Lakes around Witzmannsberg, a municipality in Bavaria's Passau district, offer diverse recreational opportunities within the Ilztal & Dreiburgenland region. This area is known for its natural landscapes, including clear streams and mountain forests. The lakes provide various settings, from former quarries with geological significance to popular bathing spots. Witzmannsberg serves as a base for exploring these natural attractions.
Last updated: June 27, 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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The former quarry is also vividly described at https://www.sehenswerter-bayerischer-wald.de/steinbruch-buechlberg-wandern-see.html
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The former Büchlberg granite quarry with lake is an important geosite. Fine- to medium-grained two-mica granite (equivalent to Hauzenberger Granite I) was mined from 1880 until after Carl Kerber's death in 1961 in the former Kerberbruch quarry on the Büchlberg. The rock, which is grayish-white when fresh, has a slightly yellowish tinge. The outcrop walls show signs of weathering to varying depths. Büchlberg granite was used as natural stone in buildings such as Nuremberg Central Station, the spiral staircase of the Germanisches Museum in Nuremberg, and the Walhalla in Regensburg. The stone was also traded internationally, for example in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. The granite quarry, surrounded on all sides by the remaining walls and with a lake at its lowest level, is a natural monument and is located in a landscape conservation area. It now serves as a recreational area. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=275A032
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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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Unfortunately, swimming is forbidden here 😔 but you can enjoy the peace and quiet here 😍☺️
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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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The region offers diverse natural attractions. The Kerber Quarry Lake (Büchlberg Quarry Lake) is a significant geosite, a former granite quarry now a natural monument within a landscape conservation area. Its distinctive rock formations and industrial heritage make it a fascinating spot. Additionally, the Ilztal & Dreiburgenland region, where Witzmannsberg is located, is known for its crystal-clear streams and original mountain forests.
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. The Dreiburgensee is a popular bathing lake with a sandy beach, sunbathing lawns, and a shallow water zone suitable for children. The Saldenburg Mill Pond offers an adventure bathing area with a zip line to an island, a play ship, and a large lawn for sunbathing, all with the scenic backdrop of Saldenburg castle.
The area around Witzmannsberg's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Ilz footbridge at Dießensteiner Mühle – Schneidermühle on the Ilz loop from Schrottenbaummühle' which is a moderate 12.1 km hike. For cycling, options include the 'Dreiburgensee – Ochsenstiegl Lookout Tower loop from Witzmannsberg' for touring bikes. Explore more options on the Hiking around Witzmannsberg or Cycling around Witzmannsberg guide pages.
Yes, for leisurely strolls, the Dreiburgensee features a circular path of approximately 2 km, perfect for an easy walk. The Buchwies Pond also offers a relaxing natural environment for easy walks. The Kollnbergmühlweiher pond has a short walk around its entirety, and it's also located on hiking trails No. 50 and No. 53.
Visitors particularly appreciate the serene atmosphere and natural beauty. For instance, Buchwies Pond is praised for its 'pure nature and absolutely relaxing' environment. The Dreiburgensee is loved for its swimming opportunities and sandy beach, while the Saldenburg Mill Pond is a hit for its 'pure bathing fun' and family-friendly amenities.
Yes, the Kerber Quarry Lake is a former granite quarry with a rich history, where mining took place from 1880 until 1961. Its geological significance and past use make it a historical point of interest. Additionally, the Kollnbergmühle Watermill and Pond is a wonderful idyll at a former sawmill, featuring an old shed and mill building, and a small chapel worth visiting.
Absolutely. The Dreiburgensee is a very popular bathing lake, especially in summer, offering a sandy beach and sunbathing lawns. The Saldenburg Mill Pond is also highlighted for 'pure bathing fun' with its adventure bathing area. The Buchwies Pond is a nice little bathing pond, and the Hals Reservoir also features a popular bathing beach.
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. For swimming and water activities, summer is ideal, particularly at Dreiburgensee and Saldenburg Mill Pond. In winter, when the Dreiburgensee freezes, it provides opportunities for ice skating and curling. The natural landscapes are beautiful for hiking and enjoying nature in spring and autumn.
While not strictly 'hidden,' the Oberilzmühle Reservoir is often considered an insider tip for peace-seekers due to its clear waters and tranquil setting. It features a large lounge area by the river in the Ilz fish house, offering a serene escape.
Yes, particularly around the more popular lakes. The Dreiburgensee has restaurants and hotels nearby. The Saldenburg Mill Pond provides sanitary facilities, changing rooms, and a kiosk for snacks. The Ilz fish house at Oberilzmühle Reservoir also offers a lounge area.
Many lakes offer beautiful views. The Saldenburg Mill Pond provides a scenic backdrop of Saldenburg castle. Rannasee features a wooden sculpture on its peninsula, offering magnificent views of the entire lake from that vantage point. The Kerber Quarry Lake also offers unique views of its quarry walls and the surrounding landscape.


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