Best lakes around Neukirchen vorm Wald are found within the picturesque Dreiburgenland region of Lower Bavaria, nestled in the Bavarian Forest. This area is characterized by a natural landscape featuring several notable water bodies, including lakes and rivers. While large natural lakes are not directly within the municipality, easily accessible destinations like Eginger See and Dreiburgensee, along with the scenic Ilz River, are nearby. The region offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities centered around its aquatic features.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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Popular around Neukirchen vorm Wald
The Dreiburgensee, formerly known as the Rothauer See, lies between the climatic health resort of Thurmansbang and Tittling in the Bavarian Forest. It was named after the surrounding Ilz Valley and Dreiburgenland, including Saldenburg Castle, Englburg Castle, and Fürstenstein Castle. The lake was first documented in 1703. It had been created shortly before as a fish farm by Lieutenant Field Marshal Max Josef Graf von Tauffkirchen zu Guttenburg. The dammed lake, with a length of 700 m and a maximum width of 200 m, has a surface area of 8 hectares and a maximum depth of 7 m. The border between the districts of Passau and Freyung-Grafenau runs across the lake. A roughly 2 km circular path along the lake's shore invites you to take leisurely strolls. In summer, the Dreiburgensee is a popular bathing spot with restaurants, hotels, and sunbathing lawns. In winter, you can ice skate and play curling on the frozen lake. Beavers have also been living at the lake for several years. By building a large dam at the lake's inlet, they have created a biotope of approximately 6 hectares, where rare bird species such as the black stork and the great egret can be seen. The Bavarian Forest Museum Village, one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, is located directly on the lake. https://www.bayerischer-wald.de/attraktion/dreiburgensee-1edb7f4942
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Lake Saldenburger See is a true gem in the Bavarian Forest – a small but beautiful adventure lake that charmingly combines tranquility, play, and the enjoyment of nature. With approximately 5,000 m² of water, a maximum depth of 2.5 to 3 meters, and a lovingly landscaped setting, it is especially popular with families and hikers. What makes the lake special are its features: A zip line to the island inspires a sense of adventure. A beached pirate ship invites children to let off steam. A jetty with a platform, sundeck, and lawns offer space for relaxation. A beach volleyball court, changing rooms, and restrooms round out the offerings. Access is free, and the water quality is regularly checked – ideal for hot summer days or spontaneous excursions. Anglers also get their money's worth: With day tickets (May–September), you can fish for brown trout, tench, or char from the shore – although there are closed seasons and catch limits. In winter, weather permitting, the lake transforms into a curling rink, complete with rentals. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Dreiburgenland region, with a view of Saldenburg Castle, the lake is idyllically situated between meadows and forests. The Weiherstraße road leads directly to the parking lot – and from there, it's just a few steps to the water. https://www.ostbayern-tourismus.de/attraktionen/badesee-12848e9daf
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The view over the dam onto the water, you just want to go on a boat trip here - it's so beautiful.
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At the western end of the dam there is a beautiful lawn where you can swim. If you cross the dam and follow the narrow hiking path on the east side after the turnstile for about 1km, you will reach a small meadow. There you can also sunbathe naked in peace. When I visited in August 2024 there were only a few visitors and it was wonderfully quiet and relaxed.
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The dam is a gravity dam 19 m high and 110 m long. The Oberilzmühle power plant on the Ilz produces around 13 million kWh annually with a nominal output of 3.4 MW
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It's great to walk the path here and have water on both sides. Interestingly, the fish ponds are located slightly higher than the Ilz.
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Super nice here, you feel like in Sweden.
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Is right on the Goldsteig and is nice to look at
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For swimming and diverse recreational activities, Eginger See is a highly popular natural bathing lake with a sandy beach, pedal boating, and stand-up paddling. Another excellent choice is Dreiburgensee, which also offers swimming, a sandy beach, and boat rentals. The Saldenburg Mill Pond is an adventure bathing lake featuring a zip line to an island and a large sunbathing lawn.
Yes, several lakes offer great options for families. Eginger See provides a playground, a wave water slide, and a granite water landscape with paddling pools. The Dreiburgensee has a sandy beach ideal for children, and the Saldenburg Mill Pond is designed as an adventure bathing lake with a play ship and a low water zone for beginners.
The region is rich in natural beauty. The Ilz River, known as the 'Black Pearl of Bavaria,' offers unspoiled natural beauty with floodplain forests and granite walls. Around Dreiburgensee, you can find a significant beaver dam creating a biotope home to rare bird species like the black stork. The Eginger See is encircled by a hiking trail with information boards about local flora and fauna.
Absolutely. The Ilz valley offers extensive opportunities for hiking, with the Ilztalwanderweg being a particularly famous route along the river's banks. There is also a 2 km long circular path along the banks of the Dreiburgensee, perfect for leisurely strolls. You can find many hiking options in the area, including those listed in the Lakes around Neukirchen vorm Wald guide.
The Ilz valley provides excellent cycling opportunities along its banks. For more structured routes, you can explore various cycling tours around Neukirchen vorm Wald. For example, the Cycling around Neukirchen vorm Wald guide includes routes like the 'Rail Trail Near Stolzing – Dreiburgensee loop'.
Yes, fishing is possible in some water bodies with a valid permit. Eginger See is known for species like pike, zander, carp, char, and trout. Fly fishing is also a popular activity in certain sections of the Ilz River.
Near the Dreiburgensee, you'll find the Museumsdorf Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest Open-Air Museum), one of Europe's largest open-air museums. The Ilz River also has historical significance, with remnants like the 'Triftsperre Holzbrücke' (timber rafting barrier wooden bridge) serving as points of interest from its past importance in timber rafting.
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty of the lakes. The Dreiburgensee is often described as 'always worth a detour' and a 'beautiful small lake for swimming.' The Oberilzmühle Reservoir is appreciated for its 'great, large lounge area' and 'unbelievable tranquility,' making it an insider tip for peace seekers.
The Ilz Dam and Fish Ladder offers a beautiful view over the dam onto the water. The Dreiburgensee provides scenic views along its circular path, and the Oberilzmühle Reservoir is known as a recreation area with picturesque spots by the river.
The lakes are popular throughout the year, offering different experiences. Summer is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports at Eginger See and Dreiburgensee. In winter, if the ice is thick enough, both lakes are used for ice skating and curling. Spring and autumn are excellent for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery along the Ilz River and lake paths.
While specific dog-friendly swimming areas are not explicitly detailed for all lakes, many hiking trails around the Ilz River and the circular paths around lakes like Dreiburgensee are suitable for walks with dogs. Always check local regulations regarding dogs in bathing areas.
The area around Eginger See includes a restaurant and beer garden. While not explicitly listed for every lake, the surrounding municipalities like Eging am See and Neukirchen vorm Wald offer various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. The Saldenburg Mill Pond has a kiosk for snacks.


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