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Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Top 20 Lakes around Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Best lakes around Rothenburg ob der Tauber offer diverse natural experiences in the region surrounding the historic town. While Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known for its medieval architecture, the Tauber River flows through its valley, providing scenic views and walking paths. The wider area features various water bodies, from natural ponds to recreational lakes. These locations provide opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Best lakes around Rothenburg ob der Tauber

  • The most popular lakes is Hirschteich (Altmühl spring), a lake that is idyllically located in a forest. This small lake is considered an origin point of the Altmühl river.
  • Another must-see spot is Münstersee, a lake within a leisure and recreation area. Visitors can expect sunbathing lawns, a pebble beach, a water playground, and Kneipp pools.
  • Visitors also love Rest area at Lindleinsee, a quiet spot with views of the Großer Lindleinsee. This location invites visitors to relax and observe the lake's natural inhabitants.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known for natural lakes, ponds, and recreational bathing lakes. The region offers a variety of water bodies to explore, from tranquil forest ponds to larger leisure areas.
  • The lakes around Rothenburg ob der Tauber are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 460 upvotes and over 190 photos shared.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Source of the Altmühl (Hornauer Pond)

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The Hornauer Weiher, which is considered the official source of the Altmühl, is far away from traffic, quietly on the outskirts. Here you can relax, bathe and grill.

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Even the oldest maps show the area around the Burgbernheim deer pond as the origin of the Altmühl. In 1904 the Royal Bavarian Hydrotechnical Bureau in Munich decided that the drainage ditch of the Hornauer Weiher must be assumed as the origin of the Altmühl. Of the tributaries of the Hornauer Weiher, the spring at the Erlach settlement currently has the strongest water discharge and can therefore be regarded as the Altmühl spring. The Altmühl flows from here into the Danube and then further into the Black Sea.

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Rest area at Lindleinsee

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In dry weather conditions you can go around the Großer Lindleinsee on small paths. The reeds always give beautiful views of the lake and its inhabitants. In the east of the lake you can always find traces of feeding by the beavers, which have already destroyed some large poplars. When birds are migrating, thousands of starlings spend the night in the reeds, which are particularly spectacular in the morning and evening. If it is wet, one stands in the area of the eastern tributary up to the calves in the water of the wet meadows.

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Large Lindleinsee

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The Kleiner Lindleinsee is a lake near Steinsfeld (Bavaria). The lake can be reached from the surrounding towns of Neusitz (3 km away) and Adelshofen (about 4 km away). The Kleiner Lindleinsee is located in the catchment area of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is around 3 km from the lake.

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Münstersee

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This was the first dam to protect Münster from the flooding of the Herrgottsbach. The stream is supplied by large fields and brings a lot of water in spring.

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Tips from the Community

Triple P
October 3, 2025, Großer Lindleinsee

During my visit, it had little water or was partially drained. In any case, a very quiet location with a beautiful trail on the western edge.

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Beautifully situated and very helpful in bad weather, but also suitable as protection from the sun in midsummer.

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NIKI
March 17, 2025, Großer Lindleinsee

Beautiful place on the idyllic lake

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Harald
September 1, 2024, Großer Lindleinsee

Can only recommend coming here

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Very nice resting place at the large Lindleinsee. Very secluded and quiet, 2 benches invite you to relax and rest. The Great Lindleinsee is located near Steinsfeld in Bavaria and is part of the "Great and Small Lindleinsee bird sanctuary". As a nature reserve, it serves the bird life that lives there. Lake lovers from the surrounding towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (about 3.5 km from the lake), Neusitz (3.6 km to the shore) and Adelshofen (about 5.0 km away) will find a natural place to relax at the Great Lindleinsee or the opportunity to observe various bird species on a lakeside path. Swimming and entering the reed zone is generally prohibited at the lake. The nearest large town from which you can visit the lake is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The lakes Kleiner Lindleinsee (approx. 0.6 km), Karrodsee (approx. 9.1 km) and Stausee Münster (approx. 12.3 km) are also very close by. The lake is located in the Ansbach district.

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Bring an umbrella for shade!

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Nice, quiet spot at Lindleinsee, no shade at midday

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The Hirschteich is considered to be one of the three Altmühl sources. However, since this source dries up again and again in dry periods, it is considered unlikely. Since 1904, the Hornauer Weiher has been officially designated as the Altmühl source.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find lakes suitable for swimming near Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

For swimming, consider the Münstersee near Creglingen, which offers a bathing area with sunbathing lawns and a pebble beach. Another option is Mohrenhof in Lauterbach, a leisure park with a small lake for wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. The RothenburgBad also provides modern indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Münstersee features a water playground and sunbathing areas. Mohrenhof in Lauterbach is a leisure park with activities like adventure golf and a petting zoo. The Hirschteich (Altmühl spring) and Source of the Altmühl (Hornauer Pond) are also noted as family-friendly spots for relaxation.

What natural features can I observe around the lakes?

The region offers diverse natural features. Along the Tauber River, you can enjoy picturesque views and walking paths. The Rest area at Lindleinsee provides opportunities to observe beavers and thousands of starlings during migration. Wagenmoos Pond, within a nature reserve, is ideal for observing fens and rich biodiversity.

Can I find quiet spots for relaxation by the water?

Absolutely. The Rest area at Lindleinsee is described as a quiet spot with views of the Großer Lindleinsee, perfect for relaxing and observing nature. The Source of the Altmühl (Hornauer Pond) is also a peaceful, traffic-free location.

Are there any dog-friendly lakes in the area?

Yes, the Münster lakes near Creglingen offer a separate dog beach on the dam side, allowing your canine companions to enjoy the water too.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

For swimming and water activities, the season for the bathing lake and water playground at Münstersee typically runs from May to September. The outdoor forest swimming pool at RothenburgBad is also open during this period. For scenic walks and nature observation, the Tauber River and forest lakes like Hirschteich can be enjoyed year-round.

What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

Beyond swimming, you can enjoy various activities. Mohrenhof in Lauterbach offers wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. The upper reservoir at Münster lakes has a fishing trail. For cycling, the Tauber Valley Cycle Path is nearby, with routes like the 'Tauber Valley Cycle Path – Toppler's Little Castle loop' available. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Rothenburg ob der Tauber guide. For hiking, there are easy trails such as the 'Sieber Tower – Wobbly Bridge at the Fuchsmühle loop' which you can explore in the Easy hikes around Rothenburg ob der Tauber guide.

Are there facilities available at the lakes?

The Münstersee leisure area provides sunbathing lawns, a water playground, Kneipp pools, barbecue areas, showers, and changing rooms. Mohrenhof in Lauterbach also has a restaurant and other leisure facilities. The Source of the Altmühl (Hornauer Pond) allows for grilling.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural experiences, from tranquil forest ponds to larger leisure areas. The idyllic settings, opportunities for relaxation, and family-friendly amenities like water playgrounds and sunbathing lawns are frequently highlighted. The chance to observe wildlife, such as beavers and birds at the Lindleinsee, is also a popular draw.

Is there a lake that is considered the source of a river?

Yes, the Hirschteich (Altmühl spring) is considered an origin point of the Altmühl river, offering an idyllic forest setting. The Source of the Altmühl (Hornauer Pond) is also officially considered the source.

Are there any lakes suitable for nature observation rather than active recreation?

Wagenmoos Pond, located within the Lower Forest nature reserve, is characterized by fens and rich biodiversity. It offers a peaceful and serene environment, making it ideal for nature observation rather than active water sports or swimming.

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

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