Top 20 Lakes around Tschirn
Best lakes around Tschirn are situated within the Franconian Forest Nature Park, a region known for its extensive forests and water bodies. While Tschirn itself is a municipality in Bavaria, the broader district of Kronach features several notable lakes. These lakes serve various purposes, including drinking water supply and recreational activities. The area offers natural landscapes for exploration.
Best lakes around Tschirn
- The most popular lakes include Ködel Reservoir, a large water reservoir. This impressive body of water is…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten
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The Göpel shaft system was …
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Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site
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Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower
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Ködel Reservoir
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Ködel Dam
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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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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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Beautiful views around the dam.
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Be sure to visit and take enough time with you.
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The drinking water dam Mauthaus - called "Ködeltalsperre" - is one of the largest of its kind in Bavaria. Around the "Frankenwaldfjord" leads an approx. 11.5 km long paved path, which is ideal for hiking, cycling or inline skating. The drinking water dam Mauthaus is located in the valley of the Nurner Ködel, a tributary to the Rodach, about 20 kilometers northeast of Kronach. It was built from 1968 to 1972 to supply drinking water. As a secondary purpose, it serves to protect against flooding, raise low water levels and generate electricity from hydropower. It was put into operation in 1975 and was thus the first Bavarian drinking water dam. The body of water may not be used for water sports, which contributes significantly to the quality of drinking water. A bicycle rental is located in the Oberes Rodachtal tourist office in Steinwiesen, Kronacher Straße 75.
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The blue water is simply magnificent. You have to go there at least once. Plan on ten kilometers for a walk around the dam! There are only a few short, gentle climbs along the route. The rest of the loop is fairly flat. 🤗
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most unique lakes to visit near Tschirn?
Beyond the popular Ködel Reservoir, consider visiting the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site. This former open-cast slate mine features a lake with remarkably clear water and offers a unique insight into the region's mining history. It's known as the "Land of Blue Gold" due to the distinctive color of the slate.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Tschirn?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. The Ködel Reservoir is a great option, offering good walkable paths and a tarred circular route perfect for a family outing. The Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower area is also marked as family-friendly and features an 11 km circuit path.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The lakes around Tschirn offer various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and inline skating on the 11-kilometer circuit path around the Ködel Reservoir. For more structured activities, you can find numerous running trails, MTB trails, and road cycling routes in the vicinity, catering to different difficulty levels.
Are there any accessible lakes for visitors with limited mobility?
The Ködel Reservoir and its Water Intake Tower area are noted as wheelchair accessible. The 11-kilometer circuit path around the reservoir is well-maintained and tarred, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors.
Can I swim in the lakes around Tschirn?
Swimming is generally prohibited in the major reservoirs like the Ködel Reservoir, as it serves as Bavaria's largest drinking water source. Similarly, swimming and diving are not allowed in the clear waters of the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, which is part of a historical site.
What historical sites are located near the lakes?
The region offers significant historical sites related to its industrial past. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten are prime examples. These sites provide a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate, which was once a major industry in the area.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are nestled within the Franconian Forest Nature Park, characterized by extensive forests and diverse water bodies. At the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, the entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve, home to 170 Red List species. The Ködel Reservoir is often called the "Fjord of the Franconian Forest" due to its scenic views and tranquil setting.
Are there any circular walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, the Ködel Reservoir features a popular 11-kilometer circular path that is well-maintained and tarred, making it ideal for walking, cycling, and inline skating. The idyllic Ölschnitzsee also has a circular path, allowing visitors to experience the surrounding nature of the Franconian Forest.
What is the Ködel Reservoir primarily used for?
The Ködel Reservoir, also known as the drinking water dam Mauthaus, is Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir. Its primary purpose is to supply drinking water, but it also serves secondary functions such as flood protection, increasing low water levels, and generating electricity through hydropower.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Tschirn?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. The well-maintained paths around the Ködel Reservoir are highly appreciated for hiking and cycling. The clear water and unique historical context of sites like the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site also receive positive feedback, with many enjoying the fascinating soundscape of ice breaking in winter.
Is there a place to relax or get refreshments near the lakes?
Yes, near the idyllic Ölschnitzsee, visitors can find a hut with a beautiful terrace. This spot is perfect for relaxing and lingering, especially during the summer months, offering a pleasant break during your visit to the Franconian Forest.
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