Best lakes around Pressig are found in the broader Kronach district, a region situated between the Franconian Forest and the Thuringian Forest Nature Park in Bavaria, Germany. While Pressig is known for its hiking opportunities, the surrounding area offers several notable water bodies and recreational areas. These natural water bodies near Pressig Germany provide diverse outdoor experiences.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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This is the former Lehesten roofing slate opencast mine. Its dimensions alone are impressive; along with the nearby Oertelsbruch, it was one of the largest slate quarries on the continent (approximately 800 m long, 300 m wide, and up to 80 m deep). Source: Wikipedia
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Very beautiful idyllic lake
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A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.
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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary industrial complex, located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve. 170 Red List species have now been confirmed to have settled in this partially inaccessible area.
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The Göpel shaft system, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble and the trademark of the slate park. The Göpel shaft system was built around 1850, five years after the open-cast mine opened. On the north-west edge of the now closed and flooded roofing slate open-cast mine, the Göpel shaft was used to lift mined slate rock and thus stabilize the production flow. The rock was transported to the adjacent double-slitting hut and processed.
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Beautiful views around the dam.
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Be sure to visit and take enough time with you.
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Small idyll. A bench or other seating would be cool. A board on a hut provides information about the local tradition of carp ponds. The 10km Frankenwaldsteigla Green Belt passes here.
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While Pressig itself is known for hiking, the broader Kronach district offers several notable water bodies. Popular choices include the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, a unique historical quarry lake with clear water and a nature reserve, and the Ködel Reservoir, an impressive water body with good walkable paths.
Yes, the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site is an extraordinary industrial complex that provides insight into the history of slate mining. It's located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines. Additionally, the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble.
The area around Pressig's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and inline skating, especially around the Ködel Reservoir, which features an 11.5 km asphalt path. For more specific routes, explore the MTB Trails around Pressig, Cycling around Pressig, or Running Trails around Pressig guides.
Many of the sites around Pressig are family-friendly. The Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower and the southern end of the Ködeltalsperre offer easy, manageable circular tours suitable for families. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site is also categorized as family-friendly, offering an educational experience.
Swimming is generally restricted in many of the larger reservoirs, such as the Ködel Reservoir, as they serve as drinking water sources. However, for a refreshing and environmentally friendly swimming experience, consider the Naturerlebnisbad Nordhalben. This unique natural adventure pool avoids chemicals for water treatment, using regeneration pools to filter the water naturally.
Yes, the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower and the main Ködel Reservoir itself feature good walkable and asphalted paths, making them suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and inline skating. The 11.5 km circular path around the Ködeltalsperre is particularly well-suited for this.
The Ködel Reservoir, also known as the 'Mauthaus drinking water dam' or the 'Fjord of the Franconian Forest,' is one of Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoirs. It's special for its impressive size, tranquil natural setting, and the 11.5 km long asphalt path that encircles it, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, or inline skating while enjoying stunning views.
Yes, the Ölschnitzsee, near Steinbach am Wald, is an idyllic reservoir. It's a popular destination with a hut by the lake and a beautiful terrace, perfect for lingering. A circular path around the lake allows visitors to appreciate the nature of the Franconian Forest in a more intimate setting.
You can expect to see diverse natural landscapes, from the clear waters and unique rock formations of the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, which is also a nature reserve home to 170 Red List species, to the tranquil forest surroundings of the Ködel Reservoir and Ölschnitzsee. The region is nestled between the Franconian Forest and the Thuringian Forest Nature Park, offering lush greenery and scenic views.
Visitors frequently praise the clear water, the impressive tranquility, and the well-maintained paths that allow for various activities. The unique historical aspect of the slate quarries and the scenic beauty of the reservoirs, often referred to as the 'Fjord of the Franconian Forest,' are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the opportunity for easy circular walks and the stunning views.
While specific parking details for every lake are not provided, popular destinations like the Ködel Reservoir and the Lehesten Slate Quarry are generally equipped with visitor infrastructure, which typically includes parking facilities to accommodate hikers, cyclists, and other visitors.
Many natural areas in Germany, including walking paths around lakes, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. For specific regulations regarding dogs at individual sites like nature reserves or swimming areas, it's always best to check local signage or official websites.


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