Top 20 Lakes in the Zittau Nature Park

Lake Olbersdorf, a former open-cast mine, offers a wide range of leisure activities. You can go hiking, swimming, and enjoy beach volleyball. It's also popular for cycling on specially designed paths, surfing, and Nordic walking. The lake is a beautiful local recreation area near Zittau.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Blaue Lagune Beach, Berzdorfer See is known for its white sand and is perfect for a quick beach break. Sohland Reservoir features an adventure playground and offers boating, making it a local recreation center for all ages. Lake Olbersdorf also provides diverse activities suitable for families.

The Zittau Nature Park offers various hiking opportunities around its lakes. You can find routes like the 'Kemmlitztalgrund – Old Rosenthal Station loop' or 'Nuns' Rock – Little Rock Alley loop'. For more detailed information on trails, including difficulty and distance, you can explore guides such as Waterfall hikes in the Zittau Nature Park or Hiking in the Zittau Nature Park.

Lake Kristýna, located in the nearby Czech Republic, is highly regarded for its consistently good-quality water, ideal for swimming. It boasts newly designed beaches, a climbing park, a fitness trail, and various accommodation options. Visitors can enjoy windsurfing, other water sports, angling, and rent bikes or scooters. Significant investment has transformed it into a comprehensive tourist destination.

Yes, there are several viewpoints. For instance, the Neuberzdorf Heights Observation Tower offers a beautiful panoramic view of Upper Lusatia, Zittau, and the Iser and Giant Mountains, including Berzdorfer See. Sohland Reservoir also provides scenic spots.

Sohland Reservoir is a well-equipped local recreation center. It offers parking, good gastronomy with a beer garden and restaurant, and an adventure playground. Visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and cycling on the Spreeradwanderweg. The site is also easily accessible for physically handicapped people with a wheelchair.

The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery. Summer is perfect for swimming and water sports at lakes like Olbersdorf and Kristýna. Some areas, like Sohland Reservoir, even allow ice skating at your own risk in winter, making it a year-round destination depending on your preferred activities.

Yes, some lakes are accessible by public transport. For example, Lake Olbersdorf is about 1 km away from a stop for the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway, which connects Zittau with Jonsdorf and Kurort Oybin. This offers a charming way to reach the area.

The Gondelteich (Gondola Pond) in Jonsdorf provides a more tranquil and traditional lake experience compared to the larger recreational lakes. It's known for its leisurely gondola rides and is a peaceful spot to relax and 'refresh yourself by treading water.' It's also a popular hiking destination along the route of the Zittau Narrow-Gauge Railway.

Visitors appreciate the transformation of former open-cast mines into vibrant recreational areas, offering diverse activities. They enjoy the clean water for swimming, the well-maintained beaches, and the extensive network of trails for hiking and cycling. The combination of natural beauty and modern amenities, along with the picturesque scenery, makes these lakes highly appealing.

Yes, water sports are popular at several lakes. At Lake Olbersdorf, you can go surfing. Lake Kristýna is known for windsurfing and other water sports, along with angling. The Sohland Reservoir also allows boating.