Top 20 Lakes around Handthal
Lakes around Handthal are found in the Steigerwald region of Lower Franconia, Germany, an area known for its vineyards, forests, and hiking trails. While Handthal itself is recognized for its culinary offerings and natural landscapes, prominent lakes are situated in the surrounding vicinity. This region offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring natural habitats.
Best lakes around Handthal
- The most popular lakes is Ebrach Natural Swimming Pool, a facility that operates without chemical additives. Built in 1933 as a conventional outdoor pool, it has functioned as a natural pool since 2005.
- Another must-see spot is Neuer See Gerolzhofen, a lake characterized by a wide reed belt. These conditions provide breeding grounds for various bird species, making it suitable for nature observation.
- Visitors also love Großer Hörnausee, a large lake featuring a small island and surrounding ponds with reed belts. This environment supports many species of waterfowl and offers opportunities for relaxation.
- Handthal is known for natural lakes, historic fish ponds, and natural swimming facilities. The variety of water bodies provides diverse opportunities for exploration and recreation.
- The lakes around Handthal are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 120 upvotes and 50 photos shared.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Ponds in the Handthal Valley
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Winkelhof Estate in the Steigerwald
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The group of buildings consists of four farms, with the forester's house and the front half-timbered building shaping the appearance of the hamlet.
The forester's house, a former water and forest castle, was built by the Lords of Thüngfeld. This house stands on a kind of island and is surrounded by a pond except for the driveway. In 1421 the entire hamlet, including the agricultural land, became the property of the Ebrach monastery. Two former forest workers' houses, including the half-timbered building mentioned, have been owned by the Benedictine Münsterschwarzach Abbey for around 20 years.
The place name "Winkelhof" was derived from the original medieval farming settlement "Winkele", which existed south of the hamlet and which was dissolved in the Middle Ages.
(Source: ebrach.de/unsere-gemeinde/ortsportrait/ortsteile/winkelhof)
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Neuer See Gerolzhofen
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Großer Hörnausee
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The also manages the Hörnausee since about the turn of the millennium.
Just as the lake presents itself on the ground, this is not only a treasure for the fishing industry, but obviously also for many species.
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Ebrach Natural Swimming Pool
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Popular around Handthal
Hiking and culinary delights – walks in the Franconia wine region
Vineyards, historic towns & forests – hiking through Schweinfurt in Bavaria
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The hamlet “Winkelhof” is surrounded by forest between meadows and fish ponds in a valley floor of the Steinachbach, west of Buch. The group of buildings consists of four farms, with the forester's house and the front half-timbered building shaping the appearance of the hamlet. The forester's house, a former water and forest castle, was built by the Lords of Thüngfeld. This house stands on a kind of island and is surrounded by a pond except for the driveway. In 1421 the entire hamlet, including the agricultural land, became the property of the Ebrach monastery. Two former forest workers' houses, including the half-timbered building mentioned, have been owned by the Benedictine Münsterschwarzach Abbey for around 20 years. The place name "Winkelhof" was derived from the original medieval farming settlement "Winkele", which existed south of the hamlet and which was dissolved in the Middle Ages. (Source: https://www.ebrach.de/unsere-gemeinde/ortsportrait/ortsteile/winkelhof)
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Built in 1933 as a conventional outdoor pool, natural pool since 2005, so no chemicals are used. Swimming pool (33 x 18 meters, seven lanes), non-swimmer pool (27 x 18), stream for small children, original slide from the 1930s, stage for events, a good 2300 cubic meters of water volume, 6000 square meters of sunbathing area.
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Enjoy pure nature, the tranquility of the lake, a bench invites you to linger. Just beautiful.
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Large lake with a small island in the middle and several ponds with a reed belt around it. Here you can see many species of waterfowl.
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Just outside of Gerolzhofen a wonderful place to take a breather and wind down.
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Around the small town of Gerolzhofen there are three smaller bodies of water, the Gerolzhofener Weiher (the central pond is also known as "Hörnauer See"), the Neuen and the Alten See, each of which is characterized by a wide reed belt. These offer good breeding conditions for some rare bird species, which mainly specialize in reeds. For this reason, a visit is particularly worthwhile at this time. Breeding birds such as bluethroats, great reed warblers, red-crested pochards, purple herons, warblers, black-necked grebes, Montagu's harriers and little bitterns can be observed here.
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Idyllic ponds with traces of the beaver
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Relaxing !!! .... you can watch birds, listen to the frogs, or just walk along !!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes and water bodies can I find around Handthal?
Around Handthal, you'll discover a variety of water bodies, including natural lakes, historic fish ponds, and natural swimming facilities. The region is known for its diverse opportunities for exploration and recreation, from protected wetlands to recreational swimming spots.
Are there any natural swimming facilities near Handthal?
Yes, the Ebrach Natural Swimming Pool is a popular facility that operates without chemical additives. Originally built in 1933 as a conventional outdoor pool, it has functioned as a natural pool since 2005, offering a chemical-free swimming experience with a large sunbathing area.
Which lakes are good for nature observation and birdwatching?
For nature observation, Neuer See Gerolzhofen is an excellent choice. It features a wide reed belt that provides breeding grounds for various bird species, including bluethroats, great reed warblers, and purple herons. Similarly, Großer Hörnausee, with its small island and surrounding ponds, supports many species of waterfowl.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Handthal?
Many of the lakes and water bodies around Handthal are family-friendly. The Ebrach Natural Swimming Pool offers a non-swimmer pool and a stream for small children. Both Neuer See Gerolzhofen and Großer Hörnausee are also categorized as family-friendly, providing pleasant environments for walks and relaxation.
What historical sites are associated with the lakes in the region?
The Ponds in the Handthal Valley have historical significance, as they were created by Cistercian monks from the abbey of Ebrach to breed carp and other fish for Lent. Additionally, the Winkelhof Estate in the Steigerwald, a secluded hamlet surrounded by fish ponds, features a forester's house that was once a water and forest castle built by the Lords of Thüngfeld.
Can I go hiking near the lakes around Handthal?
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. While Handthal itself is known for its hiking trails through forests and vineyards, you can find trails that incorporate the local water bodies. For more detailed hiking routes, you can explore the various cycling and touring guides which often include paths near these natural features.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the area around Handthal is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and general cycling, many of which pass through the scenic landscapes surrounding the lakes and ponds.
What makes the Ponds in the Handthal Valley special?
The Ponds in the Handthal Valley are special for their historical context and ecological importance. Located just outside Ebrach amidst a dense beech forest, these ponds were originally created by Cistercian monks. Today, this wetland is a protected area, forming an important habitat for birds, insects, and amphibians, and you can even observe beaver territory there.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Handthal?
The best time to visit the lakes around Handthal generally aligns with pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Spring and summer are ideal for swimming at the Ebrach Natural Swimming Pool and for birdwatching when many species are breeding. Autumn offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage around the ponds and forests, perfect for hiking and cycling.
Are there any hidden gems among the lakes and ponds?
The Winkelhof Estate in the Steigerwald could be considered a hidden gem. This very secluded homestead, nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac, is surrounded by forest, meadows, and fish ponds. Its historical significance as a former water and forest castle adds to its unique charm.
What wildlife can be seen around the lakes?
The lakes and ponds around Handthal are rich in wildlife. At Neuer See Gerolzhofen, you can observe rare bird species like bluethroats and great reed warblers. Großer Hörnausee is home to many species of waterfowl. The protected wetlands of the Ponds in the Handthal Valley also provide habitat for birds, insects, amphibians, and even beavers.
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