Top 20 Lakes around Zittau
Best lakes around Zittau are found in the tri-border region of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. This area features several lakes, many of which are former open-cast mines transformed into recreational areas. The landscape includes the Zittau Mountains, providing a scenic backdrop for water activities and walks. These lakes offer diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Best lakes around Zittau
- The most popular lakes is Naděje Reservoir, a lake idyllically situated in a deep, wooded valley. It is known as a quiet place, especially in winter.
- Another must-see spot is Blaue Lagune Beach, Berzdorfer See, a beach section with white sand. This location provides facilities for a break or a short trip to the beach.
- Visitors also love Lake Kristýna, a lake with good water quality and developed infrastructure. It is a popular tourist destination with newly designed beaches and facilities.
- Zittau is known for former open-cast mine lakes and smaller natural-like ponds. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from large recreational bodies of water to quiet reservoirs.
- The lakes around Zittau are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1100 upvotes and more than 300 photos shared across 6 highlights.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Blaue Lagune Beach, Berzdorfer See
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Lake Olbersdorf
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More information at: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olbersdorfer_See
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Lake Kristýna
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In recent years, enormous investment has been made, partly with EU funding, and today it is a popular tourist destination in the tri-border region: newly designed beaches, restroom facilities, a climbing park, a fitness trail, tent and camping sites, small holiday homes, and restaurants on every corner.
Always worth a visit.
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Lake Olbersdorf
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Naděje Reservoir
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Popular around Zittau
Mountains, heaths & lakes – hiking in Lusatia
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Tips from the Community
Flooded open-cast lignite mine. Today a recreational area at the foot of the Zittau Mountains.
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A beautiful local recreation area has been created here from an old lignite open-cast mine.
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Once an open-cast mining pit, Lake Olbersdorf is now a local recreation area. Located at the foot of the Zittau Mountains, this bathing lake with a sandy beach stretches between Olbersdorf and Zittau. Once a year, at the beginning of August, the O-See Challenge takes place here, attracting hundreds of triathletes and thousands of spectators.
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The Naděje Dam, formerly known as the Hoffnung Dam or Hammer Dam, is a water reservoir in the Czech Republic. It is located at an altitude of 455 metres above sea level, about 1.5 kilometres north of the village of Naděje in the municipality of Cvikov in the Lusatian Mountains. The dam is located in the deep, wooded valley of the Hamerský potok (Hammer Stream) below the Suchý vrch (Dürrberg). The dam was built between 1937 and 1938 by the Teplitz master builder A. Niklas. The 91.57 metre long and 9.5 metre high dam is made of phonolite rock from the nearby Suchý vrch. The dam crest is 1.7 metres wide and has an overflow over a length of 33 metres. The dam originally served as a water reservoir for the hammer mill and the sawmill in the Hamr settlement. In addition, a chain of bunkers of the Czechoslovak Wall has been running south of the dam since 1936, reminding us of the historical importance of the region.
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A beautiful place - unfortunately not easy to reach by bike. The way there is just about OK. The chosen path is a steep route through the forest.
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Very nice swimming lake with good places to stop for refreshments on the Czech side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I enjoy at Olbersdorfer See?
At Lake Olbersdorf, you can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities including swimming, various water sports, beach volleyball, cycling on dedicated paths, and Nordic walking. Opportunities for surfing and boat rentals are also available. The lake features a guarded bathing beach during school holidays, experience gastronomy, a beach kiosk, and a campsite. It's also known for hosting the annual O-SEE Challenge Crosstriathlon.
Is Berzdorfer See suitable for water sports and swimming?
Yes, Berzdorfer See is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, allowing for sailing, surfing, and stand-up paddling. Swimming is permitted at designated areas such as Nordstrand, Nordost-Strand, the peninsula, and Blaue Lagune Beach, with lifeguard supervision during the bathing season from May to September.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Zittau region?
Absolutely. Several lakes cater to families. Lake Olbersdorf offers a playground and a bar, making it suitable for children. Lake Kristýna has newly designed beaches, a climbing park, and a fitness trail. Additionally, Gondelteich Olbersdorf is a popular spot with boat rentals, a playground, and a kiosk.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around the lakes near Zittau?
The Zittau region offers diverse hiking opportunities around its lakes. You can find circular trails, such as the 4.5 and 6-kilometer paths around Olbersdorfer See. For more options, explore routes like the 'North shore Kristýna Lake – Lake Kristýna loop' or the 'Lake Olbersdorf – Olbersdorfer See Boat Landing loop'. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Zittau guide.
Can I go cycling around the lakes in Zittau?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Berzdorfer See features a nearly completely asphalted 16 km long trail encircling the lake, perfect for cycling. Olbersdorfer See also has specially designed cycle paths. For more cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Zittau guide, which includes routes like the 'Neisse Cycle Path – Berzdorfer See Promenade loop'.
What makes Lake Kristýna a popular destination?
Lake Kristýna, located on the Czech side of the border, is praised for its good water quality and excellent infrastructure. After significant investments, it now boasts newly designed beaches, sanitary facilities, a climbing park, a fitness trail, camping sites, and restaurants, making it a popular tourist destination in the tri-border region.
Where can I find a quiet place for nature near Zittau's lakes?
For a wonderfully quiet place, especially in winter, consider Naděje Reservoir. It is idyllically situated in a deep, wooded valley of the Hamerský creek, offering a serene natural environment.
Are there beaches for swimming at the lakes?
Yes, several lakes offer designated swimming beaches. Blaue Lagune Beach at Berzdorfer See is known for its white sand. Olbersdorfer See has a guarded bathing beach, and Lake Kristýna also features newly designed beaches.
What are the options for dining or refreshments near the lakes?
You'll find various options for dining and refreshments. Olbersdorfer See offers experience gastronomy and a beach kiosk. Berzdorfer See has culinary events, and Lake Kristýna has restaurants on every corner. Gondelteich Olbersdorf also has a kiosk and is known for delicious ice cream.
Is it possible to camp near the lakes in the Zittau area?
Yes, camping is an option. Olbersdorfer See features a campsite directly at the lake. Lake Kristýna also provides tent and camping sites, along with small holiday homes.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Zittau?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the bathing season for swimming and water sports typically runs from May to September, with lifeguard supervision at designated areas. The trails around the lakes are excellent for cycling, skating, and hiking throughout the year, offering beautiful natural views in every season.
Are there running trails available around the lakes?
Yes, the area provides several running trails. You can find routes like the 'Lake Olbersdorf – Lake Olbersdorf loop' or the 'Narrow-Gauge Railway Station – Olbersdorfer See loop'. More running options are detailed in the Running Trails around Zittau guide.
How can I access the lakes using public transport or find parking?
For Olbersdorfer See, a stop for the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway is approximately 1 km away, connecting to routes like Zittau - Jonsdorf or Zittau - Kurort Oybin. Parking is generally available at the larger lakes. It's advisable to check local information for specific public transport routes and parking facilities for each lake.
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