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Nordhalben

Top 20 Lakes around Nordhalben

Best lakes around Nordhalben offer diverse natural experiences within the Franconian Forest. The region is characterized by its high recreational value, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. A prominent feature is the Trinkwassertalsperre Mauthaus, also known as the Ködeltalsperre, which is Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir. This area is often referred to as the "Fjord of the Franconian Forest" due to its scenic qualities.

Best lakes around Nordhalben

  • The most popular lakes is Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower, a man-made…

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten

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The Göpel shaft system, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble and the trademark of the slate park.
The Göpel shaft system was …

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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary …

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The Ködeltalsperre (dam Mauthaus) is the largest drinking water reservoir in Bavaria and is also called "Fjord of the Franconian Forest". The 11 km circuit around the dam is popular with hikers, cyclists and inline skaters.

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Ködel Reservoir

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An impressive water reservoir located in beautiful tranquility

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Frankenwald Lake

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Beautiful lake with swimming possibility🏊♂️

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Klausi
February 2, 2025, Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Monument

This is the former Lehesten roofing slate opencast mine. Its dimensions alone are impressive; along with the nearby Oertelsbruch, it was one of the largest slate quarries on the continent (approximately 800 m long, 300 m wide, and up to 80 m deep). Source: Wikipedia

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A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.

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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary industrial complex, located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve. 170 Red List species have now been confirmed to have settled in this partially inaccessible area.

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The Göpel shaft system, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble and the trademark of the slate park. The Göpel shaft system was built around 1850, five years after the open-cast mine opened. On the north-west edge of the now closed and flooded roofing slate open-cast mine, the Göpel shaft was used to lift mined slate rock and thus stabilize the production flow. The rock was transported to the adjacent double-slitting hut and processed.

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Beautiful views around the dam.

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Be sure to visit and take enough time with you.

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The drinking water dam Mauthaus - called "Ködeltalsperre" - is one of the largest of its kind in Bavaria. Around the "Frankenwaldfjord" leads an approx. 11.5 km long paved path, which is ideal for hiking, cycling or inline skating. The drinking water dam Mauthaus is located in the valley of the Nurner Ködel, a tributary to the Rodach, about 20 kilometers northeast of Kronach. It was built from 1968 to 1972 to supply drinking water. As a secondary purpose, it serves to protect against flooding, raise low water levels and generate electricity from hydropower. It was put into operation in 1975 and was thus the first Bavarian drinking water dam. The body of water may not be used for water sports, which contributes significantly to the quality of drinking water. A bicycle rental is located in the Oberes Rodachtal tourist office in Steinwiesen, Kronacher Straße 75.

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The blue water is simply magnificent. You have to go there at least once. Plan on ten kilometers for a walk around the dam! There are only a few short, gentle climbs along the route. The rest of the loop is fairly flat. 🤗

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the lakes around Nordhalben unique?

The lakes around Nordhalben are characterized by their high recreational value and diverse natural experiences within the Franconian Forest. The most prominent is the Trinkwassertalsperre Mauthaus, also known as the Ködeltalsperre, which is Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir. It's often called the "Fjord of the Franconian Forest" due to its scenic beauty and offers valuable habitats for rare animal and plant species.

Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes?

Yes, several spots are great for families. The Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower and Ködeltalsperre — Southern End are part of the large reservoir with an asphalted circular path, perfect for easy walks, cycling, or inline skating with children. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site also offers an engaging historical and natural experience for all ages.

Can I hike or cycle around the lakes?

Absolutely. The Trinkwassertalsperre Mauthaus (Ködeltalsperre) features a paved, 11-kilometer circular path that is popular for hiking, cycling, and inline skating. This route, also known as the Ködel Dam, is well-developed and almost flat, making it suitable for various activities.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see?

You can expect to see diverse natural landscapes, including the expansive waters of the Ködeltalsperre, which is a significant drinking water reservoir. The area is home to valuable habitats for rare species like the black stork and various orchids. Additionally, the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site showcases a unique natural monument where trees grow submerged in clear water within a flooded quarry.

Are there historical sites near the lakes?

Yes, the region has a rich industrial history. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site is an extraordinary complex where you can experience the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining. Another significant historical site is the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, which was central to the historic slate mining operations.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Nordhalben?

Beyond hiking and cycling around the reservoirs, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the "Trail junction – Ködelblick loop from Mauthaus" or the "Ködel Dam – Ködeltalsperre — Southern End loop from Nurn." For more options, explore the Running Trails around Nordhalben guide.

Can I go mountain biking or gravel biking near the lakes?

Yes, the region provides excellent opportunities for both mountain biking and gravel biking. You can find routes like the "Ködel Reservoir – Ködel Dam loop from Nordhalben" for MTB. For more detailed routes and guides, check out the MTB Trails around Nordhalben and Gravel biking around Nordhalben guides.

Is swimming allowed in the lakes around Nordhalben?

The Trinkwassertalsperre Mauthaus (Ködeltalsperre) is Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir, and as such, water sports and swimming are generally not permitted to maintain drinking water quality. Similarly, swimming and diving are prohibited in the flooded Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site.

Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, the circular path around the Trinkwassertalsperre Mauthaus (Ködeltalsperre), including areas like the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower, is asphalted and almost flat. This makes it suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone looking for an easy, accessible outdoor experience.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes in this region?

Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty, often referring to the Ködeltalsperre as the "Fjord of the Franconian Forest." They enjoy the well-maintained, asphalted circular route around the dam for hiking, cycling, and inline skating. The clear water and unique submerged trees at the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site are also highly appreciated, along with the historical insights offered by sites like the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex.

When is the best time to visit the lakes around Nordhalben?

The lakes around Nordhalben offer recreational value throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. Summer is ideal for longer outdoor activities, while winter can offer unique, serene landscapes for winter hiking, though some paths might be less accessible depending on snow conditions.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Nordhalben? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

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