Top 20 Lakes around Crawinkel

The most popular lakes are the Ohratalsperre Dam and Lütsche Dam. The Ohratalsperre is known for its scenic 14-kilometer circular hiking and cycling trail, while the Lütsche Dam is a favorite for swimming, bathing, and Stand Up Paddling.

Yes, both the Ohratalsperre Dam and Lütsche Dam offer popular circular hiking trails. The Ohratalsperre has a 14-kilometer trail with many viewpoints, and the Lütsche Dam also features a well-frequented circular path. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around Crawinkel guide.

Yes, the Lütsche Dam is a highly popular destination for swimming and bathing, especially appealing to nature enthusiasts due to its coarse-grained pebble beaches and wooded surroundings. The Ohratalsperre, however, is a drinking water reservoir, so swimming is generally not permitted there.

Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. The Lütsche Dam offers a bathing beach and playgrounds at its campsite. The Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Inflow also features a beautiful trail that is feasible with children, approximately 6 km long. The Upper Sieglitz Pond is an idyllic spot with a rest stop, perfect for a family break.

The lakes are nestled within the scenic Thuringian Forest, offering picturesque views of water, forests, and rolling hills. At the Ohratalsperre Dam, you'll find magnificent panoramic views from the 56-meter-high dam wall, as well as natural highlights like the Kulissenfelsen. The Lütsche Dam is surrounded by wooded areas and features natural pebble beaches.

Besides hiking and swimming, you can enjoy cycling around the Ohratalsperre Dam on its dedicated circular trail. The Lütsche Dam offers Stand Up Paddling (SUP) with a dedicated station. For more cycling routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Crawinkel guide, and for running, the Running Trails around Crawinkel guide.

Yes, the Lütsche Dam has amenities including a snack stand and a café with a restaurant, providing convenience for visitors. The Upper Sieglitz Pond also features a nice rest stop.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for water activities like swimming and SUP at Lütsche Dam, and for enjoying the lush greenery on hiking and cycling trails. Autumn offers stunning foliage, while winter can transform the landscape into a snowy wonderland, as seen at the Ohratalsperre Dam.

While specific parking facilities are not detailed for every lake, popular destinations like the Ohratalsperre Dam and Lütsche Dam are accessible by car and typically have designated parking areas for visitors. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.

The Ohratalsperre Dam is significant not only for its natural beauty but also for its practical importance as a crucial drinking water reservoir, supplying over 400,000 residents in central Thuringia. It also generates 400 KW of hydropower. Its imposing dam wall, 56 meters high and 200 meters wide, offers impressive views.

While the Ohratalsperre Dam and Lütsche Dam are popular, the Upper Sieglitz Pond is often described as an idyllic and quiet place to relax. The Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Inflow also offers a beautiful and serene environment for hiking.