Best lakes around Fürsteneck are situated in a region defined by the Ilz River, often referred to as the "Black Pearl" for its dark water. This area, known as "Ilztal & Dreiburgenland," features a landscape of floodplains, hills, granite formations, and forests. The Ilz River is recognized as the last wild river in Eastern Bavaria, maintaining an untamed character. Fürsteneck serves as a base for exploring this riverine environment, which offers opportunities for nature observation and active recreation.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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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 former quarry is also vividly described at https://www.sehenswerter-bayerischer-wald.de/steinbruch-buechlberg-wandern-see.html
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The former Büchlberg granite quarry with lake is an important geosite. Fine- to medium-grained two-mica granite (equivalent to Hauzenberger Granite I) was mined from 1880 until after Carl Kerber's death in 1961 in the former Kerberbruch quarry on the Büchlberg. The rock, which is grayish-white when fresh, has a slightly yellowish tinge. The outcrop walls show signs of weathering to varying depths. Büchlberg granite was used as natural stone in buildings such as Nuremberg Central Station, the spiral staircase of the Germanisches Museum in Nuremberg, and the Walhalla in Regensburg. The stone was also traded internationally, for example in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. The granite quarry, surrounded on all sides by the remaining walls and with a lake at its lowest level, is a natural monument and is located in a landscape conservation area. It now serves as a recreational area. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=275A032
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A wonderful idyll at the former sawmill! The old shed and the mill building are now lovingly furnished holiday apartments where you can relax. There are bathing areas at the pond and also at the stream. The small chapel is also worth a visit.
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Unfortunately, swimming is forbidden here 😔 but you can enjoy the peace and quiet here 😍☺️
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Unique idyll by the creek
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The region around Fürsteneck is characterized by the Ilz River, often called the “Black Pearl.” While not known for large natural lakes, you'll discover a variety of smaller bodies of water, including natural ponds, mill ponds, and reservoirs. These offer diverse environments for recreation and are often nestled within the picturesque Ilz Valley.
Yes, several spots are great for swimming. Dreiburgensee features a specially created sandy beach, making it a worthwhile detour. For a family-friendly option, Saldenburg Mill Pond offers pure bathing fun with a zip line, footbridge, and a large lawn for sunbathing.
For pure nature and a relaxing atmosphere, Buchwies Pond is highly recommended. It's a small bathing pond appreciated for its tranquility, perfect for recharging your batteries.
Families will find several great options. Saldenburg Mill Pond is an adventure bathing lake with a zip line, a play ship for children, and a large lawn. Dreiburgensee also has a sandy beach ideal for family swimming. Even the Kerber Quarry Lake, a natural monument, serves as a recreational area.
Absolutely! The Ilz Valley, where many of these water bodies are located, is excellent for hiking. For instance, the Buchberger Reservoir is part of the Buchberger Leite, a fantastic hiking destination where trails run almost exclusively along the river. You can find many more routes in the Hiking around Fürsteneck guide.
The Ilz River, known as the 'Black Pearl,' is the last wild river in Eastern Bavaria, offering a largely untamed character. It flows through a picturesque landscape of floodplains, lush hills, granite formations, and forests. The Ilz Valley provides numerous hiking and cycling trails, such as the famous Ilztalwanderweg, and is a central feature of the 'Ilztal & Dreiburgenland' region.
Yes, the region offers options for refreshment and accommodation. For example, the Schrottenbaummühle, located on the banks of the Ilz, is a guesthouse, restaurant, and campsite, providing a perfect base for hikers and cyclists to enjoy Bavarian delicacies and the riverside atmosphere.
The Ilz Valley and its surrounding lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in fall. Summer is ideal for swimming and enjoying the beaches at spots like Dreiburgensee or Saldenburg Mill Pond. Even winter can be charming for quiet walks along the river.
Yes, the Kerber Quarry Lake (Büchlberg Quarry Lake) is an important geosite. It's a former granite quarry that is now a natural monument and recreational area, showcasing fine- to medium-grained granite. The Ilz River itself, with its granite rock formations and untouched character, is a significant natural feature.
The region offers various cycling routes, including road cycling. You can find routes that provide views of the Alps or along the Ohetal Cycle Path. For more details and specific routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Fürsteneck guide.
Visitors frequently praise the pure nature and relaxing atmosphere, especially at places like Buchwies Pond. The family-friendly bathing options, like those at Saldenburg Mill Pond with its amenities, are also highly valued. The overall untouched character of the Ilz River and its scenic beauty for hiking are consistently highlighted.


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