Top 20 Lakes around Ratshausen
Best lakes around Ratshausen are found in a region characterized by its natural landscape. The municipality features Ratshauser See, located east of the village center near the Schlichem river. This lake, part of the Upper Danube Nature Park, offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking. The area provides a diverse natural setting for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Ratshausen
- The most popular lakes is Schömberg Reservoir, a lake that is excellent for swimming or boating in summer. The DLRG…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Schömberg Reservoir
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Oberdigisheim Reservoir
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Miniature village
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Schlichem Dam
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Heuberg Lakes
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The Schlichemtalsperre (also known as Schömberger Stausee, mostly just called Stausee locally) east of Schömberg in Baden-Württemberg dams the Schlichem, a tributary of the Neckar coming from the Swabian Jura. The 90.6 ha Schömberger Stausee mit Palmbühl landscape protection area surrounds the Schlichemtalsperre. The approximately 1.35 km long and initially narrow reservoir, widening to about 175 m towards the end, with an area of 10.4 ha at 643.8 m above sea level (NHN), begins at the hamlet of Untere Säge and extends to the old town center of Schömberg. It has a catchment area of about 33.5 km², to which the Schlichem, over 11 km long at its inflow, contributes almost 90%. The watercourses Hölzlegraben from the forest to the right of the lake and Scheubühlgraben and Räßentälebach from the left, up to 1.2 km long, flow into it from the sides. A fish ladder leads from the Vorsee pre-reservoir near Untere Säge to the reservoir. There is also the only bridge over the lake that can be walked and driven on. The Schlichem Viaduct can only be used by the railway. The Schlichemtalsperre was built between 1940 and 1944. The Portlandzementwerk Rudolf Rohrbach KG (today Holcim (Süddeutschland) GmbH), based in neighboring Dotternhausen, which was the client for the dam, initially used it for cooling water supply and power generation. An outdoor swimming pool built in 1935 was flooded. After World War II, the facility was taken over by the state of Württemberg-Hohenzollern in 1948. The reservoir was renovated from 1975 to 1983. The barrier structure is an earth dam, and the hydropower plant within it has an output of 60 kW. There is a pre-reservoir, the Vorsee, which was built from 1975 to 1977. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlichemtalsperre
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Very nice view of the lake. Great circular path. Numerous entrances to the bathing area.
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At Palmbühl on the Schömberg reservoir there is a free e-bike charging station with 3 sockets, marked but somewhat hidden.
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Kohlstatt-Brunnenbach Stausee 🌊 - Meßstetten-Oberdigisheim - Zollernalbkreis
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The miniature village is recommended and must be seen
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Premium hiking trail through the juniper heath and along the Albtrauf, past the Oberdigisheim reservoir, which is ideal for swimming in summer.
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Lower and Upper Heubergsee 🌊 - Zollernalbkreis
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Nice excursion restaurant at the Schömerg reservoir - Zollernalbkreis
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do at Ratshauser See?
Ratshauser See is popular for swimming in the summer and offers opportunities for fishing, with rainbow trout, carp, and roach found in its waters. The Schlichemwanderweg, a hiking trail, also leads directly to the lake, making it accessible for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Ratshausen?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Schömberg Reservoir is excellent for swimming and boating, with DLRG bathing supervision on weekends and during holidays. The Oberdigisheim Reservoir also features generous lawns, a bathing island for younger visitors, a playground, and barbecue areas.
Where can I go swimming near Ratshausen?
The Schömberg Reservoir and the Oberdigisheim Reservoir are both popular destinations for swimming in the summer. Ratshauser See also offers swimming opportunities.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Ratshausen?
Yes, the Schlichemwanderweg leads directly to Ratshauser See, offering scenic access for walkers. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Behind the Heimberg (888 m) – Gräbelesberg loop' or the 'Meadow in Naturpark Obere Donau – Split Rock on Schafberg loop'. You can find more mountain hikes in the area on the Mountain Hikes around Ratshausen guide.
What natural features can I see around the lakes?
Beyond the lakes themselves, you can observe the unique geological formations at the Heuberg Lakes, which were formed from slate quarries. The different rock layers and their profiles are still visible on the lake shore today. Ratshauser See is also part of the Upper Danube Nature Park.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Ratshausen?
The summer months are ideal for visiting the lakes, especially for swimming and boating activities at places like Schömberg Reservoir and Oberdigisheim Reservoir. The Schlichemwanderweg is also pleasant for hiking during warmer seasons.
Are there any unique attractions near the lakes for children?
Yes, the Miniature village is an ideal experience for kids and grandparents, featuring well-known replicas of houses and a miniature train to ride. Additionally, the Oberdigisheim Reservoir has a playground and a bathing island popular with younger bathers.
Can I fish in the lakes near Ratshausen?
Yes, fishing is permitted in Ratshauser See, where you can catch rainbow trout, carp, and roach. Fishing is also possible in the Oberdigisheim Reservoir after purchasing a fishing license.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do besides visiting the lakes?
Beyond lake activities, the region offers various outdoor sports. You can find running trails, such as the 'Josef-Albrecht Hut loop', on the Running Trails around Ratshausen guide. For gravel biking, routes like the 'Sebastian Chapel Balgheim – Car tunnel loop' are available in the Gravel biking around Ratshausen guide.
Are there any less crowded lakes to visit?
While Ratshauser See is a significant local lake, its smaller size and location slightly upstream from the village center may offer a more tranquil experience compared to the larger, more popular reservoirs during peak times. Its partially wooded banks provide a natural setting.
What makes the Heuberg Lakes unique?
The Heuberg Lakes are unique because they were formed from former slate quarries. You can still see the different rock layers and their profiles on the lake shore, offering a glimpse into the area's geological history. Fossils, including a unique coelacanth, were discovered here during the slate mining.
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