Top 20 Lakes around Langelsheim
Lakes around Langelsheim, situated at the northwestern edge of the Harz Mountains, offer diverse recreational opportunities. The region is characterized by several dams and their resulting reservoirs, providing both natural beauty and functional water management. These bodies of water are integrated into a landscape that supports various outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Langelsheim
- The most popular lakes highlight is Shelter with a view of the Granestausee lake (HWN 110), a hut that serves as a destination for hikes around…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Shelter with a view of the Granestausee lake (HWN 110)
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Middle Grumbacher Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Lower Grumbacher Pond and Shelter (HWN 113)
Highlight • Lake
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Steinberg Tower (HWN111)
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Grumbach Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
For me, one of the most idyllic stamping points for the Harz hiking pin. The path along the “Allee der Bäume” is recommended. Here you walk through the Grumbachtal: one of the last completely forested valleys in the Upper Harz. An easy path to walk, the Grumbach gently babbles along and there is dense coniferous forest everywhere. Just before the Grumbach pond, you pass the Grumbach waterfall and then suddenly the Grumbach pond, surrounded by forest, lies quiet and calm in front of you - it doesn't get more Harz idyll than this! The reflection of the trees in the water is also beautiful! By the way, the stamping point is not only necessary for the HWN, but also for the Wildemann hiking pin!
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One of six ponds in a cascade in the Grumbach valley as well as various moats, which were used to transport the precious water. All of these facilities were built from 1680 to supply the water wheels of the mines around Hahnenklee-Bockswiese. They are part of the cultural monument "Oberharzer Wasserregal" and since 2010 also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.🌊💙🌊
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The Middle Grumbacher Pond is one of many idyllic ponds in the Upper Harz water shelf and the enchanted-looking paths here. If you want to enjoy the idyll in peace, it's better to hike here outside of weekends, public holidays and holiday periods, because the Liebesbankweg and the pond cascades are now so popular that sometimes there's almost too much going on. Or you start running when the weather isn't so great, then it's quieter :)
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Here you can see the idyllic Middle Grumbacher Pond, beautifully located and great paths on the Liebesbankweg
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The Mittlerer Grumbacher Teich is a former mining pond in the Upper Harz surrounded by forest on three sides. It is located southwest of the Bocksberg and east of the town of Bockswiese. The man-made body of water was originally called the “Herzog-August-Teich” and served as a water and energy storage facility for the ore mines and smelting operations of the Bockswieser Zug. The pond dam was built in the summer of 1675 by just 70 miners in just 10 weeks. This reservoir was subsequently raised and partially redesigned using a new pond construction method. In 1827 the dam at the Middle Grumbacher Pond almost burst. On the airside embankment, a section about 20 meters long slipped, leaving less than half a meter of the top of the dam standing. A hastily organized large-scale rescue operation was able to prevent the impending breach of the pond dam at the last moment. The impending catastrophe, which would have flooded and washed away the two raft ponds down the valley and large parts of the town of Bockswiese, did not occur and the pond, which is extremely important for the operation of the ore mines and smelting works, could be completely repaired without emptying it. Source: https://www.harzlife.de/teiche/mittlerer-grumbacher-teich.html
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At the end of the Grumbacher Flößgraben is the Grumbacher waterfall and a small viewing platform. The precious water falls around 15 meters down the slope until it reaches the Grumbach below the Grumbacher Teich. However, the location at the end of the ditch is less suitable for observing the waterfall. You can see more at the foot of the waterfall. To do this, go back to the stairs, which will take you to the southeast end of the dam of the Grumbacher Teich. There you take the narrow, steeply descending path. After about one hundred meters you will reach the waterfall visible between the boulders. In winter, the icy Grumbacher waterfall offers a thoroughly impressive sight. During the warm and dry season, however, you should not expect an all too impressive spectacle here with lush vegetation. Source: https://www.harzlife.de/teiche/unterer-grumbacher-teich.html
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It was my first time there and I was really excited! Great atmosphere great food great nature
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Wonderful panorama 🌊💙 Stamp office of the HWN 110♟️ Beautiful shelter with benches available to really enjoy what is offered here - simply wonderful ❣️🤗📸 Built in 1969, the Granetalsperre 🌊 is the youngest of the Harz reservoirs. Because the Grane river does not carry enough water for the 3 km long lake, an approx. 7.4 km long tunnel to the Oker was dug below the Okertalsperre. 😲
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at the lakes near Langelsheim?
The lakes around Langelsheim offer a wide range of activities. At the Innerstetalsperre, you can go swimming, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, and rowing, as well as hiking and cycling along the former railway line. The Granetalsperre is popular for hiking and cycling, with a paved circular trail, and offers fishing with a special license. The Okerstausee also provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, water sports, and features numerous picnic and BBQ spots. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking trails or MTB trails in the region.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes near Langelsheim?
Yes, several lakes and areas are great for families. The Innerstetalsperre has shallow shore zones ideal for children to swim and splash. The Middle Grumbacher Pond and Lower Grumbacher Pond are part of the Upper Harz Water System and offer idyllic, easy paths suitable for family walks. The Granetalsperre also has an easily accessible paved path around the dam, perfect for family strolls or cycling.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints around the lakes?
The region boasts impressive natural beauty. The Innerstetalsperre features a unique, striking spillway tower. The Granetalsperre is situated within the Harz Nature Park, offering scenic views. For panoramic vistas, visit the Steinberg Tower (HWN111), which provides a great view of the Granetalsperre and the Harz foreland. The Okerstausee is embedded deep in a wooded low mountain range landscape, surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush forests.
Can I find historical sites or cultural points of interest near the lakes?
Absolutely. The Lower Grumbacher Pond is a historical site and part of the Upper Harz Water System, a World Heritage Site. The Middle Grumbacher Pond and the Grumbach Waterfall are also cultural monuments, originally created to supply water to mines. The Granetalsperre hosts an exhibition about water and drinking water production at the Harzwasserwerke waterworks. At times of low water, the Okerstausee can reveal remains of the old settlement of Unterschulenberg, which was flooded during its construction.
Is swimming permitted in the reservoirs near Langelsheim?
Swimming is permitted in certain areas. The Innerstetalsperre is open for swimming, particularly its shallow shore zones which are ideal for families. While the Granetalsperre and Okerstausee are significant for water management, specific details on swimming access for these two are less emphasized in general recreational descriptions, so it's always best to check local signage or official sources for current regulations before entering the water.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Langelsheim?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, swimming, and enjoying the lush greenery for hiking and cycling. Autumn offers stunning foliage around the reservoirs. While the Steinberg Tower is closed in winter, hiking can still be enjoyed, though some paths might be less accessible due to snow or ice.
Are there opportunities for fishing at these lakes?
Yes, fishing is possible at some of the lakes. The Innerstetalsperre is a good spot for anglers, with perch, brown trout, and tench. The Granetalsperre is designated as a protected salmonid water, offering species like rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, and perch, though a special license is required due to its status as a water protection area. Always ensure you have the necessary permits and adhere to local fishing regulations.
What makes the Granetalsperre a popular destination for hikers?
The Granetalsperre is highly popular for hikers due to its scenic location within the Harz Nature Park and its easily accessible circular hiking trail. The path around the dam is paved, making it suitable for various fitness levels and also for cycling. It's also a stamp point (number 110) for the Harz Hiking Needle, a popular challenge for hikers.
Where can I find information about the Innerstetalsperre's unique features?
The Innerstetalsperre is notable for having the longest dam in the Harz Mountains, spanning 750 meters, and a distinctive spillway tower unique to the region. For more technical details and historical context, you can refer to its Wikipedia page: Innerste Dam on Wikipedia.
Are there any less crowded lakes or hidden gems near Langelsheim?
While the main dams are popular, the smaller, historical ponds like the Middle Grumbacher Pond and Lower Grumbacher Pond offer a more idyllic and tranquil experience, especially outside of peak weekends and holidays. These ponds are nestled in forested valleys, providing a peaceful retreat.
What is the significance of the Okerstausee in the region?
The Okerstausee is the largest reservoir in Lower Saxony, created in 1954. It's fed by the Oker river and other streams, and its dam is an impressive arch-gravity structure, 260 meters long and 75 meters high. Beyond its functional role, it's valued for its scenic beauty, embedded deep within the wooded low mountain range, and offers various water sports and recreational opportunities.
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