Best lakes around Grünhain-Beierfeld are situated in the scenic Erzgebirge region of Saxony. The area features several appealing lakes, including the Unterbecken des Pumpspeicherwerks Markersbach and the Greifenbachstauweiher. Grünhain-Beierfeld also offers the unique experience of underground lakes within the Schaubergwerk 'Herkules-Frisch-Glück'. These bodies of water provide opportunities for recreation and offer insights into both natural landscapes and engineering.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
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 • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Grünhain-Beierfeld.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Sunbathing area with a fee! Too many prohibition signs for our liking.
2
0
Perfect for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the view of the lake
2
1
You can go swimming here when the weather is nice.
2
1
The reservoir was created 600 years ago as a water reservoir for mining and is therefore the oldest reservoir in the Ore Mountains with very good water quality. On both banks of the bathing lake there is an extensive sandy beach with a well-kept lawn. The Greifenbach reservoir is one of the oldest dams in Germany. After the Ehrenfriedersdorf Röhrgraben was created around 1380 to supply the tin mines in Ehrenfriedersdorf with water from the Greifenbach, the stream was probably dammed for the first time in 1396. In 1404 the Great Geyer Pond or Upper Geyer Protection Pond was expanded so that in the 15th century it had a capacity of 60,000 m³ of water. Below the old road from Geyer to Jahnsbach there were other ponds on the Greifenbach, the Upper and Lower Ratsteich, some of which are still preserved. On the banks of the Greifenbach reservoir there was first a poison hut, later a dynamite factory. After the dam was raised in 1942, the storage capacity increased to 534,000 m³. In 1968, the reservoir was enlarged to 634,000 m³ and has been used for local recreation ever since. The dam was repaired in 1948, 1976/77 and from 2010 to 2012. The barrier structure is an earthen dam. The dammed water is the Red Water, which leaves the reservoir under the name Greifenbach.
3
0
A beautiful sandy beach, pleasantly clean air, excellent water quality and two spacious lawns make the hearts of all sun worshippers and water lovers beat faster. The Greifenbachstauweiher is a popular holiday, recreation center and excursion destination at the foot of the Greifensteine. Station 16 on the Silberstraße Ehrenfriedersdorf mining educational trail It is one of the oldest dams in Germany and the oldest in Saxony. The 'Red Water' is dammed, which in turn is fed from an absolutely natural catchment area of 10 km². Two beautiful sandy beaches with spacious lawns, pleasantly clean air, very good water quality in accordance with the EU Bathing Water Directive attract guests from near and far every year. The non-swimmer area also ensures fun for all small bathers. The two giant water slides are also very popular with young and old. Please note the currently applicable distance regulations. Water slide Adventure playground Mini golf Boat rental Beach volleyball courts Table tennis Snacks Camping site
2
0
Very nice environment. Even in winter.
2
1
A really nice spot for relaxing walks, cycling, walking or circling the reservoir with a stroller. Even at the end of October you can still find bathers ;) and places to stop for refreshments.
5
0
Worthwhile in every season.
2
1
The lakes in the Grünhain-Beierfeld area offer a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and impressive engineering. You'll find reservoirs like the Lower Basin of the Markersbach Pumped Storage Plant, which is part of Germany's second-largest pumped-storage power plant, and the Greifenbach pond, one of Saxony's oldest reservoirs with a history tied to mining. The region also features unique underground lakes within the 'Schaubergwerk 'Herkules-Frisch-Glück' show mine.
Yes, swimming is possible in several lakes. The Lower Basin of the Markersbach Pumped Storage Plant is suitable for swimming. The Greifenbachstauweiher, particularly the South Beach at Greifenbach Reservoir, offers excellent bathing opportunities with sandy beaches, clean air, and EU Bathing Water Directive certified quality. It also has a non-swimmer area and water slides.
Absolutely. A well-maintained circular hiking trail (approximately 5.9 km) surrounds the Lower Basin of the Markersbach Pumped Storage Plant, offering picturesque views. The area around Greifenbachstauweiher is also popular for hiking, and you can find trails like the Rotes Wasser Stream Trail nearby. For more hiking options, you can explore routes in the wider region.
At Greifenbachstauweiher, you can enjoy a variety of water sports including bathing, diving, and boating. Pedal boat rentals are available at the South Beach at Greifenbach Reservoir. The Lower Basin of the Markersbach Pumped Storage Plant is also suitable for fishing.
Both the Lower Basin of the Markersbach Pumped Storage Plant and the Greifenbachstauweiher are very family-friendly. The Markersbach reservoir features rest areas with small water wheels and creative play opportunities. Greifenbachstauweiher offers sandy beaches, a non-swimmer area, two giant water slides, and an adventure playground. The Greifenbach pond - Ehrenfriedersdorf side also has children's playgrounds and boat rentals.
Yes, the region offers various cycling opportunities. The circular path around the upper basin of the Markersbach pumped storage plant is particularly well-suited for inline skating. For more extensive cycling, you can find numerous routes in the area, including options for touring bicycle, road cycling, and gravel biking.
The Greifenbachstauweiher holds historical significance as one of Germany's oldest reservoirs, originally built for mining in the 14th century, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage region 'Montanregion Erzgebirge/Krušnohorí'. Additionally, the 'Schaubergwerk 'Herkules-Frisch-Glück' show mine in Grünhain-Beierfeld offers a unique underground experience, allowing visitors to explore former mining tunnels and underground lakes.
Yes, especially around Greifenbachstauweiher. The Campingpark Greifensteine is located directly by the lake, offering various accommodation options. The Greifenbach pond - Ehrenfriedersdorf side also has gastronomy options and a snack bar in summer. The wider Grünhain-Beierfeld region provides additional choices for cafes, pubs, and accommodation.
Yes, parking is available. For instance, a small hiking car park is located below the Markersbach Lower Reservoir Dam, serving as a convenient starting point for hikes around the lower basin.
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, with the Greifenbachstauweiher offering excellent bathing conditions. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with the surrounding forests displaying beautiful colors. Even in winter, the area offers scenic views and opportunities for quiet walks.
The Lower Basin of the Markersbach Pumped Storage Plant is a fascinating blend of nature and technology. It's part of a large pumped-storage power plant, and information boards along the dam explain its role in energy generation. Beyond its technical marvel, it offers recreational activities like swimming and fishing, and a scenic circular hiking trail with family-friendly amenities like water wheels and play areas.
Yes, fishing is permitted in some of the lakes. The Lower Basin of the Markersbach Pumped Storage Plant is suitable for fishing. For specific regulations and permits for Greifenbachstauweiher or other bodies of water, it is advisable to check with local authorities or fishing associations.


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