Top 20 Lakes in Upper Franconia
Best lakes in Upper Franconia are found within this region of Bavaria, Germany, offering diverse recreational opportunities. The landscape features several notable aquatic destinations, including artificially created storage ponds and natural lakes. Many of these locations serve as popular spots for outdoor activities and provide access to surrounding natural areas. Upper Franconia's lakes are appreciated for their blend of natural beauty and amenities.
Best lakes in Upper Franconia
- The most popular lakes is Fichtel Lake, a lake that is a 10.5 hectare artificially created storage pond with a natural outdoor pool. It features facilities for boating, a lawn for relaxation, a children's playground, sports fields, and circular trails.
- Another must-see spot is Ponds at the former Klumpermühle, a lake with several trout ponds along the path and the Weihersbach. This location is notable for its historical context and serves as a relaxed valley setting.
- Visitors also love Untreusee, a lake with a beach and various facilities. It is a significant recreational lake near Hof, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Upper Franconia is known for recreational lakes, artificial ponds, and lakes that serve as starting points for hiking trails. These bodies of water offer a variety of experiences, from swimming and boating to tranquil walks and access to natural reserves.
- The lakes in Upper Franconia are appreciated by the komoot community. The region features more than 640 highlights, with over 3100 upvotes and more than 2000 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Fichtel Lake
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Karchesweiher
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Ponds at the former Klumpermühle
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North Shore of Fichtelsee
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It is great to cycle around the lake. In summer it invites you to go swimming or boating. In winter you can ice skate on an ice rink on the shore of the Fichtelsee. What's particularly cool is that the ice is illuminated and you can rent ice skates on site. Here in the north of the lake begins the Seelohe nature reserve, where you will find typical raised moor vegetation.
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Untreusee
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Lake Weißenstadt
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Weißenstadt Lake
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Kieswäsch Lake (Mainaue Recreation Area)
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The lake also offers surfing and a designated area for fishing.
Toilets and a snack bar as well as a cafe are available directly at the lake. Parking spaces are available in sufficient numbers.
The lake area is 26 ha. The bathing area covers 3.5 ha.
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Fichtelsee dam and gauge house
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Rudufersee
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Swimming and the bathing beach are free, but there is a small fee for parking (3 euros per day, 1 euro for two hours)
Tents and camping are also permitted at the Rudufersee. However, this must be applied for at the local authority. Tents are only permitted at the designated fire pits, and mobile homes may only be parked in the car park.
Source:
br.de/franken/inhalt/heimat/Rudufersee100.html
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Tips from the Community
Kieswäsch Lake is the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation just outside Kulmbach. Surrounded by meadows, the lake offers something for everyone: a level circular path invites you to stroll and hike. Those looking for more exercise will find excellent fitness equipment on a modern course. Large sunbathing lawns and a sandy beach at the lake create a true holiday atmosphere. For refreshments, there's a cozy beer garden right by the water.
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I always feel comfortable at Lake Weißenstadt.
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A welcome refreshment on hot days.
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A very beautiful local recreation area with many leisure activities, a hotel and a pub with a beer garden.
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The most beautiful part of the cycle path here.
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The Rudufer bathing lake offers a (small) sandy beach and a non-swimmer area with a flat shore. Sun loungers and pedal boats can be rented from a rental shop. When the weather is nice, a kiosk with a terrace café is open from 1 p.m. There are also sanitary facilities. Swimming and the bathing beach are free, but there is a small fee for parking (3 euros per day, 1 euro for two hours) Tents and camping are also permitted at the Rudufersee. However, this must be applied for at the local authority. Tents are only permitted at the designated fire pits, and mobile homes may only be parked in the car park. Source: https://www.br.de/franken/inhalt/heimat/Rudufersee100.html
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The balancing path in the spa park combines elements of varying levels of difficulty into one course. The project is intended to enable young and old people to exercise in the fresh air, train their sense of balance and improve their health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Upper Franconia are best for a variety of recreational activities?
For diverse recreational activities, Fichtel Lake is an excellent choice, offering boating, a natural outdoor pool, and circular trails. The Untreusee near Hof is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. Lake Weißenstadt is also highly regarded as a bathing lake with a paved route around it.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Upper Franconia?
Yes, many lakes in Upper Franconia are well-suited for families. Fichtel Lake features a children's playground and sports fields. The Untreusee and Lake Weißenstadt both offer beaches and various facilities for family enjoyment. Kieswäsch Lake (Mainaue Recreation Area) is also considered family-friendly, as is Karchesweiher, which has a restaurant nearby.
What kind of hiking opportunities are available around the lakes?
Several lakes offer excellent hiking. Fichtel Lake has popular circular trails, including groomed paths for winter hiking. Karchesweiher serves as a starting point for numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the region by visiting the Mountain Hikes in Upper Franconia guide.
Are there lakes suitable for swimming in Upper Franconia?
Absolutely. Fichtel Lake has a natural outdoor pool and is great for swimming, especially in summer. The Untreusee is a significant recreational lake known for swimming and sunbathing, featuring a beach. Lake Weißenstadt is also a very nice bathing lake, and Rudufersee also offers a beach for swimming.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes in Upper Franconia?
You'll find various cycling opportunities. For road cycling, consider routes like the 'Art and Lake Trail Trebgast' which offers views of Plassenburg Castle. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore routes such as the 'Franconian Castles and Breweries Loop'. For more options, check out the Road Cycling Routes in Upper Franconia and Gravel biking in Upper Franconia guides.
Which lakes have good facilities or amenities nearby?
Fichtel Lake is well-equipped with facilities for boating, a lawn, a children's playground, and sports fields. The Untreusee area includes a hotel and a pub with a beer garden. Karchesweiher has a restaurant and parking nearby, while Kieswäsch Lake also offers facilities and a cafe.
Are there any historical sites or unique natural features near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers both. Near Fichtel Lake, you can find the Fichtelsee dam and gauge house, and the North Shore of Fichtelsee is part of the Seelohe nature reserve with typical raised moor vegetation. The Ponds at the former Klumpermühle are notable for their historical context, being the site of an old mill and numerous trout ponds in a relaxed valley setting.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes in Upper Franconia?
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the tranquility and the well-maintained paths for walking and cycling. The community highlights the serene environment of places like Fichtel Lake and the pleasant atmosphere at Lake Weißenstadt, often describing them as ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Are there any lakes that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Lake Weißenstadt is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an ideal paved route around the lake. Kieswäsch Lake (Mainaue Recreation Area) also has wheelchair accessible facilities.
Can I visit the lakes in Upper Franconia during winter?
Yes, some lakes offer winter activities. Fichtel Lake is known for its beautiful trails in winter, with groomed paths for winter hiking. There's also an ice rink on the shore of Fichtelsee that is illuminated, where you can rent ice skates.
Are there lakes with viewpoints offering scenic vistas?
Many lakes provide scenic viewpoints. The North Shore of Fichtelsee is particularly recommended for its beautiful views, especially at sunset. Other lakes like Karchesweiher, Untreusee, and Lake Weißenstadt also feature viewpoints around their shores.
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