Top 20 Lakes around Schönbrunner Wald

While the Schönbrunner Wald itself doesn't have natural lakes, the surrounding Bavarian Forest region offers a variety of beautiful lakes. These include natural cirque lakes, formed during the last ice age, and artificial reservoirs (known as 'Klausen') that were historically used for timber transport.

Among the most popular lakes are Lake Rachel, a pristine cirque lake and nature reserve, and the Martinsklause Reservoir, a historical artificial reservoir now preserved as a cultural monument. Visitors also enjoy the Reschbachklause, another dam built for wood drift at a high altitude.

Many of the lakes, particularly the cirque lakes like Großer Arbersee and Kleiner Arbersee, are relics from the last ice age. Großer Arbersee is especially unique for its 'swinging lawns' or floating islands. The region's lakes are often nestled within dense forests, offering serene natural beauty and opportunities for hiking.

Yes, several lakes are artificial reservoirs known as 'Klausen,' which were built in the 19th century to facilitate timber transport. The Martinsklause Reservoir and Reschbachklause are excellent examples, preserved today as cultural monuments that offer insights into the region's forestry history.

Many lakes in the area are suitable for families. For instance, the Martinsklause Reservoir and Reschbachklause are categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant spots for a break. The trails around lakes like Großer Arbersee are also generally accessible for families.

Yes, the Großarmschlag Reservoir is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing an idyllic setting lined by dense forest for visitors to enjoy.

The area around the lakes offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including mountain hikes and general hiking routes. There are also road cycling routes available. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Schönbrunner Wald or Road Cycling Routes around Schönbrunner Wald guides.

Absolutely. Many lakes, such as Lake Rachel and Großer Arbersee, have scenic hiking trails around their perimeters. You can find various hiking options, from easy walks to more challenging mountain hikes, in the broader Bavarian Forest region. Check out the Hiking around Schönbrunner Wald guide for specific routes.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings stunning fall foliage, while winter transforms the landscape into a serene, snow-covered wonderland, ideal for winter walks, though some access might be limited by snow.

Generally, the Bavarian Forest National Park, which encompasses many of these lakes, is dog-friendly, but specific rules may apply to certain areas or trails, especially within nature reserves. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and respect local signage to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The Teufelsbachklause is an old hermitage, or mountain stream dam, originally built to dam water for wood drift. Today, it stands as a technical monument to the timber industry in the Bohemian Forest, offering a very scenic and fun trail section for hikers.