Best lakes around Happurg are situated in the Hersbrucker Alb, offering diverse recreational opportunities within a scenic natural landscape. The region features two primary bodies of water: the Happurger Stausee, an artificial reservoir, and the Happurger Baggersee, a groundwater-fed quarry lake. These lakes are surrounded by mountains like Houbirg, providing a setting for various outdoor activities. The area is known for its blend of natural beauty and accessible recreational facilities.
Last updated: August 11, 2026
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The lake is fed by the Happurger Bach and its left tributary, the Kainsbach. The Happurg pumped-storage power plant, which began operation in 1958 and is owned by Großkraftwerk Franken AG (later acquired by E.ON and now part of Uniper), used the lake as its lower reservoir. The associated upper reservoir is located on the Deckersberg. The lake's average size is approximately 55 hectares. The lake takes its name from the neighboring village of Happurg. It was built by the Nuremberg architect and Nuremberg Culture Prize winner Franz Reichel. As early as 1962, the upper reservoir drained through underground cavities and crevices into which the water from the upper reservoir seeped away. Following further seepage of the water supply, the power plant has been out of operation since January 2011. Renovation work was repeatedly postponed, and completion was initially planned for 2016. As early as 2013, the recommissioning was postponed to 2017 following the submission of the renovation report.
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Great lake with circular path and refreshment stop
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Beautiful circular walk around the lake
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Beautiful lake, ideal for walking around
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Thank you very much for the great tips. Makes you happy to do the tour.
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Thank you very much for the great tips. Makes you happy to do the tour.
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The lake, which was artificially created to generate energy, fits perfectly into the landscape and is a diversely used leisure and tourism destination in the region
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The Happurger Baggersee, located near the town of Happurg, is a popular bathing lake in the Hersbruck Alb region of Middle Franconia. The nearest towns are Hersbruck and Sulzbach-Rosenberg, but visitors from Nuremberg and Lauf also enjoy this small bathing lake. Swimmers and sunbathers meet at the Happurger Baggersee. The bathing lake (advertisement*) covers an area of 6 hectares and has a water depth of approximately 9 meters. There are beautiful lawns with trees around the lake, so there are also shady spots to be found in the summer. The lake's shore is often covered with bushes and trees, but in some places the lake is also accessible directly from the lawn. A small path for walkers and cyclists leads around the Happurger Baggersee, allowing you to completely circumnavigate the lake. https://wandern-essen.de/happurger-baggersee-badesee/
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The area offers several notable natural features and viewpoints. You can visit the View of Happurger See from Hohler Fels, which provides magnificent views of the Happurg reservoir and the surrounding area. Another significant spot is the View of Hohler Fels and the Happurg Reservoir, a spacious cave and rock formation with historical significance, located above Happurg.
Yes, the Happurger Stausee (reservoir) features a well-maintained circular path, approximately 5 kilometers long, ideal for walking, hiking, and cycling with picturesque views. The Happurg Reservoir Panorama Trail is a popular, well-paved route around the lake, offering rest spots and a history path from Happurg.
The Happurger Stausee is a popular spot for various water sports, including surfing and sailing, with dedicated entry points for boards and boats. Dragon boat training also takes place here. The Happurger Baggersee (quarry lake) is excellent for swimming and sunbathing, and diving is permitted with appropriate permits.
Yes, swimming is generally permitted in both lakes. The Happurger Baggersee is particularly known for its excellent and regularly monitored EU bathing water quality, making it a prime location for swimming and sunbathing, with a shallow area suitable for children. While some sources vary, bathing is generally allowed at the Happurger Stausee, which also has many bays for relaxation.
Absolutely. Both lakes offer family-friendly amenities. The Happurger Stausee has a small playground near the shore and the Happurg Reservoir Panorama Trail is considered family-friendly. The Happurger Baggersee features a shallow water area specifically for children, along with a kiosk, changing rooms, and public toilets, making it very convenient for families.
The area around the Happurger Stausee is rich in history. The Houbirg mountain, which overlooks the reservoir, is home to an ancient Celtic oppidum with preserved wall remains. The Hohler Fels cave, located above Happurg, has yielded finds from the Stone Age and Urnfield Age, registered as a ground monument. Further afield, Altdorf bei Nürnberg is a historic former university town worth visiting.
At the Happurger Stausee, you'll find benches for resting, and a café and restaurant called 'Seeterrassen' with lake views, along with a small playground. The Happurger Baggersee offers a kiosk with changing rooms and showers, public toilets, and a restaurant, ensuring a comfortable visit.
The Happurg lakes are attractive year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at the Happurger Baggersee. The circular path around the Happurger Stausee is popular for walking and cycling in spring, summer, and autumn. However, viewpoints like View of Happurger See from Hohler Fels can get very busy on summer weekends, so weekdays might be preferable for a quieter experience.
Yes, both lakes have dining options. The Happurger Stausee features the 'Seeterrassen' café and restaurant. The Happurger Baggersee has a kiosk and a restaurant known for its burgers. For accommodation, you would typically look in the nearby town of Happurg or surrounding villages.
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful natural setting, the diverse recreational opportunities, and the excellent water quality. The Happurg Reservoir Panorama Trail is loved for its scenic views and well-maintained path, while the Happurger Baggersee is highly recommended for its quiet bathing and family-friendly atmosphere. The historical significance of sites like the Houbirg also adds to the appeal.
Beyond water sports, the region offers extensive opportunities for hiking, running, and cycling. You can find various routes, including moderate running trails like the 'Swimming Area at Happurger See – Happurg Reservoir loop from Happurg' or cycling routes such as 'Happurg Reservoir – Alfeld Village loop from Happurg'. For more options, explore the guides for Running Trails around Happurg, Road Cycling Routes around Happurg, and Cycling around Happurg.
The Happurger Baggersee is conveniently located directly on a bike path, making it easily accessible for cyclists. For both lakes, public transport options to Happurg are available, and there are parking facilities near the Happurger Stausee for those arriving by car.


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