Top 9 Lakes around Malsburg-Marzell

The region is known for its picturesque landscape, featuring rolling hills, dense forests, and clear rivers. The most prominent lake, Nonnenmatt Pond, is a distinctive moor lake famous for its floating peat islands and its status as a nature reserve. You'll also find natural swimming pools and amphibian breeding ponds, showcasing a diverse aquatic environment.

Yes, swimming is permitted in designated areas. Approximately half of the Nonnenmatt Pond is open for swimming, with a bathing bay separated by floating logs. Additionally, the Sulzburg Natural Swimming Pool offers a free, family-friendly option for a refreshing dip, complete with facilities.

Absolutely. The View of the Nonnenmattweiher and the Belchen from Weiherkopffelsen is highly recommended. From this rock, you get fantastic panoramic views of the Nonnenmattweiher and the distant Belchen mountain, offering a truly awesome perspective.

The area around the lakes, especially Nonnenmatt Pond, is a popular starting point for various hikes. You can enjoy a lovely walk around the pond itself, or embark on more challenging routes. For a comprehensive list of trails, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around Malsburg-Marzell guide, which includes routes like the 'Belchen Summit – Belchenhaus loop from Nonnenmattweiher'.

Yes, several spots are family-friendly. The Nonnenmatt Pond offers easy walks around its perimeter and a designated swimming area. The Sulzburg Natural Swimming Pool is also very suitable for families, providing a safe swimming environment, a lawn, and facilities. The Amphibian Breeding Pond Auggen is another natural monument that can be explored by families.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. While summer offers ideal conditions for swimming and can get crowded on weekends, visiting during the week often provides a more tranquil experience. The area is also stunning in winter, with the Nonnenmatt Pond offering great reflections and a serene atmosphere, though access might require a suitable vehicle if roads aren't cleared.

Yes, the Nonnenmatt Pond and its surrounding area were declared a nature reserve in 1987. This protection aims to preserve the region's unique cirque formation, high rock faces, and serve as a habitat for numerous rare and endangered animal and plant species. The front part of the lake itself is a nature reserve.

Beyond hiking, the region offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking and running. You can find various routes in the MTB Trails around Malsburg-Marzell guide, including routes like 'Nonnenmatt Pond – Hexenplatz Hut loop'. For runners, the Running Trails around Malsburg-Marzell guide provides options such as 'Blauen Pass – Stühlehütte Shelter loop'.

At the Sulzburg Natural Swimming Pool, you'll find a kiosk, showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a large lawn with shade. While the Nonnenmatt Pond area is more natural, there is often a fishing hut nearby where you might enjoy a drink or coffee.

Visitors frequently praise the serene beauty and tranquility, especially during weekdays. The unique floating peat islands of Nonnenmatt Pond are a particular highlight, as are the fantastic views from spots like the Weiherkopffelsen. The opportunity for refreshing swims and lovely hikes in an idyllic setting is also highly valued.

While specific public transport routes to every lake might be limited, the Nonnenmatt Pond has a parking lot in its immediate vicinity. However, during winter, the access road to this parking lot may not be cleared, so a suitable vehicle (e.g., all-wheel drive) is advisable. Always park respectfully.

The Map of Nonnenmattweiher Nature Reserve provides some historical context. The lake, formed in a glacial cirque, was once a high moor. It was later dammed for milling and fish breeding, leading to the formation of its famous floating peat islands. The name 'Nonnenmattweiher' itself is said to be linked to fattening cows, known as 'nuns', that grazed on the meadows before the dam's construction.