Best lakes around Thurmansbang, located in the Dreiburgenland region of the Bavarian Forest, is known as the "Seenland des Bayerischen Waldes" (Lake District of the Bavarian Forest). This area features several lakes offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, and cultural exploration. Visitors can find diverse natural settings, from serene forest lakes to those integrated with historical sites. The region provides a range of outdoor experiences centered around its aquatic landscapes.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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Lake Saldenburger See is a true gem in the Bavarian Forest – a small but beautiful adventure lake that charmingly combines tranquility, play, and the enjoyment of nature. With approximately 5,000 m² of water, a maximum depth of 2.5 to 3 meters, and a lovingly landscaped setting, it is especially popular with families and hikers. What makes the lake special are its features: A zip line to the island inspires a sense of adventure. A beached pirate ship invites children to let off steam. A jetty with a platform, sundeck, and lawns offer space for relaxation. A beach volleyball court, changing rooms, and restrooms round out the offerings. Access is free, and the water quality is regularly checked – ideal for hot summer days or spontaneous excursions. Anglers also get their money's worth: With day tickets (May–September), you can fish for brown trout, tench, or char from the shore – although there are closed seasons and catch limits. In winter, weather permitting, the lake transforms into a curling rink, complete with rentals. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Dreiburgenland region, with a view of Saldenburg Castle, the lake is idyllically situated between meadows and forests. The Weiherstraße road leads directly to the parking lot – and from there, it's just a few steps to the water. https://www.ostbayern-tourismus.de/attraktionen/badesee-12848e9daf
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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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Grown in the region. If you want to drive trails there. Should a fully be important. And plan for physical exertion.
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Unique idyll by the creek
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Beautiful lake in the middle of the forest
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Very nice, the pond invites you to linger
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Just fantastically beautiful with a great lawn
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For swimming, Dreiburgensee offers a specially created sandy beach. Saldenburg Mill Pond is another excellent choice, featuring a large lawn for sunbathing, sanitary facilities, and a low water zone suitable for children. Ebenreuther See also provides large sunbathing lawns and changing rooms, making it ideal for a refreshing dip.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Saldenburg Mill Pond is an adventure bathing lake with a zip line to an island, a play ship for children, and beach volleyball. Dreiburgensee is also family-friendly with its sandy beach and pedal boat rentals. Buchwies Pond and Hartmannsreit Reservoir are also noted as family-friendly spots.
The lakes are well-integrated into the region's hiking network. You can find trails near Ebenreuther See, and Buchwies Pond is directly on hiking trail #67. The Kollnbergmühle Watermill and Pond is passed by hiking trails #50 Niedermayer Gedächtnisweg and #53 Rabensteinrunde. For more extensive options, explore the hiking routes in the area, such as the Goldsteig Loop: Thurmansbang - Saldenburg, or the Dreiburgensee loop from Museumsdorf Bayerischer Wald. You can find more details on these routes in the Hiking around Thurmansbang guide.
Yes, the area around the lakes offers various cycling opportunities. The region surrounding Dreiburgensee is excellent for cycling. You can find routes like the Dreiburgensee – Hals Castle Ruins loop or the Bavarian Forest Open-Air Museum – Dreiburgensee loop. For more cycling adventures, check out the Cycling around Thurmansbang guide.
The Dreiburgensee is directly adjacent to the Museumsdorf Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest Museum Village), one of Europe's largest open-air museums, offering a deep dive into the region's past. Additionally, the Kollnbergmühle Watermill and Pond features the oldest mill pond in the Bavarian Forest with a still functional water wheel, and nearby holiday apartments in the old mill building.
Buchwies Pond is described as a 'romantic forest lake' and offers a serene spot for recharging amidst pure nature. The Kollnbergmühle Watermill and Pond also provides a natural idyll, home to rare birds like the kingfisher, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Yes, Ebenreuther See is particularly known as a paradise for anglers, with fishing permits available at the Thurmansbang tourism office.
Ebenreuther See offers large sunbathing lawns, changing rooms, and toilet facilities. Saldenburg Mill Pond is well-equipped with sanitary facilities, changing rooms, and a kiosk. Dreiburgensee has pedal boat rentals and is near a hotel with wellness facilities.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural settings, from the pure nature and relaxing atmosphere of Buchwies Pond to the adventure and family fun at Saldenburg Mill Pond. The proximity of Dreiburgensee to the Museumsdorf Bayerischer Wald is also a significant draw, combining nature with cultural exploration.
The Kollnbergmühle Watermill and Pond is notable for having the oldest mill pond in the Bavarian Forest and a still functional water wheel, making it a listed natural treasure. Hartmannsreit Reservoir features a large fish ladder, adding an interesting ecological element.
The lakes are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months, especially for swimming and outdoor activities. The region is known for its refreshing stops along hiking routes, making spring, summer, and early autumn ideal for exploring the natural beauty and engaging in activities like hiking, cycling, and boating.


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