Best lakes around Donauwörth are found in Bavaria, a region where the Danube and Lech rivers meet. The area features natural water bodies, including the Riedlinger Baggersee, a local recreational area. These lakes offer opportunities for outdoor activities and provide diverse natural landscapes. Donauwörth serves as a base for exploring these water-centric environments.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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September 2025 - €23 for two people with bicycles and a tent. A common room with charging facilities is available.
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A beautiful, quiet campsite about 6 km southeast of Donauwörth with its own swimming lake.
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It's one of two huts located in the cross-country ski section. The pond is somewhat hidden during the lush vegetation season. Signs with the relevant information can be found near the trees.
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Bright, friendly place. Everything is very clean.
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Particularly colorful and beautiful in autumn
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A Malm block measuring several thousand cubic meters within the colorful rubble masses in the area surrounding the Nördlinger Ries was used to extract raw materials and was partially mined. A small pond formed in the resulting hollow due to the low water permeability of the surrounding rubble rocks. The outcrop is located about 5.5 km southeast of the crater rim. The Gunzenheimer Gump is a small artificial pond (about 8 m deep), but it could only have been created due to the special geological conditions of its surroundings and human activities. The colorful rubble masses here consisted of large white Jurassic limestone blocks (Malm Delta) and clayey and sandy components from the Triassic and older Jurassic periods (Lias, Dogger). While the clayey-sandy deposits were removed, the more weather-resistant lime remained. The lime was used to build the Kaisheim monastery church. Due to the damming nature of the clays of the colorful rubble masses, water could rise under excess pressure (artesian rising spring) during lime mining and form a pond. The special geological significance of the Gunzenheimer Gump was taken into account in 2004. The Gunzenheimer Gump was included in the official geotope cadastre of the Bavarian State Office for the Environment and was thus awarded the "Geotop" seal of quality. [ Source: https://www.geopark-ries.de/geologische-besonderheit/gunzenheimer_gump-21524/ ]
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A great, bike-friendly campsite with a very friendly owner. More information at: https://www.donau-lech-camping.de/
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The Riedlinger Baggersee is a prime local recreational area, perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. It offers amenities like sunbathing lawns, a playground, beach volleyball courts, and a kiosk. You can also find designated barbecue areas there. For swimming, the Gravel Lake North of the Danube is highly recommended, especially in summer, with plenty of shade and various access points to the water.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Riedlinger Baggersee features a playground and is suitable for swimming. The Prälatenweiher is a quiet pond with a circular path, ideal for a peaceful family stroll. Additionally, the Lech Reservoir Near Waltershofen and Ellgau is also categorized as family-friendly and offers beautiful views.
The lakes around Donauwörth offer diverse natural settings. You'll find picturesque quarry ponds, such as the Gravel Lake North of the Danube. The Gump Swimming Pond is a unique bathing lake formed by a mass from the Ries impact, offering crystal clear water and great views. The Riedlinger Baggersee, originally gravel pits, has been transformed into a well-equipped recreational space with green areas.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, such as those found in the guide Easy hikes around Donauwörth, with routes like the 'Färbertörle City Gate Tower – Rieder Gate' loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes, including those in the guide Gravel biking around Donauwörth, and mountain biking trails available in the guide MTB Trails around Donauwörth.
Yes, the Riedlinger Baggersee has a designated barbecue area. Permits for campfires can be obtained from the Donauwörth public order office. Many of the lakes, especially the quarry ponds, also offer shaded spots and access points that are suitable for picnics.
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities, especially at the Riedlinger Baggersee and the Gravel Lake North of the Danube. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and cycling around the lakes, enjoying the changing scenery. The Prälatenweiher is recommended in every season for its quiet beauty.
The Riedlinger Baggersee is well-equipped with various facilities, including parking spaces, changing rooms, toilets, and a kiosk for refreshments. For other smaller ponds or lakes, facilities might be more limited, so it's always a good idea to check local information or prepare accordingly.
Yes, the area around the Lech Reservoir Near Waltershofen and Ellgau is particularly beautiful on the east side, where you pass through a nature reserve. This is an excellent spot to observe a variety of water birds. The quiet nature of ponds like the Prälatenweiher also makes them suitable for wildlife spotting.
Yes, near one of the small ponds, you can find the Shelter by the Pond on Edelweißweg. This hut offers a great place to rest and stay dry, especially if there's unexpected rain. It's a small refuge where you can linger and enjoy the view of the pond.
Visitors appreciate the diverse opportunities for relaxation and activity. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of places like the Prälatenweiher, which is described as a 'really beautiful and quiet pond.' The option for swimming in the summer heat at spots like the Gravel Lake North of the Danube is also highly valued, especially with the availability of shade. The overall natural beauty and the chance to observe water birds at the Lech Reservoir are also frequently praised.
Yes, the Riedlinger Baggersee, being a popular recreational area, offers dedicated parking spaces for visitors. For other lakes, parking availability may vary, but generally, you can find parking options nearby, especially at larger or more developed sites.
The Riedlinger Baggersee features easily walkable paths, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Many of the circular paths around smaller ponds, like the one at Prälatenweiher, are also generally easy and accessible for a leisurely stroll.


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