Top 20 Lakes around Landkreis Passau
Best lakes around Landkreis Passau are situated in a region characterized by its natural beauty and varied terrain. The area features a mix of natural lakes, reservoirs, and former quarry lakes, providing diverse environments. These bodies of water contribute to the region's recreational offerings and natural heritage.
Best lakes around Landkreis Passau
- The most popular lakes is Dreiburgensee, a lake known for its swimming opportunities and sandy beach. It is a small lake suitable for various activities.
- Another must-see…
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Ilz Dam and Fish Ladder
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Oberilzmühle Reservoir
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Dreiburgensee
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Freudensee
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Taferl Lake
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Path Between the Ilz River and Fish Ponds
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Kerber Quarry Lake (Büchlberg Quarry Lake)
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Fine- to medium-grained two-mica granite (equivalent to Hauzenberger Granite I) was mined from 1880 until after Carl Kerber's death …
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Kollnbergmühle Watermill and Pond
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Rannasee
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Ranna Reservoir
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Popular around Landkreis Passau
Triathlon around Germany
Ruperti Trail – Hike from Austria's Bohemian Forest to the Carnic Alps
Way of the Book – Hike in the footsteps of the Bible smugglers in Austria
Trans Bayerwald – A mountain bike adventure through Bavaria's finest nature
Danube Trail – Legendary long-distance hiking along the Danube River
Römerradweg – Follow in the footsteps of Romans along the German-Austrian border
The Goldsteig – 38 stages between Upper Palatinate and Passau
Donau-Panoramaweg – 10 days nature views and cultural insights
Niederbayerntour in 7 stages — Swim trunks, beer, baroque
The Danube Cycle Path – From Donaueschingen to Budapest
Other adventures around Landkreis Passau
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a wooden sculpture on the peninsula at Lake Ranna
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From the peninsula at Lake Ranna, there is a beautiful view over the entire lake.
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The Dreiburgensee, formerly known as the Rothauer See, lies between the climatic health resort of Thurmansbang and Tittling in the Bavarian Forest. It was named after the surrounding Ilz Valley and Dreiburgenland, including Saldenburg Castle, Englburg Castle, and Fürstenstein Castle. The lake was first documented in 1703. It had been created shortly before as a fish farm by Lieutenant Field Marshal Max Josef Graf von Tauffkirchen zu Guttenburg. The dammed lake, with a length of 700 m and a maximum width of 200 m, has a surface area of 8 hectares and a maximum depth of 7 m. The border between the districts of Passau and Freyung-Grafenau runs across the lake. A roughly 2 km circular path along the lake's shore invites you to take leisurely strolls. In summer, the Dreiburgensee is a popular bathing spot with restaurants, hotels, and sunbathing lawns. In winter, you can ice skate and play curling on the frozen lake. Beavers have also been living at the lake for several years. By building a large dam at the lake's inlet, they have created a biotope of approximately 6 hectares, where rare bird species such as the black stork and the great egret can be seen. The Bavarian Forest Museum Village, one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, is located directly on the lake. https://www.bayerischer-wald.de/attraktion/dreiburgensee-1edb7f4942
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a beautiful reservoir on the border between Germany and Austria
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Great in summer for swimming/lazing around and taking a break
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The former quarry is also vividly described at https://www.sehenswerter-bayerischer-wald.de/steinbruch-buechlberg-wandern-see.html
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The former Büchlberg granite quarry with lake is an important geosite. Fine- to medium-grained two-mica granite (equivalent to Hauzenberger Granite I) was mined from 1880 until after Carl Kerber's death in 1961 in the former Kerberbruch quarry on the Büchlberg. The rock, which is grayish-white when fresh, has a slightly yellowish tinge. The outcrop walls show signs of weathering to varying depths. Büchlberg granite was used as natural stone in buildings such as Nuremberg Central Station, the spiral staircase of the Germanisches Museum in Nuremberg, and the Walhalla in Regensburg. The stone was also traded internationally, for example in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. The granite quarry, surrounded on all sides by the remaining walls and with a lake at its lowest level, is a natural monument and is located in a landscape conservation area. It now serves as a recreational area. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=275A032
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A wonderful idyll at the former sawmill! The old shed and the mill building are now lovingly furnished holiday apartments where you can relax. There are bathing areas at the pond and also at the stream. The small chapel is also worth a visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Landkreis Passau are best for families?
Several lakes in Landkreis Passau offer excellent amenities for families. Rannasee is known for its 120-meter waterslide, children's paddling pool, and adventure playground. Freudensee features a non-swimmer area, a floating trampoline in summer, and a low-rope course. Dreiburgensee also has a specially created sandy beach, making it ideal for children.
What kind of water sports and activities can I do at the lakes?
The lakes in Landkreis Passau offer a variety of water sports. At Rannasee, you can rent pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards, and enjoy beach volleyball or surfing. Freudensee is popular for swimming, stand-up paddling, and beach volleyball. Angling is also possible at Rannasee with day passes available.
Are there good walking or hiking paths around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer pleasant walking and hiking opportunities. Freudensee has a 1.6-kilometer circular forest path perfect for walking, jogging, and nature observation. Rannasee also features a hiking trail around the lake, complete with Kneipp basins and a fitness course.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see?
The region's lakes are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. Freudensee is nestled in gentle granite hills and is part of a protected landscape area. The Hals Reservoir is situated within the Halser Ilzschleifen nature reserve, offering scenic views. The Kerber Quarry Lake is a unique geosite with impressive quarry walls, now a natural monument.
Can I visit the lakes during winter for activities?
Yes, some lakes transform into winter activity hubs when frozen solid. Both Rannasee and Freudensee can be used for ice skating and Bavarian curling, provided the ice is thick enough.
Are there any historical or unique sites associated with the lakes?
The Kerber Quarry Lake (Büchlberg Quarry Lake) is a significant historical site, being a former granite quarry that operated from 1880 to 1961. Its granite was used in notable buildings like Nuremberg Central Station. Freudensee also has a history dating back to the 19th century, when it powered a hammer mill.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Landkreis Passau?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. For instance, Freudensee is praised for its beautiful circular route in all seasons, while Dreiburgensee is loved for its swimming and sandy beach. The tranquility and clear waters of places like Oberilzmühle Reservoir are also highly valued.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes in Landkreis Passau?
Yes, the region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking and road cycling around the lakes. For example, there are routes like the 'Inn River Cycle Path' or 'Old Town Hall, Passau – Obernzell on the Danube loop'. You can explore more options in the Gravel biking around Landkreis Passau and Road Cycling Routes around Landkreis Passau guides.
What is the largest swimming lake in the Bavarian Forest within this region?
The largest swimming lake in the Bavarian Forest, located near Wegscheid, is Rannasee. It covers an area of 20 hectares and offers extensive bathing areas and various water activities.
Are there any quiet or hidden lakes for relaxation?
For relaxation and quiet, Taferl Lake, a small lake formed in a former quarry, is known for its peaceful atmosphere. The Oberilzmühle Reservoir is also considered a very nice recreation area, offering tranquility amidst clear waters.
Are there any lakes suitable for picnics?
Many lakes provide ideal settings for picnics. Rannasee has spacious sunbathing lawns shaded by mature trees, perfect for a picnic. The natural shorelines and amenities at Freudensee also make it a great spot for outdoor meals.
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