Top 20 Lakes around Rangendingen
Best lakes around Rangendingen include Stausee Rangendingen, a notable lake serving as both a recreational area and a crucial flood protection measure. This area offers a well-equipped bathing area with amenities like a sunbathing lawn, cold-water showers, and a children's water play area. The lake is recognized for its natural beauty, providing a tranquil retreat within the Neckar-Alb region. It plays a vital role in flood control, having been constructed as a retention basin for the Talbach stream.
Best lakes around Rangendingen
- The most popular lakes is Bottomless Lake Near Empfingen, a lake that is a sinkhole in the strata of the Lower Keuper. It is a habitat of rare animal and plant species and is one of ten protected geological objects of the district.
- Another must-see spot is Kurpark Bad Niedernau, a park with a small lake. Visitors can find an idyllic place to take a break here.
- Visitors also love Tälesee, Empfingen, a reservoir that was part of land consolidation efforts. It offers areas for rest and sunbathing, though some parts are covered with reeds.
- Rangendingen is known for natural lakes, reservoirs, and parks featuring small lakes. These offer diverse experiences, from geological formations to recreational areas.
- The lakes around Rangendingen are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 230 upvotes and more than 120 photos shared.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Kurpark Bad Niedernau
Highlight • Rest Area
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Tälesee, Empfingen
Highlight • Lake
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Ice Pond
Highlight • Lake
Update 07/2025:
The pond has been drained due to silting and will be converted into a biotope without lake character in the near future.
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Bottomless Lake Near Empfingen
Highlight • Lake
Orally from Empfingen in the Principality of Hechingen.
Between Empfingen and Nordstetten, in the so-called Seewald, lies a small lake, which can not be fathomed and is therefore called the 'bottomless lake'. At the site of the lake, a monastery used to stand. The nuns, however, led a shameful life and danced with the boys from Empfingen and Nordstetten and loved them. For a thunderstorm, a lightning bolt hit the monastery, whereupon it and the nuns sunk into the depths. When a calamity is imminent, you see a small, nude female figure floating in the water right up to her breast, clearly recognizing that she is crying. It is believed that the lower half of this sea buckthorn, which has not been seen, has the shape of a fish. Others say that in the square of the lake there was a tavern in which one always danced on Sundays and practiced all sorts of godless things. Therefore, it is lost. But there are three white ladies living in the lake, who have often walked around the lake and come to weddings and dances after receptions. There is still a place in Empfingen which used to stand for an old linden tree, the so-called 'Tanzplatz', where they often danced. But somebody once asked where they came from? They said so, but they have stayed away ever since. Only at Advent time you should still be able to see them in the Seewald.
Ernst Meier, German legends, customs and customs from Swabia, Stuttgart 1852
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Butzensee
Highlight • Lake
The Butzensee is a unique landscape and a valuable biotope because it offers nesting opportunities for various endangered bird species in the surrounding reed belt.
In times past, the Butzensee was once the largest Voralbsee in Württemberg, but its area was later further reduced for agricultural reasons and for road construction. The lake is fed and drained by the Mühlbach, an upper reaches of the Krebsbach.
It served as an ice cream supplier to the local brewery well into the 20th century.
Source: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butzensee_(Bodelshausen)
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Tips from the Community
The Tälsee lake is beautiful in every season.
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Unfortunately the lake is dried up, not a drop of water left :-(
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The Eisweiher pond is currently being drained due to fish mortality and is to be improved. The remnants of the abundant mussel population can be seen here.
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As part of the land consolidation process (1974 - 1992), the main project of the landscape conservation measures was undoubtedly the reservoir in the valley. Construction work began in the spring of 1980 and the first dam was built on March 12, 1981. The project was completed with the planting in the spring of 1982.
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A beautiful natural swimming lake. There is a playground and fitness park in the immediate vicinity. Always a worthwhile destination.
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A beautiful lake that is ideal for swimming in the summer.
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Located in the local recreation area near the Fairy Tale Trail. Benches by the water. Formerly an ice skating rink and a pond for harvesting ice for local cold storage facilities, such as breweries. Update 07/2025: The pond has been drained due to silting and will soon be converted into a biotope without the character of a lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly lakes around Rangendingen?
The Stausee Rangendingen is an excellent choice, offering a dedicated water play area for children, a spacious sunbathing lawn, and a 300-meter-long barefoot path. Other family-friendly options include Ice Pond, located near the Fairy Tale Trail, and Tälesee, Empfingen, which has areas for rest and sunbathing.
Can I swim in the lakes near Rangendingen?
Yes, you can swim in the Stausee Rangendingen, which features a well-equipped bathing area. Swimming is permitted daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though it's at your own risk as constant supervision is not provided. The lake's water quality is consistently monitored and certified as EU bathing water. For Tälesee, Empfingen, there are a few spots suitable for swimming, though parts are covered with reeds.
Are there any hidden gem lakes worth visiting in the area?
The Stausee Rangendingen is often described as a 'hidden gem' within the Neckar-Alb region's bathing lakes, offering a tranquil experience away from more crowded spots. It's appreciated for its natural beauty and peaceful retreat atmosphere.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the lakes?
You can find diverse natural features. The Bottomless Lake Near Empfingen is a unique sinkhole in the Lower Keuper strata, a habitat for rare animal and plant species, and a protected geological object. Stausee Rangendingen offers serene natural landscapes and serves as a retention basin for the Talbach stream. Butzensee is a natural lake with a surrounding reed belt, providing nesting opportunities for various endangered bird species.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes around Rangendingen?
No, dogs are generally not permitted on the premises of Stausee Rangendingen. Please check local regulations for other specific lake areas.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The region around Rangendingen offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Beaver Trail along the Starzel' or the 'Mönchhaus Memorial – View of Rangendingen loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the 'Rangendingen Bathing Lake – Starzelufer loop', and mountain biking trails including the 'Starzel Valley Trail'. You can explore more options on the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and MTB guide for Rangendingen.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. While specific trails directly around every lake might vary, the broader Rangendingen area, including near the lakes, features trails like the 'Beaver Trail along the Starzel loop' and the 'View of Rangendingen – Hochburg, Rangendingen loop'. These trails offer a chance to explore the natural surroundings. For detailed routes, refer to the hiking guide for Rangendingen.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, for Stausee Rangendingen, parking is generally available as it's a well-equipped recreational area. Kurpark Bad Niedernau also lists parking as one of its amenities.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Rangendingen?
The summer months are ideal for visiting the lakes, especially for swimming and enjoying the bathing area at Stausee Rangendingen. However, the natural beauty of the lakes, such as Bottomless Lake Near Empfingen or Butzensee, can be appreciated year-round for peaceful walks and nature observation.
Are there any lakes with historical or unique geological significance?
Absolutely. The Bottomless Lake Near Empfingen is a sinkhole formed by the leaching of Muschelkalks and is one of ten protected geological objects in the district. It is also the subject of local folk tales, including legends of a sunken monastery or tavern. Ice Pond was historically used for harvesting ice for local cold storage facilities.
Are there facilities like cafes or restrooms near the lakes?
At Stausee Rangendingen, you'll find cold-water showers and restrooms available. While there isn't a cafe directly mentioned at the lake, the town of Rangendingen offers various dining options. Kurpark Bad Niedernau provides an idyllic place to take a break, and nearby towns will have cafes and restaurants.
What makes Stausee Rangendingen a notable lake?
Stausee Rangendingen is notable for serving as both a natural recreational area and a crucial flood protection measure, constructed in the 1970s as a retention basin for the Talbach stream. It offers a well-equipped bathing area, a spacious sunbathing lawn, a children's water play area, and a unique barefoot path, all within a serene natural landscape.
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