Top 20 Lakes in Schwandorf
Best lakes in Schwandorf are found in a district in Bavaria, Germany, featuring several bodies of water. Many of these lakes originated from former brown coal open-cast mines or gravel pits, now transformed into recreational areas. The region offers diverse opportunities for water sports, hiking, and relaxation. Its natural landscape provides a setting for various outdoor activities.
Best lakes in Schwandorf
- The most popular lakes is Lake Steinberg, a lake that is the largest in Eastern Bavaria with a surface area of 1.84 km². A well-developed path encircles the lake, offering insights into the region's nature and history.
- Another must-see spot is Eixendorfer Reservoir, a lake that is an expansive reservoir in the Upper Palatinate Lake District. It was created as a flood retention basin and is known for its fish population.
- Visitors also love Lake Murner, a lake that forms part of the region's lake district. This former brown coal mining site is known for its good bathing water quality and sandy beaches.
- Schwandorf is known for its former open-cast mine lakes, reservoirs, and natural swimming areas. These diverse bodies of water provide a range of environments to explore, from large water sports hubs to tranquil nature reserves.
- The lakes in Schwandorf are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 950 upvotes and over 160 photos shared across more than 140 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lake Steinberg
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View of Lake Murnersee
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Observation Tower at Murner See
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Lake Steinberger
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Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee
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Adventure Sphere at Steinberger Lake
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Erlebnispark Steinberg am See Observation Tower
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If you want to go down with the carpet slide, then you have to think about your carpet when you climb up. There is none above. You have to carry it up with you.
Still very interesting to know:
On the way up there are a few stations where you can put your skill/balance to the test (but can also be bypassed).
Arrived at the bottom:
There are also 4 ball tracks here. The balls can be bought in the restaurant for €2.50. There are two lanes per ball track that you can compete against each other. The wooden balls have a logo which is also a nice souvenir.
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Wild Wake Park, Lake Steinberger
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Art and Water Trail
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Weichselbrunner Weiher Nature Reserve
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Tips from the Community
Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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The Mariental inn is only open on weekends. The next place to stop for refreshments would be in Ramspau G.H., near the church.
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Beautiful lake and a lovely circular path (approx. 8 km) with many idyllic places to stop for a break.
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Very nicely done and varied.
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Very nice recreation area near Schwandorf
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The Steinberg Lake, together with the Murner Lake, forms the heart of the region and offers everything that water sports enthusiasts, those seeking relaxation, cyclists, hikers or recreational athletes need. A well-developed and pleasant path leads around Lake Steinberg, and display and information boards have been set up everywhere and bring the region, nature and history closer.
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The inMotion PARK on Lake Steinberger is an extraordinary experience and offers a special highlight with the world's largest walk-in wooden adventure ball. From a height of 40m you can enjoy the wonderful view over the lake district from the viewing platform. Since the beginning of 2019, an almost 750m long path has led up to the special leisure attraction on the largest lake in Eastern Bavaria. You can go down the same way or via the 80m long giant slide. There are over 30 adventure stations, 2 suspension bridges and two outdoor balcony circular paths on the circular route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Schwandorf are best for families with children?
For families, Lake Murner and Klausensee are excellent choices. Klausensee, a former gravel pit, offers clear turquoise water, a white sand beach, and a flat, child-friendly entry, along with a designated non-swimmer area. Lake Steinberg also features family-friendly attractions like the Movin'Ground leisure park and the Adventure Sphere.
What water sports can I enjoy at the lakes in Schwandorf?
The lakes in Schwandorf offer a wide range of water sports. Steinberger See is a hub for waterskiing, sailing, surfing, stand-up paddling, and pedal boating, and is home to the Wild Wake Park. Murner See provides opportunities for scuba diving, sailing, and boat rental. Eixendorfer See is popular for surfing and sailing.
Are there good hiking or cycling trails around the lakes?
Yes, several lakes feature well-developed circular trails. Lake Steinberg has a pleasant path encircling it with information boards. Murner See offers a popular circular route for cycling and hiking, including a barefoot path and an observation tower. The "Eixendorfer Seeweg" is a 15 km circular hiking trail around Eixendorfer See, and Silbersee also has a 6 km accessible circular trail.
What unique attractions can be found at the Schwandorf lakes?
At Lake Steinberg, you can experience the Adventure Sphere (Erlebnisholzkugel), the world's largest walk-in wooden adventure ball with panoramic views and a giant slide. Murner See features the "Theatron" and an observation tower. Eixendorfer See is known for its "EIXI" wooden carp attraction and an adventure trail about the lake's fish world.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer dining options and accommodations. Lake Steinberg has various restaurants and cafes. Around Murner See, you'll find well-equipped campsites, some directly bordering the lake, along with restaurants. The Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee is another popular spot for food and drinks with a view.
What is the origin of the lakes in Schwandorf?
Many of the lakes in the Schwandorf district have an industrial origin. Steinberger See and Murner See were originally brown coal open-cast mines that were later flooded. Klausensee originated from a former gravel pit. Eixendorfer See and Silbersee are reservoirs created for flood retention or other purposes.
Are there any nature reserves or special natural features to explore?
Yes, the region offers several natural highlights. The area around Murner See includes the Charlottenhofer Weihergebiet nature reserve. The Weichselbrunner Weiher Nature Reserve is another significant natural area. Silbersee is also a valuable biotope, surrounded by reeds, wet meadows, and alder forests, with information boards about local flora and fauna.
What fishing opportunities are available at the lakes?
Eixendorfer See is particularly renowned as a "dorado" for anglers, boasting an excellent predatory fish population including pike, zander, carp, and catfish. Silbersee also offers good spots for fishing.
Are there any accessible paths for wheelchairs around the lakes?
The circular route around Murner See is known to be level and suitable for families, and some sections are specifically mentioned as wheelchair accessible. The 6 km circular trail around Silbersee is also described as accessible for all generations.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Schwandorf?
Beyond water sports, the Schwandorf lake district is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, including routes around the Eixendorfer Reservoir. There are also many road cycling routes and running trails, such as the popular loops around Lake Murner and Lake Steinberg.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Schwandorf?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse recreational opportunities, from active water sports and extensive hiking/cycling trails to peaceful relaxation spots. The transformation of former mining sites into beautiful natural areas, like Lake Steinberg and Lake Murner, is highly appreciated. The clear water quality, sandy beaches, and family-friendly facilities, particularly at Klausensee, also receive positive feedback.
Are dogs allowed on the trails and at the lakes?
While specific regulations vary by lake and area, many outdoor trails around the lakes are generally dog-friendly, especially if kept on a leash. It's always advisable to check local signage at specific beaches or designated swimming areas, as some may have restrictions for dogs during peak seasons.
What is the best time of year to visit the Schwandorf lakes?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful scenery. In winter, if conditions allow, Eixendorfer See can even host ice stock sport.
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Most popular attractions in Schwandorf
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