Top 10 Lakes around Friedelshausen
Best lakes around Friedelshausen are found in the surrounding Thuringian Rhön region, a landscape characterized by its natural features. Friedelshausen itself is a small municipality known for its Vorderrhön landscape and historical elements. The area offers diverse natural beauty, with several notable lakes located in its immediate vicinity. These water bodies contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Friedelshausen
- The most popular lakes is Grimmelbach Reservoir, a lake that is approximately 5 to 5.5 hectares in size with depths reaching around 6 to 7 meters. It is known for fish such as pike, carp, and perch.
- Another must-see spot is Schönsee, a sinkhole lake with an area of about 3.4 hectares and a depth of approximately 25 meters. Visitors can expect a natural setting with excellent water quality, suitable for swimming.
- Visitors also love Bernshäuser Kutte, a natural monument and the largest and deepest lake in the Thuringian Rhön. This meromictic and oligotrophic lake offers a tranquil escape into nature, with a path allowing visitors to walk around its perimeter.
- Friedelshausen is known for natural sinkhole lakes, reservoirs, and smaller ponds. The region offers a variety of water bodies to see and explore, each with distinct characteristics.
- The lakes around Friedelshausen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Bernshäuser Kutte
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Geysosche Castle Roßdorf
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Grimmelbach Reservoir
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The most commonly caught fish here are pike, carp, perch, rudd, zander
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Schönsee
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The Schönsee is a so-called sinkhole lake, which was once created by the collapse of non-water-soluble surface layers over a natural cavity in the subsoil. It has an area of about 3.4 hectares, its deepest point is about 25 meters below the surface of the water. It is fed by an enclosed spring and surface water. Downstream of the Schönsee are three fish ponds that were created at the beginning of the 20th century and are used by the Urnshausen fishing club.
The Schönsee was a popular bathing lake as early as the 1950s and 1960s before it was included in a restricted military area in 1974. It was only after the fall of the Wall in 1991 that the lake came back into municipal hands and was redeveloped for tourism. The result is a wonderful tent and camping site where you can go on holiday close to nature and enjoy the fresh water of the lake, which, by the way, has excellent water quality. Apart from the Kiesseen in Immelborn, the Schönsee is the only body of water in the Wartburg district that is designated as bathing water.
Source: rhoenfuehrer.de/ausflugsziel/seen-moore/schoensee/3103
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Old Forest Pond
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Tips from the Community
A castle with a campsite is rarely found. Yet this small, fine one is special among the motorhome pitches. Being mobile is a must here, as there is no catering. But plenty of space for guests in the green. The entire area around the castle is worth seeing.
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Great view of the lake and the surrounding area.
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The slopes offer beautiful nature.
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A beautiful piece of nature from all sides.
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Nice place to stay for a short while.
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The two-storey building with the round stair tower now houses holiday apartments. Built around 1600, Johann Leopold von Geyso bought the estate in 1710 and added the stair tower to the front. The von Geyso family lived in the castle until the middle of the 19th century. It came into the possession of the Prussian Minister of Trade von Berlepsch via the industrialist Wenzel. Outbuildings and farm buildings fell victim to the great village fire in 1895. After the Second World War, the property was nationalised and the local administration and library moved in. A descendant of the von Berlepschs got the property back after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
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Nice little walk around the reservoir
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Friedelshausen?
The most popular lakes in the region include the Grimmelbach Reservoir, known for its fishing opportunities, and Schönsee, a sinkhole lake with excellent water quality suitable for swimming. Another highly regarded spot is Bernshäuser Kutte, a natural monument and the deepest lake in the Thuringian Rhön.
Are there any unique geological features among the lakes near Friedelshausen?
Yes, the region is notable for its sinkhole lakes. The Bernshäuser Kutte is a prime example, formed by a sinkhole due to underground salt leaching, surrounded by red Buntsandstein walls. Similarly, Schönsee is also a sinkhole lake, created by the collapse of surface layers over a natural cavity.
Can I swim in the lakes around Friedelshausen?
Swimming is permitted in some lakes, such as Schönsee, which is known for its excellent water quality and is designated as bathing water. However, swimming is strictly prohibited at the Bernshäuser Kutte to protect its delicate and sensitive ecosystem.
Which lakes are best for nature observation or birdwatching?
The Vorderer Breitunger See, part of the Breitunger Seen Nature Reserve, is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. It features a wide reed belt and diverse flora and fauna, including rare breeding birds like spoonbills and great reed warblers. The tranquil setting of Bernshäuser Kutte also offers opportunities for observing a rich diversity of life.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Friedelshausen?
Yes, many lakes offer pleasant walking opportunities. A narrow path allows visitors to walk around the perimeter of Bernshäuser Kutte. The Vorderer Breitunger See features a 3.5 km hiking trail with seating areas. For more extensive options, you can explore the various hiking routes in the broader region, such as the "Extratour Vorderrhönweg" or trails around Hümpfershausen. Find more details on the Hiking around Friedelshausen guide.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the area around Friedelshausen offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like the "Extratour Vorderrhönweg." For cyclists, there are road cycling routes and MTB trails, such as the "Breitungen Lakes – View of Breitungen loop." Fishing is also popular in lakes like the Grimmelbach Reservoir and Vorderer Breitunger See (with a valid license).
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities in the area?
Many lakes in the region are suitable for families. Schönsee offers a natural setting with excellent water quality for swimming and has a camping site. The Reservoir in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve is surrounded by meadows perfect for picnics. The 3.5 km hiking trail around Vorderer Breitunger See is also suitable for families looking to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Can I go fishing in any of the lakes?
Yes, fishing is permitted in certain lakes. The Grimmelbach Reservoir is known for fish such as pike, carp, and perch. Angling for perch, roach, pike, and carp is also allowed in the Vorderer Breitunger See for those with a valid fishing license.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Friedelshausen?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil escape into nature offered by these lakes. The Bernshäuser Kutte is noted for its very quiet atmosphere and pure relaxation. The Grimmelbach Reservoir and the Reservoir in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve are appreciated for their breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings and great views. The excellent water quality of Schönsee makes it a popular spot for swimming and relaxation.
Are there any smaller, less-known ponds or reservoirs worth visiting?
Beyond the larger lakes, the region also features smaller, peaceful water bodies. The Körnbach Ponds, located near Hümpfershausen, offer a serene environment ideal for nature walks. The Grimmelbach Reservoir, while popular, is a smaller body of water that provides a peaceful natural setting.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes, particularly those within nature reserves, are rich in wildlife. The Breitunger Seen are a significant habitat for various bird species, including rare breeding birds like spoonbills and great reed warblers, and regular sightings of silver herons, Arctic loons, and whooper swans. The delicate ecosystem of Bernshäuser Kutte also supports a diverse range of life.
Is there a best time to visit the lakes around Friedelshausen?
The Thuringian Rhön region, where these lakes are located, offers beauty throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming at Schönsee and enjoying picnics by the water. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and nature observation, with vibrant foliage or blooming flora. Even in winter, the reservoirs offer a beautiful, peaceful landscape.
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