Lakes around Nordharz offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance within the northern Harz foreland. The region features diverse water bodies, from historical reservoirs that supported mining operations to tranquil ponds and former quarry lakes. Visitors can explore areas known for their engineering marvels, unique geological formations, and serene natural settings, providing opportunities for hiking and relaxation.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Nordharz.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Very nice gesture from Harzwasserwerke.
13
1
After the outrageously high drink prices up on the Brocken, I was delighted to fill up the bottle here again. A bit slow, unfortunately, but you don't look behind the gills of a perch that's been given to you!
11
1
The Zilliertbachtalsperre is a popular photo opportunity, nearby you will find the Peterstein (HWN stamp site) with a great view of the dam. With the appropriate app you can capture the ghost stamp of the HWN on the dam wall.
14
0
nice resting place at the ponds, stamping point of the HWN, great in autumn when the colored trees are reflected in the water
10
0
The HWN stamp 59 "Klostergrund Michaelstein" currently also houses the Harzer Klosterwanderweg stamp "Kloster Michaelstein".
11
1
Nice place to stay and watch fish.
10
0
Always a beautiful view
8
0
Great rest area with a view over the dam, a nice stamping point of the HWN
18
1
The region offers several historically significant sites. You can visit the Dam wall of the Eckertalsperre (HWN 001), which marks the former inner-German border. Another notable site is the Ponds at Michaelstein Monastery Grounds (HWN 59), known for its historical context and smoked trout. Further afield, the Oderteich is Germany's oldest dam, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Harz Water Management System.
Yes, the Zillierbach Reservoir offers a nice picnic area and fantastic views, making it suitable for families. The Ilsestrandbad Wasserleben is also a popular family-friendly open-air swimming pool with amenities like a snack bar and free loungers, perfect for summer recreation.
The area around Nordharz's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy and moderate options. For example, explore routes like 'From Stapelburg through the Eckertal' or 'Ilse Fish Ladder – Ilse Crossing'. Cyclists can enjoy gravel biking routes such as 'Wernigerode Old Town – View of Wernigerode Castle loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and gravel biking guide for Nordharz.
The Blue Lake (Blauer See), located between Hüttenrode and Rübeland, is famous for its striking turquoise-blue water, especially vibrant in spring due to its high lime content. This former limestone quarry offers a unique natural spectacle and interesting hiking trails.
Yes, the Pond in Veckenstedt, within the Nordharz municipality, is particularly appealing to fishing enthusiasts. It offers opportunities to catch various species, including pike, carp, trout, sturgeon, and striped bass, and also provides services like a smokehouse and fresh fish sales.
The Zillierbach Reservoir offers fantastic views over the reservoir and dam. The Rappbode Dam, as Germany's largest and highest dam, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the expansive reservoir and surrounding landscape, ideal for photography.
The Oderteich, located in the Harz National Park, is historically significant as Germany's oldest dam, built between 1715 and 1722 for mining operations. It's part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Upper Harz Water Management System. A path encircles the pond, offering scenic hikes through unique moorland spruce forest.
Yes, the Ilsestrandbad Wasserleben is an open-air swimming pool within the municipality of Nordharz, popular for swimming and summer recreation. It's known for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere, offering amenities and even water gymnastics courses.
Visitors appreciate the Dam wall of the Eckertalsperre (HWN 001) for its historical significance as a former inner-German border crossing and the beautiful views it offers. The benches along the trail provide great spots to relax and enjoy the reservoir, especially during the evening sun.
Yes, the Ponds at Michaelstein Monastery Grounds (HWN 59) serve as a stamp point for the monastery hiking trail. Additionally, the Middle Grumbacher Pond is a stamp point for the popular Harz hiking badge, offering serene settings for quiet hikes.
The Blue Lake (Blauer See) is renowned for its striking turquoise-blue water, which is particularly vibrant in spring. Its color can vary with the seasons and may even dry up during periods of low water, so spring is generally the best time to witness its most captivating hue.
The Ilsestrandbad Wasserleben offers a range of amenities for a comfortable visit, including a snack bar, free loungers, umbrella rentals, and warm showers. It also provides early morning swimming options, regular operating hours, and an evening tariff, along with water gymnastics courses.


Still not found your perfect lake around Nordharz? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.