Best lakes around Mellenbach-Glasbach are primarily large reservoirs in the surrounding Thuringian Slate Mountains, often referred to as the "Thuringian Sea." Mellenbach-Glasbach is a village in the district of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, Thuringia, Germany. While natural lakes are not directly within the village, the broader region offers significant bodies of water formed by damming the Saale River, providing diverse recreational opportunities. These reservoirs are characterized by fjord-like landscapes, dense forests, and steep slopes.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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From below and from above: Very impressive!
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This was our starting point for the circular tour. Amazing from below, it looks even more impressive from above! Looking down gives you a thrill :) The dam is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A stamping station is available for tours.
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The dam is rather unspectacular. The path along the west side of the reservoir is also not worth the effort. The view of the lake is usually blocked by trees, even in winter, as the trees are so densely packed that the trunks obscure the view.
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Worth seeing dam, the second highest in Germany
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A very impressive building, built in the early 2000s
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The history of the dam is also exciting. You can find out all about it in the information center on the dam wall.
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While Mellenbach-Glasbach itself doesn't have natural lakes, the region is home to several significant reservoirs, often called the "Thuringian Sea." The most prominent are the Hohenwarte Dam (Hohenwarte Reservoir), Bleilochtalsperre (Bleiloch Reservoir), and Eichicht Dam. These offer diverse recreational opportunities and stunning fjord-like landscapes.
Yes, many activities are suitable for families. The Leibis-Lichte Dam is noted as family-friendly, with visitors enjoying its impressive backdrop and circular hiking trails. The Bleiloch Reservoir area also features family-friendly attractions like an adventure park, a fairy tale theme park, and a summer toboggan run with reservoir views.
The reservoirs are characterized by stunning fjord-like landscapes, with water winding through deep valleys of the Thuringian Slate Mountains, framed by dense forests. Viewpoints like Schneiderfelsen - Touring stamp 169 offer terrific views of the dams and surrounding nature. You'll find a mix of forests, steep slopes, and rocky outcrops.
The reservoirs are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy passenger ship tours, motorboating, rowing, cycling, swimming, fishing, diving, sailing, surfing, and water skiing. Hiking is also very popular, with well-marked trails like the Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail. For cycling, explore routes like those found in the Cycling around Mellenbach-Glasbach guide.
Absolutely. The Hohenwarte Reservoir boasts a 74.4-kilometer Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail, known for its challenging paths, dense forests, steep slopes, and rocky viewpoints. The Bleiloch Reservoir also offers extensive marked hiking trails. For more options, check out the Hiking around Mellenbach-Glasbach guide.
The region is enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months (spring to autumn) are ideal for water sports, cycling, and extensive hiking. The stunning scenery, especially the fjord-like landscapes, can be appreciated in all seasons, with autumn offering vibrant foliage.
For a tranquil experience, consider visiting Höllteich. It's described as a calm spot off the beaten track, featuring a small hut and fireplace, perfect for lingering and enjoying the peace. Another peaceful option is Wiesenweg Ponds, which are easy to access near a bike path.
Yes, the dams themselves are significant. The Hohenwarte Dam, built between 1936 and 1942, is an impressive sight, standing 75 meters high. The Bleilochtalsperre, constructed between 1926 and 1932, is considered one of Germany's historical landmarks of engineering. The Leibis-Lichte Dam is also a notable man-made monument.
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning views, the peaceful atmosphere, and the diverse recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the fjord-like scenery, the well-maintained trails, and the chance to relax by the water. The community has shared over 600 photos and given more than 600 upvotes, reflecting the appeal of these locations.
Yes, along the shores of the larger reservoirs like Hohenwarte, you can find various amenities. These include inns serving traditional Thuringian cuisine, campsites, and guesthouses, providing options for both dining and accommodation.
The Bleilochtalsperre is Germany's largest reservoir by volume and length, stretching 28 kilometers. It's a major hub for water sports like angling, boating, surfing, and stand-up paddling. Anglers particularly value it for its excellent population of predatory fish such as pike, zander, perch, and catfish.
The Hohenwarte Dam and Eichicht Dam are approximately 15-20 kilometers away, taking about 20-30 minutes to drive. The Bleilochtalsperre is a bit further, around 30-40 kilometers, with an estimated driving time of 40-50 minutes.


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