top 20 Lakes around Östlicher Neubäuer Forst

The region offers several excellent lakes for swimming and water activities. The Hammersee in Bodenwöhr is a popular swimming lake with shallow, sandy shores. The Murner See is known for its clear water, making it ideal for swimming, diving, paddle boating, and stand-up paddling. For more adventurous watersports like waterskiing and wakeboarding, the Steinberger See, the largest lake in East Bavaria, is a prime destination.

Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly options. The Art and Water Trail around the Hammersee features unique mosaic artworks created by local children, making walks engaging for all ages. The Murner See boasts the Oberpfälzer Märchengarten (Upper Palatinate Fairy Tale Garden) and the Erlebnispark Wasser-Fisch-Natur (Water-Fish-Nature Adventure Park). The Steinberger See offers the MovinGround family leisure park with activities like a water catapult and climbing wall, as well as adventure golf.

You'll find a variety of hiking trails. The Hammersee has a scenic circular path, approximately 4 to 6 km long, which includes the Art and Water Trail. The Weichselbrunner Weiher Nature Reserve offers a tranquil 3 km circular path through protected pine forests. The Murner See also features a great circular route, and the broader Upper Palatinate Lake District connects to over 600 kilometers of cycling and hiking paths.

Yes, the region has a rich history. The Hammersee was historically used for hydropower, with an iron hammer operating there since before 1464. The Art and Water Trail itself is a cultural highlight. The Steinberger See, once a brown coal mining site, now features a local museum exploring its industrial past. You can also find the Stone Steffl of Eixendorf, a man-made monument near Lake Eixendorf, with its own story.

Beyond hiking and swimming, the lakes offer diverse outdoor activities. The Steinberger See is a hub for watersports like waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, surfing, and stand-up paddling. Both Murner See and Steinberger See offer extensive cycling paths, and Segway tours are available around the Murner See. You can also explore various cycling routes in the wider area, including cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking routes.

You'll find several options for refreshments. The Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee is located directly on the Hammersee circular path, offering food and drinks with a view. The Steinberger See also features numerous restaurants and cafes, while the Murner See has the Murano Beachclub for a relaxed atmosphere.

The best time to visit the lakes is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warm and suitable for swimming, watersports, hiking, and cycling. During this period, all facilities and attractions are typically open. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter can be peaceful for walks, though some activities may be limited.

Yes, the Weichselbrunner Weiher Nature Reserve is a significant protected area. It safeguards dry, lichen, and dwarf shrub-rich pine forests, which are characteristic of the Bodenwöhr bay. Visitors can explore the reserve via a hiking trail, but it's important to stay on marked paths to protect the rare animal and plant species native to the area.

The region offers several unique landmarks. The Art and Water Trail around the Hammersee features imaginative mosaic artworks. At the Murner See, there's an observation tower on its north shore. The Steinberger See is home to the impressive 'Erlebnisholzkugel' (adventure wooden sphere), the world's largest of its kind, offering panoramic views from its 40-meter-high platform. Near Lake Eixendorf, you can also find the Stone Steffl of Eixendorf.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Many enjoy the unique mosaic artworks along the Art and Water Trail and the tranquil setting of the Weichselbrunner Weiher Nature Reserve. The ability to combine hiking with a meal at places like the Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee is also highly valued. The variety of activities, from peaceful walks to active watersports, caters to all interests.

Yes, many of the circular paths are well-suited for easy walks and prams. The circular route around the Hammer Lake, for instance, is easily manageable on foot or by bike and is even suitable for prams. The 3 km circular path around the Weichselbrunner Weiher also offers a gentle, accessible route for a leisurely stroll.