Top 20 Lakes in Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald

The lakes in Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald are set within a diverse landscape of forests, valleys, and rock formations. You'll find unique features such as the floating bog mats ('Schwingrasen') at Großer Arbersee, ecological regeneration zones at Dragon Lake, and protected breeding grounds for native species on an island in Satzdorfer See. Neubäuer See also features a nature reserve with rare plant species and diverse wildlife, including a large bird observation station.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Satzdorfer See is particularly family-friendly due to its shallow shores, sunbathing lawns, a 'green classroom' for environmental education, and an exercise area. Dragon Lake offers a dedicated recreation zone with a bathing area and trails. Neubäuer See provides a playground, beach volleyball court, and skate park, alongside swimming and boating opportunities.

Many lakes offer a variety of water sports. At Dragon Lake, you can enjoy sailing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing, and boating. Blaibacher See is popular for swimming, fishing, and offers boat and stand-up paddle rentals. Neubäuer See is an excellent spot for sailing, surfing, swimming, and pedal or rowing boat rentals.

Absolutely. Most lakes feature well-maintained paths suitable for hiking and cycling. Dragon Lake has a five-kilometer circular path. Blaibacher See has a shared hiking and cycling trail along its bank. Satzdorfer See offers a two-kilometer circular path. For more extensive routes, you can explore nearby cycling guides like Cycling in Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald or hiking guides like Easy hikes in Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald.

Yes, several lakes offer convenient amenities. Blaibacher See has a kiosk for snacks and drinks. Satzdorfer See provides toilet facilities and waste containers. Near Hammersee, you'll find the Jakob Brewery Inn with a beer garden directly on the lake. Neubäuer See is surrounded by a camping park, hotels, and guesthouses, making it suitable for longer stays.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, water sports, and sunbathing. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant natural colors. In winter, if the ice is thick enough, Blaibacher See becomes a popular spot for ice skating and ice stock sport.

Yes, Dragon Lake is noted for having wheelchair-accessible paths, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the lake's natural beauty and recreational areas.

Many lakes in the region are rich in wildlife. Neubäuer See, with its nature reserve status, is home to exceptional plant species and diverse wildlife, including various water birds, and features a large bird observation station. The island in Satzdorfer See serves as a protected breeding ground for native animal and bird species, offering opportunities for nature observation.

Großer Arbersee is a glacial lake known for its unique natural features, including floating bog mats ('Schwingrasen') and the impressive Arberseewand (Arber cirque wall). It's a nature reserve with a botanical anomaly due to its bog vegetation. A circular path around the lake is easily accessible, and pedal boats can be rented from the Arberseehaus in summer.

Yes, from Blaibacher See, which is a reservoir on the Schwarzer Regen river, it is possible to undertake longer boat tours all the way to Regensburg. This offers a unique way to experience the regional waterways beyond just the lake itself.

The region offers a variety of cycling routes. You can find moderate touring bicycle routes like the 'Lake Satzdorf – Pullinger Lake and Dam loop' or the 'Furth im Wald Town Hall – Dragon Lake loop'. For road cyclists, there are routes such as the 'Cham Market Square – Café Waffel Miltach loop'. You can explore these and more in the Cycling in Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald and Road Cycling Routes in Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald guides.

Yes, the Art and Water Trail around Hammersee is a unique experience. This adventure trail features unique works of art made from mosaic tiles, created by artist Christine Schinner with local community members. The trail, with routes of 4 and 6 km, integrates art with the natural beauty of the lake, offering imaginative benches and sculptures.