Lakes around Schleusingen offer diverse natural bathing spots and reservoirs within the Thuringian Forest. The region features picturesque water bodies nestled amidst wooded mountains and valleys. These areas provide opportunities for recreation, from tranquil fishing to active water sports. Schleusingen's surroundings are characterized by a mix of natural ponds and man-made reservoirs, serving various purposes including flood protection and drinking water supply.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
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Fore-dam of the Schönbrunn drinking water reservoir 🙂
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Circumnavigation of the dam, well developed.
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It is simply fantastic what has been created here. The unsuspecting hiker will surely be very pleasantly surprised to see this. If you plan the tour directly here, you will experience a real highlight.
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A beautiful but quite small dam. It is somewhat hidden, so you are relatively undisturbed here.
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Here at the end of the Erletor dam you can find the inlet of the Finstere Erle. This mainly fills the dam for drinking water supply. You can also continue to follow the Finsterer Erle via the groom's path and thus reach the heights in the direction of Wegscheide.
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Natural tributary of the Erletor dam, very quiet, idyllic spot
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At this point, the Finstere Erle flows into the dam. This is also fed by several springs that are located on the groom's path further up.
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Since we were lucky with the weather, the photos were quite acceptable. But all in all, the approx. 15 km long circular route unfortunately has nothing earth-shattering to offer along the way.
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For a peaceful experience, consider visiting Dreisbachteich, an idyllic pond in a narrow meadow valley where you might see Galloway cattle grazing. Another tranquil option is Speicher Roth II, known for its serene setting and excellent fishing opportunities.
Yes, the Talsperre Ratscher (also known as Bergsee Ratscher) is a prominent recreational area offering designated swimming areas, including FKK (nudist) sunbathing. It's set to fully reopen for the 2026 season from May 1st. Another great option is Waldbad Stützerbach, a natural swimming pool with pristine spring water, a new sand beach, and sun loungers, located about 16.2 km north of Schleusingen.
Waldbad Stützerbach is an excellent choice for families, offering a chlorine-free swimming experience, minigolf, a children's playground, and a snack bar. The Dreisbachteich is also family-friendly, providing a peaceful spot for a leisurely visit. For a more active day, Talsperre Ratscher features a giant waterslide and camping facilities.
Speicher Roth II is a popular spot for anglers, known for its variety of fish species including carp, pike, zander, tench, roach, and rudd. The Ten Ponds, while primarily a trout farm, offer a unique setting to observe fish and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Absolutely. The Schönbrunn Reservoir is deeply embedded between valleys, making it ideal for hiking. You can find various routes, such as the 'View of the Schönbrunn Reservoir – Schönbrunn Reservoir loop from Schleusingen', which is a difficult MTB trail but also suitable for experienced hikers. For more hiking options, explore the Running Trails around Schleusingen guide, which includes routes near the lakes.
Talsperre Ratscher is a great destination for water sports, offering opportunities for surfing, with a surfing school available. It also has designated swimming areas for general bathing.
The Ten Ponds are a series of terraced ponds, formerly used for laundry and now serving as a trout farm, offering a cool, refreshing place to rest. The Dragonfly Pond is a small pond nestled within the Thuringian Forest Nature Park, providing a glimpse into the local ecosystem.
At Waldbad Stützerbach, dogs are not permitted to swim and must be kept on a leash within the premises. For other lake areas, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and check specific regulations for each location to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
Speicher Roth II offers a tranquil setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful day of fishing away from larger crowds. The Erletor Reservoir is another nice, little idyllic dam near Hirschbach, often appreciated for its quiet beauty, especially in autumn.
Visitors frequently praise the idyllic and peaceful atmosphere of spots like Dreisbachteich. Many appreciate the refreshing nature of the water bodies, with some highlights like the Ten Ponds offering cool spots for a footbath after a hike. The scenic beauty, especially in autumn around the Erletor Reservoir, is also highly valued.
Yes, there are several cycling routes that pass by or around the lakes. For mountain biking, you can find routes like the 'Todtenlache Wetland – Lake Ratscher loop from Schleusingen' in the MTB Trails around Schleusingen guide. If you prefer gravel biking, the Gravel biking around Schleusingen guide offers routes such as the 'View of the Schönbrunn Reservoir – Schönbrunn Reservoir loop from Schleusingen'.
If you're willing to travel a bit further, Schönsee in the Wartburgkreis (about 46.2 km from Schleusingen) is a popular bathing lake with excellent spring-fed water quality and a campsite. Another option is Badesee Goßmannsdorf (roughly 43.6 km from Schleusingen), known for its clear, high-quality water, a covered barbecue area, and green spaces for sunbathing.


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