Top 20 Lakes around Steinbach am Wald
Best lakes around Steinbach am Wald are found within the Frankenwald Nature Park, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The region is characterized by its scenic environment, including access to the Rennsteig hiking trail. Visitors can explore various bodies of water, from natural lakes to former industrial sites transformed into natural attractions. These locations provide settings for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Best lakes around Steinbach am Wald
- The most popular lakes is Ölschnitzsee…
Last updated: August 20, 2026
Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten
Highlight • Monument
The Göpel shaft system was …
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Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site
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Ölschnitzsee
Highlight • Lake
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🍺 Ölschnitz Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Pond on the Märchenpfad Lauenstein
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Popular around Steinbach am Wald
Magical woodland & trails – cycling in Germany’s Franconian Forest
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Cycling around Steinbach am Wald
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Tips from the Community
Small pond that you pass on the hiking trail
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The 5.7-kilometer-long Fairy Tale Trail not only tells tree stories and legends from the region at 13 stations, but also leads past natural beauties like this small Franconian Forest pond.
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This is the former Lehesten roofing slate opencast mine. Its dimensions alone are impressive; along with the nearby Oertelsbruch, it was one of the largest slate quarries on the continent (approximately 800 m long, 300 m wide, and up to 80 m deep). Source: Wikipedia
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A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.
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Restaurant with a large terrace and simple dishes.
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Great facility with toilets, showers and charging facilities for cell phones or e-bikes. The bathing area is also very nice, although the depth of the Ölschnitzsee is manageable :)
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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary industrial complex, located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve. 170 Red List species have now been confirmed to have settled in this partially inaccessible area.
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The Göpel shaft system, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble and the trademark of the slate park. The Göpel shaft system was built around 1850, five years after the open-cast mine opened. On the north-west edge of the now closed and flooded roofing slate open-cast mine, the Göpel shaft was used to lift mined slate rock and thus stabilize the production flow. The rock was transported to the adjacent double-slitting hut and processed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes and water features to explore around Steinbach am Wald?
The primary natural lake is Ölschnitzsee, offering relaxation and activities like swimming and pedal boating. Additionally, you can visit unique historical sites with water features such as the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, which feature clear, flooded quarries now serving as natural monuments.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes?
Yes, Ölschnitzsee is particularly family-friendly, featuring a playground, mini-golf, and opportunities for swimming and pedal boating. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site also offers an engaging historical experience for families.
Can I swim in the lakes near Steinbach am Wald?
Swimming is permitted and popular at Ölschnitzsee. However, swimming and diving are prohibited in the clear waters of the former slate quarries like the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, as these are nature reserves.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near these lakes?
The region offers various hiking opportunities. For example, there's an easy 6.2 km circular route around Ölschnitzsee. You can also find longer, more challenging trails that connect lakes with other regional highlights, such as a difficult 18.7 km route from Steinbach am Wald to the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten and the Altvaterturm. Explore more hiking options on the Hiking around Steinbach am Wald guide.
Are there cycling routes that pass by the lakes?
Yes, the area is popular for cycling. You can find mountain biking routes like the moderate 45 km 'Ölschnitzsee – North Trail to Ölschnitzsee loop' from Steinbach am Wald. Road cycling routes are also available, such as a moderate 55.6 km loop featuring slate architecture in Lehesten. Discover more cycling routes in the MTB Trails around Steinbach am Wald and Road Cycling Routes around Steinbach am Wald guides.
What historical sites are associated with the lakes in the region?
The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten are significant historical sites. They showcase the history of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining, with the Göpelschacht being a unique European shaft system and the quarry now a nature reserve with clear, flooded pits.
Are there facilities like restaurants or cafes near the lakes?
At Ölschnitzsee, you'll find the 🍺 Ölschnitz Hut, which offers food and a terrace, especially during summer. The lake also provides changing rooms and sanitation facilities.
What makes the Lehesten Slate Quarry a natural monument?
The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, is now a nature reserve. It's home to 170 Red List species that have settled in its partially inaccessible areas, making it a significant ecological site.
Is there a specific trail for nature observation or unique natural features?
Yes, the 5.7-kilometer-long Fairy Tale Trail (Märchenpfad Lauenstein) leads past natural beauties, including a small Franconian Forest pond (Pond on the Märchenpfad Lauenstein), while telling tree stories and legends from the region.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Steinbach am Wald?
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and the diverse recreational opportunities. They appreciate the clear waters of the former quarries, the scenic views, and the chance to combine historical exploration with outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The family-friendly amenities at Ölschnitzsee are also highly valued.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in the Frankenwald region?
The lakes and surrounding Frankenwald Nature Park are generally best visited during the warmer months, from spring through autumn, when conditions are ideal for hiking, cycling, swimming, and enjoying outdoor facilities. Winter offers a different, quieter experience, though some facilities may be closed.
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