Top 15 Lakes around Hochdonn
Best lakes around Hochdonn, a municipality in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, are situated near the Kiel Canal. The region offers diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities through its various lakes and water attractions. These include former industrial sites transformed into biotopes, significant nature reserves, and local swimming areas. The area provides opportunities for nature observation, walking, and water-based activities.
Best lakes around Hochdonn
- The most popular lakes is Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake, a lake that was formed from a former clay mining operation. Since 2004, it has been filling with groundwater, developing into a biotope and a local recreation area with a five-kilometer circular route.
- Another must-see spot is Klein Westerland Swimming Area, a designated bathing spot along the Kiel Canal. Visitors can swim and observe ships passing by.
- Visitors also love Kudensee Nature Reserve, the largest lake in the Dithmarschen district, covering 38.9 hectares. It has been a nature reserve since 1935 and serves as an important European bird sanctuary, characterized by extensive reed beds.
- Hochdonn is known for diverse water bodies, including former industrial clay pits, significant nature reserves, and designated swimming areas. The variety of lakes offers opportunities for nature observation, walking, and water-based recreation.
- The lakes around Hochdonn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake
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The mining in the open pit was carried out with a bucket chain excavator. Until 1964, the material was brought to the edge of the pit by cable car and then by conveyor belts, and from there it was transported by truck to the cement works in Lägerdorf. After the abandonment of the neighboring Alsen clay pits near Wacken, the clay was transported for a short time (1974 to 1977) with the Alsens cable car to Itzehoe. The clay mining was stopped in 1996, the dismantling of all conveyor belts took place until 1999.
Since the artificial dewatering was discontinued in 2004, the pit has been filling with groundwater. The water and its surroundings are being developed as a biotope and for local recreation. There is a five-kilometer circular route with resting places around the water.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongrube_Muldsberg
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Kudensee Nature Reserve
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Herthateich
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Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond)
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Klein Westerland Swimming Area
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The Old Harbor of Burg looks back on a long history. It was once an important transshipment point for shipping in Dithmarschen and shaped life in the town for many decades. Today, the calm lake is reminiscent of the time of sailors and boatmen and makes the past of the place still palpable.
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The Herthateich pond is the ideal place to experience Burg's unusual topography (forest and hills in the heart of Dithmarschen). It combines nature (orchard), culture (open-air stage), and history (Bökelnburg Castle) in a very small area. The Herthateich is located in the center of the health resort of Burg. The area is characterized by a strong contrast to the otherwise rather flat marsh landscape of Dithmarschen. Because Burg lies on the geest (a ridge), the area around the pond is hilly and wooded, giving it an almost fairytale-like, sheltered atmosphere.
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Kudensee is a municipality in the Steinburg district in Schleswig-Holstein, and also the name of the largest lake in the Dithmarschen district. The Kudensee, with an area of 38.9 hectares, has been a nature reserve since 1935 and has been expanded to 172 hectares since 1992. The lake is the last shallow-water lake in the Elbe marshes and an important European bird sanctuary. It provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including the rare bittern, and serves as a resting place for many migratory birds. The Kudensee is characterized by its extensive reed beds, remnants of marsh forest and willow bushes. The bottom of the lake consists of both soft mud and hard sand. Due to its shallow depth of a maximum of 1.2 meters, the lake has an almost uniform temperature and oxygen distribution, except when the ice is closed, which can be unfavorable for the fish. The fish species living in the lake include bream, white bream, roach, perch, ruffe, eel, pike and zander.
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There are always ships to see on the NOK
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The Kudensee is the last surviving Dithmarscher See, which was once formed from sea bays. Today the Kudensee has a water area of around 40 hectares and is home to a large number of different marsh and water birds.
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Here you can swim very well, and watch the ships - a great place for a break.
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I still think the bathing area is beautiful, and I don't believe that the ships drain their sewage in the canal where everyone can see it immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Hochdonn's lakes?
The region offers diverse natural features. You can visit the Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake, a former mining operation that has transformed into a biotope with a five-kilometer circular route. Another significant natural area is the Kudensee Nature Reserve, known for its extensive reed beds and importance as a European bird sanctuary.
Are there good spots for birdwatching near Hochdonn?
Yes, the Kudensee Nature Reserve is an excellent location for birdwatching. As the last shallow-water lake in the Elbe marshes, it serves as an important European bird sanctuary, providing a habitat for numerous bird species, including the rare bittern, and acting as a resting place for migratory birds.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Hochdonn?
Absolutely. The Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake features a five-kilometer circular route with resting places, perfect for a tranquil walk. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore various trails listed in the Hiking around Hochdonn guide, which includes routes like the 'Burg Ferry Over the Kiel Canal – Hochdonn Railway Bridge loop'.
Can I go cycling near the lakes in Hochdonn?
Yes, the area around Hochdonn offers several cycling opportunities. You can find various routes in the Cycling around Hochdonn guide, such as the 'Hohenhörn Canal Ferry – Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) loop'. These routes often pass by scenic water bodies and offer different difficulty levels.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Hochdonn?
Many lakes in the region are suitable for families. The Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake offers an easy circular path. The Klein Westerland Swimming Area is a designated bathing spot along the Kiel Canal, ideal for a family day out with swimming and ship watching. Additionally, Herthateich and Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond) are also considered family-friendly.
Where can I go swimming near Hochdonn?
The Klein Westerland Swimming Area is a popular choice. Located along the Kiel Canal, it's one of the few designated bathing spots in the area where you can swim and observe ships passing by. It also features a campsite for extended stays.
Are there any historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Herthateich in Burg is situated in a hilly, wooded area that combines nature with culture and history, including the nearby Bökelnburg Castle. The Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond) also has historical significance as a former active harbor basin that once connected to the Kiel Canal.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Hochdonn?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil natural settings and the variety of activities. Many enjoy the peaceful walks around lakes like Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake, the opportunity for birdwatching at Kudensee Nature Reserve, and the unique experience of swimming and watching ships at the Klein Westerland Swimming Area.
Are there easy walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, for easy walks, the Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake offers a gentle five-kilometer circular route. The Old Burg Harbor (Idyllic Pond) also has a pleasant path that allows visitors to circumnavigate the lake, making it suitable for a relaxed stroll.
What kind of fish can be found in Kudensee?
The Kudensee, with its shallow depth and uniform temperature, provides a suitable habitat for various fish species. These include bream, roach, perch, eel, and pike.
Are there any cafes or picnic areas near the lakes?
While specific cafes are not detailed for every lake, many of the circular routes and swimming areas, such as the Muldsberg Clay Pit Lake, offer designated resting places that are ideal for picnics. The Klein Westerland Swimming Area, with its campsite, also provides amenities for visitors to relax and enjoy a break.
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