Best lakes around Karlstadt. Karlstadt am Main, situated in Bavaria, Germany, is defined by the Main River, which flows directly through the town and forms a central part of its water-based recreation. While natural lakes are not prominent in its immediate vicinity, the area offers diverse water experiences including bathing lakes, reservoirs, and spring-fed ponds. The region's landscape provides opportunities for relaxation and active leisure along its waterways.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Karlstadt.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Karlstadt
Discovering Germany’s wine region by bike – Franconia
Relaxed hiking – day trips in the Fränkische Weinland
Hiking around Karlstadt
Cycling around Karlstadt
Road Cycling Routes around Karlstadt
MTB Trails around Karlstadt
Running Trails around Karlstadt

Gravel biking around Karlstadt
Mountain Hikes around Karlstadt
Swimming is prohibited, it is now a fishing lake
3
0
The Erlabrunner Badesee local recreation area The Würzburg Recreation and Hiking Area Association has created the "Erlabrunner Badesee" local recreation area on a 19-hectare site. But the name is a little misleading, because there are actually two lakes - the Große See and the Kleine See. Together they have a water surface area of seven hectares. Location and directions The bathing lake is located in 97250 Erlabrunn, between Würzburg and Zellingen, and can be reached via State Road 2300. The journey from Würzburg takes around a quarter of an hour. The first exit leads directly to the Kleiner See, the second to the kiosk. A total of 1,000 parking spaces are available for drivers. It is also possible to get there easily by public transport, there is a bus stop right outside the door. But it is even nicer to get there by bike, as the Main Cycle Path winds around the bathing lake. Opening hours May to September inclusive: 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. (or at dusk) October and April: 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (or at dusk) November inclusive March: 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Source: https://www.landkreis-wuerzburg.de/Bildung-Freizeit-Kultur/Urlaub-dahemm/Badesee/
3
0
Dared too. Water tastes great!
4
1
Small but fine source... and I survived it... apparently not just for the dog...😉
16
0
While large natural lakes are not prominent directly in Karlstadt, the Main River is central to water-based activities. Additionally, the Erlabrunner Lake offers a designated recreation area with two distinct water bodies for swimming and relaxation. The town also boasts the modern Freibad Karlstadt (outdoor swimming pool) with various amenities for all ages.
Yes, the Erlabrunner Lake is a popular local recreation area with two lakes, the Große See and Kleine See, where swimming is permitted. It features sunbathing areas and facilities. However, swimming is prohibited at other water bodies like Sinderbachsee due to safety concerns.
You can discover unique natural features such as the Monastery Spring, a natural monument providing refreshing drinking water. The Wambachsee is a small, hidden forest lake that functions as a biotope. The Main River itself offers picturesque riverbanks for scenic walks and cycling.
Absolutely. The Erlabrunner Lake is highly recommended for families, offering sunbathing areas and facilities. The Freibad Karlstadt (outdoor swimming pool) is also very family-friendly, featuring swimmer and non-swimmer areas, water slides, diving boards, a children's paddling pool, and a water playground.
The Monastery Spring is noted as dog-friendly, making it a good spot to visit with your canine companion. For other areas, it's advisable to check local regulations, especially at designated swimming spots like Erlabrunner Lake.
The Erlabrunner Lake is easily accessible by public transport, with a bus stop located right outside. The Main Cycle Path also leads directly along this bathing lake, offering a scenic alternative for cyclists.
Beyond swimming and relaxing by the water, the region offers excellent opportunities for cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. You can explore various routes such as those found in the MTB Trails around Karlstadt guide, the Cycling around Karlstadt guide, or the Gravel biking around Karlstadt guide.
Yes, the Sohlhöhe Viewpoint and Upper Reservoir offers expansive views from 530 meters, potentially reaching the Rhön on clear days. The Wambachsee also provides a beautiful, secluded viewpoint over a small forest lake.
Wild swimming is generally not recommended or permitted in many water bodies around Karlstadt. For instance, swimming in the Main River can be hazardous due to shipping traffic and currents. The Sinderbachsee, though a former recreation area, has a swimming ban in place. It's best to stick to designated swimming areas like Erlabrunner Lake or the Freibad Karlstadt.
The Monastery Spring is a natural monument that historically supplied drinking water to the Schönrain monastery. The Sohlhöhe Viewpoint and Upper Reservoir is a man-made monument, serving as the upper basin of a pumped storage power plant, showcasing engineering alongside natural beauty.
At Erlabrunner Lake, you'll find sunbathing areas and toilets. The Freibad Karlstadt (outdoor swimming pool) is well-equipped with swimmer and non-swimmer pools, water slides, diving boards, a children's paddling pool, a water playground, bubble loungers, sunbathing lawns, benches, a sun terrace, beach volleyball and football fields, a kiosk, and free Wi-Fi.
Visitors appreciate the refreshing experience at Erlabrunner Lake, especially its beautiful sunbathing areas and easy accessibility via the Main Cycle Path. The cold, refreshing drinking water from the Monastery Spring is also a highlight. The expansive views from the Sohlhöhe Viewpoint and Upper Reservoir are frequently praised.


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