Top 20 Lakes around Bad Arolsen
Best lakes around Bad Arolsen, a town in northern Hesse, Germany, are situated in a region known for its natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. The area features several notable lakes, including Edersee, Twistesee, and Diemelsee, which offer a range of activities from water sports to extensive hiking and cycling trails. The landscape combines natural features with engineering structures such as the Edersee Dam.
Best lakes around Bad Arolsen
- The most popular lakes is View of the Edersee Dam from the Kleine Kanzel, a viewpoint that offers an imposing perspective of the Edertal barrier wall and the Edersee. The dam, completed in 1914, was once the largest in Europe.
- Another must-see spot is Edersee Dam, a man-made monument. This impressive structure is 48 meters high and 400 meters long, forming Germany's second-largest reservoir by area.
- Visitors also love View of Waldeck Castle and Lake Edersee, a viewpoint with a shelter. From here, visitors can enjoy views of the Edersee and the historic Waldeck Castle.
- Bad Arolsen is known for its reservoirs and natural lakes. These include large reservoirs like Edersee and Twistesee, as well as the natural gem of Diemelsee.
- The lakes around Bad Arolsen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 5400 upvotes and over 3300 photos shared across 24 highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Edersee Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Edersee Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Edersee Dam
Highlight • Monument
The 400 m long and 47 m high Eder Dam was built between 1908 and 1914.
It serves to secure shipping on the Weser River in the summer, as well as to generate electricity
and as flood protection. With a capacity of up to 200 million cubic meters,
the Edersee is the third-largest reservoir in Germany and, with over 400,000 overnight stays, a popular holiday region.
Guided tours are available from June to August on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Edersee Atlantis: Due to the flooding of the Eder Valley, the villages of Asel, Berich,
and Bringhausen were submerged; only at very low water levels do they still appear with their foundations.
You can still see the Asel Bridge and parts of the old cemeteries.
An old church bell was placed a little higher on the shore and still stands there today.
On May 17, 1943, a British bomb tore a huge hole in the dam. The flood killed 68 people, destroyed 213 buildings, and destroyed numerous bridges. The crops were also destroyed.
Reconstruction of the dam began that same year.
Source: willingen.de/themen/familie/sehenswertes/sperrmauer-edersee.html
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View of Waldeck Castle and Lake Edersee
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Twiste Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
The imposing dam forms the second largest reservoir in Germany in terms of area and the third largest in terms of volume. The wall is now over a hundred years old, 48 meters high and 400 meters long. It is always freely accessible and offers a great view of the surroundings.
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An impressive building, both when you stand up and when you look at it from below. Actually, the dimension of the dam wall becomes clearer when crossing it, the deeper the water is.
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Great view over the Edersee to the castle
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Great view of Waldeck Castle and a great bike path right along the lake!
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great views, very difficult mountains - many rest stops
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The 400 m long Edertalsperre was built between 1908 and 1914. After the bombing in 1943, the destroyed dam was rebuilt in the same year. To this day, it secures shipping on the Weser in the summer months, serves to protect against flooding and to generate electricity. With a storage volume of 200 million m³, the Edersee is the third largest reservoir in Germany.
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Nice spot with a view of the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Bad Arolsen?
The most popular lakes in the area are Twistesee, Diemelsee, and Edersee. The Edersee Dam and the Twiste Lake are particularly appreciated by the komoot community for their scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Are there family-friendly activities at the lakes near Bad Arolsen?
Yes, all three major lakes offer family-friendly activities. Twistesee has a sandy beach, mini-golf, and various water sports. Diemelsee features lidos, dog beaches, and family-friendly cycling routes. Edersee offers swimming, ferry boat tours, and the unique 'Edersee Atlantis' when water levels are low, which can be fascinating for all ages.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around the lakes?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. The Edersee is surrounded by the Kellerwald-Eder Nature Park and National Park, offering over 150 kilometers of trails. Diemelsee has numerous circular and long-distance hiking trails, including the Diemelsteig, with breathtaking views. For routes specifically around Bad Arolsen and its lakes, you can explore options like the 'Twistesee Beach – Bad Arolsen Residence Palace loop' or the 'Castle Pond, Bad Arolsen – Elm Avenue loop' which are available in the Hiking around Bad Arolsen guide.
Can I go cycling near the lakes?
Absolutely. Cycling is a popular activity around all three lakes. Twistesee offers routes around its scenic, wooded environment. Diemelsee has family-friendly routes, and Edersee allows cycling along its shores. For more detailed routes, check out the Cycling around Bad Arolsen guide, which includes routes like the 'Twiste Reservoir – Twistesee Beach loop'.
What water sports are available at the lakes?
Twistesee is excellent for water sports, offering water skiing, boat rentals, stand-up paddling, water biking, and kayaking. Diemelsee also allows unrestricted water sports as it's not used for drinking water production. Edersee is popular for swimming and offers ferry boat tours.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Edersee is notable for its impressive Edersee Dam, a significant engineering marvel completed in 1914. When water levels are low, the remains of submerged villages, known as 'Edersee Atlantis,' become visible. Additionally, Schloss Waldeck, offering great views of the Edersee, is nearby. The Diemelsee area also features visitor mines and monasteries.
What makes Twistesee a good choice for a day trip?
Twistesee is ideal for a day trip due to its close proximity to Bad Arolsen (approximately 5 minutes by car). It offers a wide range of activities including a sandy beach, water sports, golf, and adventure mini-golf, all within a scenic, wooded setting.
What unique natural features can I see around the lakes?
The Edersee is surrounded by the vast forests of the Kellerwald-Eder Nature Park and National Park. Diemelsee is nestled in a picturesque low mountain range with peaks like St. Muffert and Eisenberg rising from its shores, offering stunning views from natural cliffs. Twistesee is known for its scenic, wooded environment.
Are there places to swim at the lakes?
Yes, swimming is possible at all three lakes. Twistesee has a sandy beach with amenities. Diemelsee features lidos, including designated dog beaches. Edersee is also popular for swimming, with many spots to cool off in the water.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Bad Arolsen?
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse recreational opportunities and the natural beauty. The Edersee Dam is often highlighted as an impressive structure and a great starting point for tours. The Twiste Lake is praised as a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, anglers, and those seeking relaxation, offering activities beyond just hiking and cycling.
Can I find easy walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, there are easy walking routes available. For example, the Easy hikes around Bad Arolsen guide lists routes like the 'Castle Pond, Bad Arolsen – Elm Avenue loop' and the 'View of the Twistesee – View of Lake Twistesee loop from Wetterburg', which are suitable for easier walks.
Is the Diemelsee suitable for anglers?
Yes, the Diemelsee is known for its good water quality and is popular among anglers. Its natural setting and diverse fish population make it an attractive spot for fishing enthusiasts.
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