Top 20 Lakes around Wachau

While the Wachau valley is primarily known for the Danube River, vineyards, and historic towns, the broader Lower Austria region features several notable reservoirs and smaller water bodies. These include man-made reservoirs like the Kamp Reservoirs and Haarweiden Reservoir, as well as former sand pits such as Silver Lake.

Among the most popular water bodies are Haarweiden Reservoir, known for its tranquil setting and accessibility, Friendship Lake (See der Freundschaft) with its circular route and bird-watching tower, and Silver Lake, a pleasant spot for relaxation.

Haarweiden Reservoir was created in the 1930s by damming the Haarweidebach stream. It's a popular local destination with a shelter, tables, and benches on its banks, making it ideal for rest and relaxation. It's also easily accessible via several hiking trails.

Friendship Lake (See der Freundschaft) offers an idyllic setting with a circular route, hiking trails, and educational boards. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching from a small observation tower and find resting places, making it suitable for a leisurely outing.

Yes, Silver Lake, a former sand pit, is described as a nice place to take a break and provides a tranquil setting for unwinding. It's a peaceful spot for those seeking calm.

While not directly in the Wachau valley, the nearby Kamp Reservoirs (Ottenstein, Dobra, and Thurnberg) in the Waldviertel region offer excellent opportunities for water sports. These include swimming, boat rentals for electric boats, pedalos, rowing boats, and canoes. Ottenstein Reservoir even has a sailing school and offers round trips on the 'MS Ottenstein'.

Yes, many of the water bodies, such as Haarweiden Reservoir and Friendship Lake, have hiking trails around them. For more extensive hiking options in the broader region, you can explore routes like the 'Herder Bridge – Marien Mill loop' or 'Laura's Bridge – Seifersdorfer Tal Trail loop' detailed in the Hiking around Wachau guide.

Yes, the region offers various cycling routes that can take you near some of these water bodies. For example, you can find routes like the 'Scenic Forest Path – Lomnitz Church loop' or the 'Wachau Castle – Lomnitz Church loop' in the Cycling around Wachau guide.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are several trails in the wider Wachau area. Routes such as the 'Luchsenburg Forest Lodge – Rammenau Baroque Palace loop' or the 'Hütter Mill – Klippenstein Castle loop' are available. You can find more details in the MTB Trails around Wachau guide.

Absolutely. Friendship Lake (See der Freundschaft) is particularly suitable for children, offering a circular route with resting places, educational boards, and a small observation tower. The Kamp Reservoirs also provide family-friendly bathing spots and boat rentals.

Yes, some locations offer amenities. For instance, Haarweiden Reservoir has a shelter with tables and benches. The Heidemühle Beer Garden and Pond is a centrally located restaurant with a small pond, offering a rustic stopover for food and drinks. The Kamp Reservoirs also have facilities for visitors.

The summer months are ideal for visiting the lakes and reservoirs, especially for water activities like swimming and boating. The Kamp Reservoirs, for example, are a refreshing escape during this time. Spring and autumn also offer pleasant weather for hiking and cycling around these water bodies, with beautiful natural scenery.