Top 5 Lakes around Hartberg

Several lakes in the Hartberg region are ideal for families. Greinis Lake offers an 8,500 m² swimming area, a children's pool, and a playground. Freizeitsee Großsteinbach, also known as Schachblumenwelt, is another excellent choice with a 20-meter-long water slide, paddle boats, and an adventure playground with a pirate ship. Stubenberg Lake features a family beach with a sandy area and a sunken pirate ship, along with amusement parks and a climbing park nearby.

Yes, the Hartberg region is home to significant natural protected areas. Hartberger Gmoos is the last large wetland in East Styria and a European protected area, offering a natural recreation area for numerous plant and animal species. Additionally, Großhart Natural Pond was declared a nature reserve in 1974, providing a protected landscape for leisurely walks.

Stubenberg Lake offers a wide array of activities. You can enjoy swimming in its warm waters, stroll along the promenade, or use the 3 km circular route for running, walking, or skating. There are also options for electric boat trips, pedal boats, and nearby amusement parks and a climbing park. For dining, numerous restaurants and kiosks are available.

You'll find several options for refreshments. The traditional Harter Teichschenke is located right on the shore of Harter Pond, serving local Styrian cuisine. At Freizeitsee Großsteinbach, the 'Strandgut' restaurant offers creative cuisine. Greinis Lake also has a café/restaurant, and Stubenberg Lake is surrounded by various restaurants and kiosks.

Yes, there are several walking opportunities. A 3 km circular route is popular around Stubenberg Lake. Harter Pond features scenic walking trails of approximately 2 kilometers. For a longer experience, you can explore the 1.5 km walk around Großhart Natural Pond. For more extensive hiking options in the region, check out our guide on Easy hikes around Hartberg.

Absolutely. The Feistritztalweg (R8) cycling path runs directly past Freizeitsee Großsteinbach, making it easily accessible for cyclists. You can also find cycling opportunities around Harter Pond. For a broader range of cycling routes, explore our guide on Cycling around Hartberg.

Großhart Natural Pond is unique for its historical significance and protected status. Built around the early 17th century, it was declared a nature reserve in 1974 by the Styrian state government. It offers a peaceful 1.5 km walk through a protected landscape.

Dogs are generally not permitted in the main bathing areas of Stubenberg Lake for hygiene reasons, with the exception of assistance dogs. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local regulations, especially in designated swimming or protected natural areas like Hartberger Gmoos, to ensure compliance with environmental protection rules.

The lakes offer diverse scenic views. Harter Pond, fed exclusively by rainwater, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape due to its elevated position. Großhart Natural Pond and Hartberger Gmoos also offer tranquil natural vistas, with the latter being a wetland rich in biodiversity.

Freizeitsee Großsteinbach, also known as Schachblumenwelt, is an excellent leisure destination due to its high water quality and extensive facilities. It features a children's pool, a 20-meter water slide, paddle boats, an adventure playground, beach volleyball courts, and a BMX track. It also has a terraced green arena for events and the 'Strandgut' restaurant.

The best time to visit the lakes around Hartberg largely depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal, especially for lakes like Stubenberg Lake and Freizeitsee Großsteinbach. For walking, cycling, and nature observation, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Yes, the region boasts unique natural features. Hartberger Gmoos is a significant wetland and European protected area, home to endangered species like the blue buffalo, kingfisher, and greater mouse-eared bat. The Neudauer Teiche are also known for their diverse birdlife, providing a peaceful environment for nature observation.