Top 19 Lakes around Gerstheim

The main aquatic destination directly in Gerstheim is the Plan d'eau de Gerstheim, also known as the Gravière de Gerstheim. It's popular for relaxation and recreation, especially for swimming during warmer months due to its excellent, regularly monitored water quality.

Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. The Plan d'eau de Gerstheim offers a pleasant setting for children to play and for everyone to enjoy the surroundings. Other family-friendly options include Taubergießen Floodplain, Lake Stegmatten, Vältinschollensee, Blaues Loch Pond in Taubergießen, and Fohlengarten Lake.

The region boasts diverse natural landscapes, including riparian forests, floodplains, and gravel pits. For instance, the Taubergießen Floodplain features sparkling water between trees, while Blaues Loch Pond in Taubergießen is known for its beautiful water and abundant wildlife, including many frogs. Fohlengarten Lake has a small overgrown island.

Yes, swimming is a popular activity. The Plan d'eau de Gerstheim is an official bathing site with supervised swimming typically available during summer. Lake Stegmatten is an artificially landscaped bathing lake, and Vältinschollensee (Meißenheimer gravel pit) is officially classified as a bathing place with excellent water quality. Fohlengarten Lake also invites swimming.

Yes, there are several options for walking and hiking. The Blaues Loch Pond in Taubergießen is near the flat and pleasant Orchideenweg, a 6.5 km route. Fohlengarten Lake offers hidden trails for walking around its perimeter. For more extensive options, you can explore running trails around Gerstheim, such as the 'Rhône–Rhine Canal – Rhine Canal Cycle Path loop from Gerstheim' (12.6 km, moderate) or the 'Obenheim lock loop from Gerstheim' (11.9 km, moderate). Find more details on the Running Trails around Gerstheim guide.

The area around Gerstheim offers various cycling routes. You can cycle through the riparian forests of the Rhine near the Taubergießen Floodplain. For specific routes, consider options like the 'Canal du Rhône au Rhin – Rhône–Rhine Canal loop from Gerstheim' (46.5 km, moderate) or the 'Elzwehr near Wittenweier – Rhinau–Kappel Ferry loop from Gerstheim' (31.6 km, easy). More routes are available in the Cycling around Gerstheim guide.

For the Plan d'eau de Gerstheim, there is a modest entrance fee, with reduced rates for children and free entry for those under 7 years old. Other natural lakes and bathing spots may have different access policies.

Facilities vary by lake. At the Plan d'eau de Gerstheim, you'll find a pleasant environment for recreation. Lake Stegmatten is well-equipped with a restaurant ('Haus am See'), public toilets, a drinking water dispenser, and showers. It also offers luggage boxes with sockets. Fohlengarten Lake has dixi toilets but is otherwise largely untouched.

The warmer months are ideal for swimming and water-based recreation at spots like the Plan d'eau de Gerstheim, where swimming is supervised. Spring is particularly beautiful for visiting natural areas like the Taubergießen Floodplain, when everything is not yet overgrown with lush greenery.

While popular spots are well-loved, the region's variety of natural lakes, floodplains, and gravel pits means there are always more secluded areas to discover. Fohlengarten Lake, for example, offers hidden trails around its perimeter for those looking for a quieter walk.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, the high water quality for swimming, and the opportunities for both relaxation and active recreation. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation, with over 660 upvotes and 216 photos shared across the various lake highlights, indicating a positive overall experience.