Top 20 Lakes around Nittenau
Best lakes around Nittenau are found within the Oberpfälzer Seenland, offering diverse recreational activities and natural beauty. Many of these lakes originated from former brown coal mining areas, now transformed into popular destinations. The region provides opportunities for water sports, cycling, hiking, and relaxation. These bodies of water contribute significantly to the appeal of Nittenau and the wider area.
Best lakes around Nittenau
- The most popular lakes is Lake Steinberg, a lake that serves as a hub for water sports, including wakeboarding and waterskiing with four cable cars. A well-maintained circular path around the lake is suitable for cyclists, hikers, and those seeking relaxation.
- Another must-see spot is View of Lake Murnersee, a viewpoint. An easy-to-navigate cycle path leads around the lake, featuring information boards about the lake and its history.
- Visitors also love Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee, a restaurant. Located directly on the Hammerseerundweg, it offers a beer garden with views of Hammersee, providing a stop for refreshments after a walk or hike.
- Nittenau is known for its former mining lakes and recreation areas. Visitors can find large lakes for water sports, smaller lakes for tranquil walks, and dedicated bathing spots.
- The lakes around Nittenau are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1000 upvotes and 150 photos shared across 4 highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Lake Steinberg
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View of Lake Murnersee
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Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee
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Adventure Sphere at Steinberger Lake
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Erlebnispark Steinberg am See Observation Tower
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If you want to go down with the carpet slide, then you have to think about your carpet when you climb up. There is none above. You have to carry it up with you.
Still very interesting to know:
On the way up there are a few stations where you can put your skill/balance to the test (but can also be bypassed).
Arrived at the bottom:
There are also 4 ball tracks here. The balls can be bought in the restaurant for €2.50. There are two lanes per ball track that you can compete against each other. The wooden balls have a logo which is also a nice souvenir.
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Tips from the Community
Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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The inMotion PARK on Lake Steinberger is an extraordinary experience and offers a special highlight with the world's largest walk-in wooden adventure ball. From a height of 40m you can enjoy the wonderful view over the lake district from the viewing platform. Since the beginning of 2019, an almost 750m long path has led up to the special leisure attraction on the largest lake in Eastern Bavaria. You can go down the same way or via the 80m long giant slide. There are over 30 adventure stations, 2 suspension bridges and two outdoor balcony circular paths on the circular route.
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The Steinberg Lake, together with the Murner Lake, forms the heart of the region and offers everything that water sports enthusiasts, those seeking relaxation, cyclists, hikers or recreational athletes need. A well-developed and pleasant path leads around Lake Steinberg, and display and information boards have been set up everywhere and bring the region, nature and history closer.
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Very nice, interesting and easy-to-drive circular route around Lake Murner. Many well-made information boards, a barefoot path, the tertiary forest and the observation tower are, among other things, the highlights on the circuit. There is always a beautiful view over the lake and the adjacent ponds.
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An easy-to-drive cycle path leads around the lake. Be careful, the path is often shared with pedestrians. The signposting of the path is very well done and there are always information boards about the lake, the surrounding area and history.
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Great route with enough space for hikers and bicycles
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Make a reservation on Sundays if the weather is nice if you want to sit on the terrace. We had to enjoy the Käsespätzle inside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I enjoy around the lakes near Nittenau?
The lakes around Nittenau offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing at places such as the Wild Wake Park, Lake Steinberger. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are numerous cycling and hiking paths. For example, a well-maintained circular path around Lake Steinberg is ideal for cyclists and hikers. You can find detailed routes for various sports in the area, including cycling and running. Explore more options in the Cycling around Nittenau and Running Trails around Nittenau guides.
Are there family-friendly lakes or attractions in the Nittenau area?
Yes, several lakes and attractions are great for families. Lake Steinberg is particularly family-friendly, featuring a leisure park and the unique Adventure Sphere at Steinberger Lake, which offers a 750-meter-long path, an 80-meter giant slide, and over 30 adventure stations. The Sandoase Sulzbach is another excellent choice, providing a small bathing beach, sandy play areas, and a beach volleyball court, perfect for a casual family day by the water.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or natural features around the Nittenau lakes?
The region is rich in scenic spots. The Adventure Sphere at Steinberger Lake offers panoramic views of the lake district from a height of 40 meters. Additionally, the View of Lake Murnersee provides beautiful vistas, and its circular path includes information boards about the lake and its natural surroundings. Many of the lakes, like Murner See, are known for their clear, blue waters and diverse freshwater vegetation, offering interesting underwater landscapes for divers.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Nittenau?
The lakes around Nittenau are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn, when water sports, cycling, and hiking are most popular. The region's natural beauty is vibrant during these seasons. While specific winter activities are less detailed, the circular paths around lakes like Hammersee can still offer tranquil walks during cooler periods.
Are there any historical aspects or unique origins associated with the lakes in this region?
Yes, many of the lakes in the Oberpfälzer Seenland, including Steinberger See, Murner See, and Brückelsee, originated from former brown coal mining areas. These industrial sites have been successfully transformed into popular recreational destinations. This history adds a unique dimension, with remnants of the mining past sometimes visible, even underwater for divers, offering an interesting blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage.
Can I find places to eat or drink with lake views near Nittenau?
Absolutely. The Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee is a great option. Located directly on the Hammerseerundweg, it features a beautiful beer garden with views of Hammersee, perfect for enjoying food and drinks after a walk or hike. Other lakes often have kiosks or restaurants nearby, especially at popular spots like Lake Steinberg.
Are there easy walking routes around the lakes suitable for all abilities?
Yes, many lakes offer easy and well-maintained circular paths. For instance, the path around Lake Steinberg is suitable for those seeking relaxation, and the cycle path around Murner See is easy to navigate and often shared with pedestrians. The Hammerseerundweg around Hammersee is also a pleasant option for walks and hikes, offering a tranquil escape.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted around the Nittenau lakes?
The lakes, particularly Murner See, are known for their diverse freshwater ecosystems. Divers can encounter various fish species such as perch, pike, carp, and catfish. The surrounding natural areas also provide habitats for local birdlife and other small animals, especially in less developed sections of the lake shores and nearby forests.
Are there opportunities for swimming or bathing at the lakes?
Yes, several lakes offer excellent opportunities for swimming and bathing. Murner See is known for its clear, blue waters and has some wild bathing areas. The Sandoase Sulzbach provides a dedicated small bathing beach, making it a convenient and family-friendly spot for swimming and sunbathing. The continually improving water quality of lakes like Steinberger See also makes them popular for water activities.
How accessible are the lakes by public transport or car, and are there parking options?
While specific public transport details vary, the lakes in the Oberpfälzer Seenland are generally well-connected and accessible, especially by car. Popular lakes like Steinberger See and Murner See have established infrastructure, including parking options for visitors. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes if relying on public transport, but driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the region.
Which lake is best for water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing?
For water sports enthusiasts, Lake Steinberg is the premier destination. It's a hub for activities like wakeboarding and waterskiing, featuring four cable cars at the Wild Wake Park, Lake Steinberger. The lake also offers a sailing school and boat rental services, making it ideal for a variety of aquatic adventures.
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