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Hesse

Main-Kinzig-Kreis

Top 20 Lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis

Best lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis are found in a region of Hesse, Germany, characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including forests and river valleys. The area offers various recreational opportunities centered around its water bodies. These lakes, often formed from former gravel quarries or as reservoirs, provide settings for outdoor activities and nature observation. The region's geography makes it a destination for those seeking both active and tranquil experiences in nature.

Best lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis

  • The most popular lakes is Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee, a lake known for its clear water and surrounding green landscape. Lake Kinzig is ideal for swimming in summer, with a lido and sandy beach, while Ruhlsee is a bird sanctuary.
  • Another must-see spot is Hasel Pond, a lake located in the Haseltal. Visitors can expect an idyllic setting with benches, suitable for relaxing breaks during a bike ride or walk.
  • Visitors also love Gondel Pond, Horbach, a lake set within a forest. It is a family-friendly natural monument offering viewpoints and trails.
  • Main-Kinzig-Kreis is known for bathing lakes, reservoirs, and smaller forest ponds. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with extensive facilities to more secluded natural spots.
  • The lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 150 highlights and over 700 upvotes. These spots have also accumulated more than 250 photos from visitors.

Last updated: May 25, 2026

Kinzig Reservoir

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Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee

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There is a path between the two lakes, so you can walk around each lake individually if you want. While you can observe many water birds in the bird sanctuary at Ruhlsee, Lake Kinzig is ideal for swimming in summer. On hot days you can take a short break at the lido, sunbathe on the sandy beach and jump into the cool water of the lake.

The lido is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from the end of May to the end of August. Entry costs 4 euros for adults and 2.30 euros for young people. Children up to 5 years pay no admission.

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Barbarossa Spring

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The source takes its name from Friedrich I, Barbarossa, who often stopped at the source on his hunting expeditions from the Barbarossa town of Gelnhausen to the Bulau.

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Burgwiesenpark Burgjoss

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The park found here including the Hess. Forestry office, shapes the entire townscape... Nice to look at and experience

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Wiesbüttsee

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Idyllic forest lake with a restaurant by the lake. Ideal for a cappuccino break or a schnitzel.

The restaurant is not open every day, for certainty call briefly in advance. Tel. +49 6096-385

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Hasel Pond

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Take off your backpack, loosen your laces and just relax - the Haselweiher is perfect for this. Treat yourself to a relaxing break at the small lake before continuing with fresh energy.

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Gondel Pond, Horbach

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Wonderfully situated small forest lake on the main road Horbach / Geiselbach.

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Wiesbüttmoor Nature Reserve

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Toad Pond

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Nice little pond for a short or longer rest. If you are lucky and have a little patience, you can spot fish (I mean carp).

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Kinzig Reservoir at Ahl

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From the dam you have a great view of the Kinzig reservoir.

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MS 🚴‍♂️
August 31, 2025, Kinzig Dam at Ahl

The Kinzig is a river approximately 86 kilometers long. It rises in Sterbfritz, flows southwest through the Main-Kinzig district of Hesse, and flows into the Main from the right in Hanau. The Kinzig is a second-order river in low mountain ranges. It overcomes an elevation of 301 meters and has a bed gradient of 3.5 per thousand. The Kinzig's catchment area covers 1,058 square kilometers, and the calculated mean discharge (MQ) at the mouth of the Kinzig is 10.97 cubic meters per second. The Kinzig was first documented in 796 as "iuxta fluvium Kincihen." In 815, the name was written as "Chinzicha," around 900 as "Kincicha"/"Kinzicham," in 1364 as "Kinzige," in 1584 as "Kintzig," in 1607 as "Bintz," in 1681 as "Kintz," in 1716 as "Kins," in 1769 as "Kinzing," and in 1802 as "Kinzig." In the river's headwaters, there was the now-defunct village of Kinzig, mentioned in 815 as "Chirizichheimero." The village and river were often confused by monastery scribes at that time with "Chizzicha" (now Bad Kissingen), both of which were described as being located in the Saalegau. The name presumably derives from the ancient Celtic *ku̯anti̯o- meaning "flat hill, valley." The name was therefore derived from the mountainous region from which the Kinzig flows. Source: Wikipedia

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A beautiful facility

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nice place to relax

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There is always something going on here, no matter what the weather is like.

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Spiro
August 1, 2024, Haselweiher

Take the time and take a break 👍

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Pond to rest and look at the water

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Nico
May 11, 2024, Wiesbüttsee

Located not far from a campsite.. border area of Hesse and Bavaria… the local pub is currently being renovated

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Nico
February 15, 2024, Burgwiesenpark Burgjoß

The park found here including the Hess. Forestry office, shapes the entire townscape... Nice to look at and experience

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis?

Yes, several lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis are ideal for families. Gederner See is particularly well-suited, offering an aquapark, a supervised sandy beach, large sunbathing lawns, adventure golf, and pedal boat rentals. Kinzigsee also features a lido and a sandy beach, perfect for swimming. Other family-friendly spots include Gondel Pond, Horbach, set within a forest, and Hasel Pond, which provides an idyllic setting with benches for relaxing breaks.

What kind of outdoor activities can I enjoy around the lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis?

The lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. Many have circular paths suitable for walking, cycling, and inline skating, such as the 5 km paved path around Nidda Stausee. You can also find opportunities for swimming, surfing, sailing, and fishing. For more extensive adventures, explore nearby routes like those found in the Waterfall hikes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis guide or the Cycling in Main-Kinzig-Kreis guide, which includes routes around the Kinzig Reservoir.

Which lakes are best for swimming and sunbathing?

For swimming and sunbathing, Kinzigsee is a top choice, known for its clear water, 600-meter sandy beach, and extensive sunbathing lawns. Its lido is open daily during summer. Gederner See also boasts excellent bathing water quality, shallow shores, and warm water temperatures, making it very popular for swimming.

Are there lakes suitable for water sports like surfing or sailing?

Yes, Kinzigsee is divided into separate areas for swimming, surfing, and sailing. Nidda Stausee is also a great spot for water sports, offering opportunities for anglers, sailors, and surfers, complete with boat rentals and a surf and sailing school.

What natural features can I observe around the lakes?

The lakes are set within diverse natural landscapes. At Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee, Ruhlsee is a bird sanctuary where you can observe many water birds. Gederner See features a wetland biotope rich in animal and plant species, including numerous water birds, making it ideal for nature photography. Many lakes are surrounded by forests, offering serene environments for wildlife spotting.

Are there historical sites or interesting facts associated with any of the lakes?

Yes, Gederner See is an 18th-century artificial lake, originally created as a fishing pond. Interestingly, Elvis Presley was reportedly a frequent visitor for swimming during his military service in Friedberg. The Barbarossa Spring, located near a small forest lake, is named after Friedrich I, Barbarossa, who often stopped there during his hunting expeditions.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis?

Visitors frequently praise the relaxing atmosphere and recreational opportunities. For instance, many enjoy taking a break at Hasel Pond, described as perfect for unwinding. The lido at Kinzigsee is popular for its great atmosphere and snack options right on the lake. The diverse parks, like Burgwiesenpark Burgjoss, are appreciated for their amenities like playgrounds, mini-golf, and Kneipp pools.

Are there any lakes with restaurants or cafes nearby?

Yes, several lakes offer dining options. At Kinzigsee, the Surf Club on the western shore provides self-service snacks and a great atmosphere. Gederner See has a restaurant serving German-Indian cuisine and a kiosk. Wiesbüttsee also features an idyllic forest lake with a restaurant, ideal for a break.

Are there accessible paths around the lakes for wheelchairs or strollers?

Gederner See offers a 2 km long, barrier-free circular path, making it perfect for walks with strollers or for visitors using wheelchairs. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery.

Can I find viewpoints around the lakes for scenic photography?

Absolutely. Many lakes offer excellent viewpoints. For example, there's a dedicated View of the Kinzig Reservoir highlight. Gondel Pond, Horbach, and Toad Pond are also noted for their scenic viewpoints, providing picturesque settings for photography.

What is the best time to visit the lakes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis?

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the summer months (end of May to end of August) are ideal for swimming and water sports, as facilities like the lido at Kinzigsee are fully operational and water temperatures are pleasant. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery for hiking and cycling, with fewer crowds. Even in winter, some areas are suitable for quiet walks.

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Family-friendly hikes in Main-Kinzig-Kreis

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