Best lakes around Butzbach offer diverse natural landscapes within the Wetterau region of Hesse. This area features a mix of historical sites and varied topography, including forests and open countryside. Many lakes here have origins in former mining activities or were created as water reservoirs. Butzbach serves as a central point for exploring these aquatic environments.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Butzbach.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
I can also recommend this place
0
0
Origin from the Wölfersheim opencast mine From 1937, the Braunkohlen-Schwel-Kraftwerk Hessen-Frankfurt AG (HEFRAG), a subsidiary of the Preußische Elektrizitäts AG (PREAG), operated several brown coal opencast mines in the Wetterau lignite mining area to supply the Wölfersheim opencast power plant. One of the first of these was the Wölfersheim opencast mine, right next to the power plant. After the fields there had been mined out in 1943, they were partially filled with waste and the area was recultivated. This left several remaining holes, which filled with groundwater over time. In addition to the largest, the Wölfersheimer See with 37 hectares, there are two smaller lakes a few hundred meters further east (Schwelteich in the Schwelteich nature reserve of Echzell) and to the north (Heldteich). Overall, the water areas take up less than half of the former open-cast mine.
7
0
The Wölfersheimer See is a lake east of the Hesse town of Wölfersheim. At almost 40 hectares, the lake is the largest in the Wetterau. It was created as an opencast mine residue lake after the closure of the Wölfersheim lignite opencast mine. It was later used as a cooling pond for the Wölfersheim power plant. Today it serves as a natural area, as a sailing area, as a fishing area and for local recreation. Swimming is prohibited. The lake (2023) no longer contains oxygen from a depth of two and a half meters; According to the State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology, the phosphate content is 15 to 20 times higher than is acceptable for inland water.
7
0
Here a beautiful path leads along the ponds towards Dorf-Güll, easy to drive and beautiful views.
4
0
Lake Peter is the larger of the three ponds in the forest between Lich and the monastery forest… The ponds are managed by the Wölfersheim fishing club and have a healthy, high fish population. Unfortunately, the “leisure pressure” is very high, so the (hiking) paths around the lakes and the associated high volume of vehicles in the parking lots are correspondingly high... and that in every season, so Lake Peter is a popular ice skating hotspot in winter .. It's a bit incomprehensible that the city of Lich has removed the wastebaskets in the parking lots and around the lake...😳😳
6
0
Both ponds are barrier-free almost everywhere and are therefore suitable for wheelchairs. The viewing platforms are also wheelchair accessible..👍
9
0
The first source reports about the pond date from 1610. In the 18th century, water pipes ran from the Hattsteinweiher to the city center of Usingen. Its name comes from the Lords of Hattstein, who were burgraves in Usingen in the 15th century. In the mid-1970s, the city undertook a fundamental redesign and renovation. Camping operations were stopped and a sandy beach was created on the west side. As the smallest bathing area in Hesse, the Hattsteinweiher is still a popular tourist destination today. Even Elvis Presley, the King of Rock'n Roll, sought peace and refuge from the ever-present fans in front of his house in August 1959 during his military service in the US Army in Friedberg. Elvis visited the Hattsteinweiher on or around the first anniversary of the death of his beloved mother Gladys. At this time he was suffering from a lot of mental stress, his mood was correspondingly depressed and he wanted to avoid all hustle and bustle as much as possible. Although he was not entirely successful, Elvis still came to the Hattsteinweiher several times, especially since it was not far from his 'Army Home' Friedberg/Bad Nauheim. The 'King's' visits ensured that the bathing area became much more well-known and the Hattsteinweiher is now of historical importance, at least for millions of Elvis fans. With its size of 1.6 hectares, it is the largest pond in the Hintertaunus, next to the Meerpfuhl. It is an artificially created body of water that is fed by a spring stream from the Stockheimer Bach and technically extracted spring water.
7
0
The lakes around Butzbach are diverse, often originating from former mining activities like lignite or opencast mining, or created as historical water reservoirs. You'll find a mix of quiet natural biotopes and popular bathing spots, set within the varied topography of the Wetterau region.
Yes, several lakes are noted as family-friendly. For instance, Hattsteinweiher is a popular bathing lake with a sandy beach, ideal for families. Grube Fernie Lake and Wölfersheimer See are also categorized as family-friendly, offering spaces for relaxation and walks, though swimming is restricted at the latter two.
Swimming is permitted in some lakes, such as the popular Hattsteinweiher, which even features a sandy beach. However, swimming is forbidden at others, including Grube Fernie Lake and Wölfersheimer See, which are primarily for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Absolutely. Hattsteinweiher has a rich history, with reports dating back to 1610, and was even visited by Elvis Presley. The Meerpfuhl Pond, an artificially created water reservoir from centuries ago, is a listed cultural monument with mentions from 1550.
The area around Butzbach's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the Wetterau Lake District cycling paths near Wölfersheimer See. For more structured routes, explore the Cycling around Butzbach guide, the Road Cycling Routes around Butzbach, or the Running Trails around Butzbach for nearby trails.
Grube Fernie Lake is known for its quiet atmosphere, making it suitable for a peaceful break. The Meerpfuhl Pond, while historically significant, is also appreciated as a great biotope, offering a serene natural environment.
The lakes are often natural biotopes, supporting diverse flora and fauna. The Meerpfuhl Pond, for example, was once considered ecologically very important with rare plants and animals. While some ecosystems have faced challenges, the general area provides opportunities to enjoy nature, especially around the quieter spots.
Yes, some lakes offer facilities. Hattsteinweiher has a restaurant, and near Wölfersheimer See, you can find a 'beer garden' at the football golf course. Petersee near Lich also has tables and benches for resting.
Many lakes are excellent for walking. Grube Fernie Lake is popular for walks, though paths might be split, making them suitable for mountain biking or touring. Petersee near Lich also has well-used hiking paths around it.
Visitors frequently praise the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for relaxation. The quiet atmosphere of places like Grube Fernie Lake, the popular bathing experience at Hattsteinweiher, and the cycling routes around Wölfersheimer See are often highlighted.
While not explicitly detailed for all lakes, Petersee near Lich is mentioned as a popular ice skating hotspot in winter, indicating its suitability for cold-weather enjoyment when conditions allow.


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