Top 20 Lakes around Kausen

While Kausen itself doesn't have prominent lakes directly within its borders, the surrounding Altenkirchen district and Westerwald region offer a variety of lakes. These include former basalt quarries now transformed into nature reserves like Silbersee (Mahlscheid Lake) and Rosenheimer Lay Basalt Lake, as well as natural ponds such as Elkenrother Weiher. The nearby Westerwald Lake District features a cluster of seven man-made lakes, originally for fish farming, now offering diverse recreational opportunities.

Yes, several lakes in the wider region are suitable for swimming. For example, Postweiher in the Westerwald Lake District has a natural beach, and Waldsee Maroth is also good for a refreshing swim. Wiesensee, near Stahlhofen am Wiesensee, is a supervised lake with a playground, making it family-friendly. Further afield, Blauer See Vettelschoß is a popular bathing lake with a large jetty, and swimming is permitted at Laacher See from the RCN Lake Laach campsite. Gemündener Maar also offers swimming with a sunbathing area and diving platform.

Absolutely. Silbersee (Mahlscheid Lake) is a nature reserve, and visitors are advised to stay on designated paths to protect its unique basalt columns. Rosenheimer Lay Basalt Lake is an abandoned quarry designated as a wet biotope, protected for its rare and endangered animal species. Eulenbergsee, about 20.9 km from Altenkirchen, lies within a 17-hectare nature reserve, being an old volcanic crater important for natural habitats.

The region is rich in geological interest. At Silbersee (Mahlscheid Lake), you can observe impressive basalt columns up to 40 meters high, remnants of its past as a basalt quarry. Eulenbergsee is an old volcanic crater, now a nature reserve. Further away, Laacher See is the largest lake in Rhineland-Palatinate and a volcanic caldera, where you can still see CO2 gas rising from its depths, indicating active volcanism.

The lakes and surrounding areas offer various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Elkenrother Weiher – Elkenrother Weiher loop' or 'Hohensayn Ostrich Farm – Elkenrother Weiher loop' which are part of the Cycling around Kausen guide. For running, there are options such as the 'Running loop from Elkenroth' or 'Elkenrother Weiher loop' found in the Running Trails around Kausen guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like 'View of Derschen loop' or 'Elkenrother Weiher – View of Westerwald Countryside loop' available in the MTB Trails around Kausen guide. Many lakes, like Dreifelder Weiher and Postweiher, also offer water sports and boating.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Elkenrother Weiher offers a circular route suitable for a natural experience. The Quarry Pond near Langenbach has a nice resting place. Wiesensee features a playground, and Postweiher in the Westerwald Lake District has a natural beach for swimming and offers pedal boat rentals. Gemündener Maar also has a playground and offers boat rentals and a sunbathing area.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (typically May to September) are ideal. For hiking, cycling, and general nature observation, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter can also be picturesque for quiet walks, though some facilities might be closed.

The Westerwald Lake District (Westerwälder Seenplatte) is a significant natural area not far from Kausen, featuring a cluster of seven man-made lakes. Originally created in the 17th century for fish farming, this district now offers diverse recreational activities. Notable lakes within it include Dreifelder Weiher, known for water sports, and Postweiher, which has a natural beach for swimming and camping facilities.

Yes, there are options for overnight stays. At Postweiher in the Westerwald Lake District, visitors can camp amidst forests. Hausweiher, the smallest of the seven ponds in the Westerwald Lake District, is home to the 'Park Hofgut Schönerlen' campsite. Additionally, Dreifelder Weiher offers unique overnight stays, such as sleeping in a wine barrel.

Laacher See is the largest lake in Rhineland-Palatinate and is unique for being a volcanic caldera in the East of the Eifel region. Visitors can observe CO2 gas rising from its depths, a visible sign of active volcanism. The lake is surrounded by extensive forests and meadows, and the magnificent Maria Laach Benedictine monastery complex is situated nearby, adding a cultural and historical dimension to the natural beauty.

Many lakes in the region are generally accessible by car, with parking often available, especially at popular spots like those in the Westerwald Lake District. For example, parking is mentioned as a consideration for the Westerwald Lake District. While specific public transport routes to every lake might vary, the region is generally well-connected for visitors arriving by car. It's always advisable to check local transport schedules for specific destinations.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from serene natural habitats to sites with geological interest. The Elkenrother Weiher is praised for its wonderful natural beauty and circular route. The Silbersee (Mahlscheid Lake) is considered one of the most beautiful quarry ponds, with its impressive basalt columns. The Rosenheimer Lay Basalt Lake is valued as a beautiful piece of nature where one can relax. The area's appeal is reflected in over 860 upvotes and 270 photos shared by the komoot community.