Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Germany
Saxony
Erzgebirgskreis

Großer Kranichsee

Attractions and Places To See around Großer Kranichsee - Top 13

Best attractions and places to see around Großer Kranichsee include a significant high moor in the Ore Mountains, recognized for its unique natural features. This area serves as a crucial watershed and krummholz bog, playing a role in regional water balance. Established as one of Saxony's oldest protected nature reserves in 1912, it is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The region offers opportunities to explore its natural heritage and historical accessibility paths.

Best attractions and places to see…

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Carlsfeld Reservoir (Wilzsch Reservoir)

Highlight • Lake

In the small open-air exhibition you can see a real water slide, an average model of the dam wall and interesting display boards. The models are on the east side, more display boards on the west side of the dam.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Here you can get from the Kammloipe to the connecting trail A8 in the direction of Carlsfeld (Gasthaus Staumauer).
The refuge invites you to rest and is located at 920 m altitude.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Schwarzer Teich Moor

Highlight • Natural

Pond is a bit exaggerated, it is a high moor, like the Kranichsee

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

The Kammweg is an award-winning long-distance hiking trail that extends from Thuringia to Saxony. The Great Crane Lake is protected and offers a variety of flowers and insects in summer. For relaxing hiking it is a wonderful area

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

The circular route around the dam is very pleasant and manageable

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Großer Kranichsee.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Großer Kranichsee

History meets nature – Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridge Trail

Der Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland aus Sicht einer Bloggerin

Hiking around Großer Kranichsee

Running Trails around Großer Kranichsee

Cycling around Großer Kranichsee

Road Cycling Routes around Großer Kranichsee

MTB Trails around Großer Kranichsee

Gravel biking around Großer Kranichsee

Other adventures around Großer Kranichsee

History meets nature – Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridge Trail

Hiking Collection by

Vogtland

Tips from the Community

e. Biker Uwe
April 18, 2025, Carlsfeld Dam (Wilzsch Dam)

☆ The construction time is remarkable... 👍

Translated by Google

4

0

Black Pond

Translated by Google

0

1

The dam wall of the Carlsfeld dam is a listed building. The curved gravity dam wall made of rubble stone is 195 meters long and up to 20 meters wide at the base. Its height above the foundation base is almost 32 meters. The dam axis has a radius of 160 meters. Source: https://www.wasserwirtschaft.sachsen.de/TS_Carlsfeld.html?_cp=%7B%22accordion-content-13266%22%3A%7B%222%22%3Atrue%2C%223%22%3Atrue%7D%2C%22previousOpen%22%3A%7B%22group%22%3A%22accordion-content-13266%22%2C%22idx%22%3A3%7D%7D

Translated by Google

4

0

The Carlsfeld Dam is located on the ridge of the Ore Mountains at a height of around 905 meters above sea level. This makes it the highest drinking water dam in Germany. Its catchment area extends into the Vogtland and the Czech Republic. The Carlsfeld Dam is sometimes also called the "Wilzsch Dam" or "Weiterwiese Dam". The first name refers to the Wilzsch River, whose water it dams. Weiterswiese was the name of a small forest settlement that had to make way for the dam to be built.

Translated by Google

4

0

A path leads over the dam wall with a view over the dam.

Translated by Google

3

0

A hiking trail leads from the Carlsfeld dam to the Großer Kranichsee.

Translated by Google

3

0

Rest area on the way to the Carlsfeld dam or to the Großer Kranichsee.

Translated by Google

2

1

Is nice on the Kammweg not far to the Schneehübel, the highest mountain in the Vogtland with a summit cross...😎

Translated by Google

3

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique natural features can I explore around Großer Kranichsee?

The region is dominated by the Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve, a significant high moor at approximately 950 meters elevation. It's a crucial watershed and krummholz bog, home to specialized flora like mountain pine, hare's-tail cotton-grass, and bog bilberry, as well as rare fauna such as the European viper and various owl species. You can also visit the Schwarzer Teich Moor, another high moor known for its vibrant coloring in late summer and autumn.

Are there any historical or cultural points of interest in the area?

Yes, the area features the historic Carlsfeld Reservoir (Wilzsch Reservoir), a curved gravity dam constructed between 1926 and 1929, which is the highest-lying drinking water dam in Saxony. It includes an open-air exhibition detailing its history. Additionally, an early 1900s Historic Corduroy Road (Knüppeldamm) was laid into the bog by the Ore Mountain Club, offering a unique historical path to experience the moor landscape.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Großer Kranichsee?

The area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, easy hikes, and cycling. For detailed routes and guides, explore options like MTB Trails around Großer Kranichsee, Easy hikes around Großer Kranichsee, and Cycling around Großer Kranichsee.

Are there family-friendly attractions or trails around Großer Kranichsee?

Absolutely! Many attractions and trails are suitable for families. The Carlsfeld Reservoir (Wilzsch Reservoir) and its surrounding area are considered family-friendly, as is the Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve on the Kammweg. The Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail is particularly pleasant and manageable for families.

What are the best hiking trails near Großer Kranichsee?

The region offers excellent hiking opportunities. The Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve is part of the award-winning Kammweg long-distance hiking trail. You can also enjoy the Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail, which is a very pleasant circular route. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Großer Kranichsee guide.

What is the best time of year to visit Großer Kranichsee?

The Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve is particularly beautiful in summer, offering a variety of flowers and insects. Late summer and autumn are fantastic for experiencing the vibrant coloring of the Schwarzer Teich Moor. In winter, the area around the Carlsfeld Reservoir is known as one of the most snow-sure areas in the Ore Mountains, with well-groomed trails for winter activities.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Großer Kranichsee?

For stunning views, visit the Carlsfeld Reservoir (Wilzsch Reservoir), where the dam crown is accessible. Another peaceful spot is the View of Weitersglashütte Reservoir, which offers a beautiful vantage point with benches to relax and linger.

What wildlife can I spot in the Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve?

The high moor ecosystem supports a variety of unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for rare species such as the European viper (Vipera berus), sand lizard (Lacerta vivipara), and various bird species like the Boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) and Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum). The moor also hosts specialized insect life, including the Arctic mosaic dragonfly and the Arctic emerald dragonfly.

Are there any circular walks available in the area?

Yes, the Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail is a highly recommended circular route that is both pleasant and manageable. Many other trails in the region, including sections of the Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland and the Drei-Talsperren-Wanderweg, also offer opportunities for circular walks.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Großer Kranichsee?

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. The Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve on the Kammweg is praised for being a wonderful area to relax and enjoy nature. The Carlsfeld Reservoir Loop Trail is often described as a 'beautiful piece of earth' and a very pleasant experience.

Is the Großer Kranichsee Nature Reserve accessible?

The nature reserve is generally accessible via hiking trails, including sections of the Kammweg. The historic Corduroy Road (Knüppeldamm) also provides a unique way to experience the moor landscape. While specific accessibility for wheelchairs might be limited due to the natural terrain of a high moor, many trails are suitable for general walking and hiking.

Can I bring my dog to the trails around Großer Kranichsee?

The area around Großer Kranichsee is popular for outdoor activities, and many trails are dog-friendly. However, as it is a nature reserve, it's important to keep dogs on a leash to protect the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife. Always check local signage for specific regulations within protected areas.

Most popular routes around Großer Kranichsee

Dog-friendly hikes around Großer Kranichsee

Most popular attractions around Großer Kranichsee

Natural Monuments

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

PfaffrodaMildenauGroßrückerswaldeWolkensteinPockau-LengefeldMarienbergJöhstadtOlbernhauJohanngeorgenstadtEibenstockRaschau-MarkersbachOberwiesenthalBreitenbrunn/ErzgebirgeBockauZschorlauElterleinGeyerSchlettauSchwarzenberg/ErzgebirgeBad SchlemaTannenbergSchwarzwassertalCrottendorfAueSchönheideAnnaberg-BuchholzSehmatalBärensteinSchneebergLauter-BernsbachScheibenbergGelenau/ErzgebirgeZwönitzAmtsbergEhrenfriedersdorfThumGroßolbersdorfStützengrünDrebachThermalbad WiesenbadGornauBörnichenGrünhain-BeierfeldStollberg/ErzgebirgeThalheim/ErzgebirgeGornsdorfBurkhardtsdorfLößnitzKönigswaldeZschopauGrünhainichenSeiffen/ErzgebirgeDeutschneudorfGeyrischer WaldHohndorfOelsnitz/ErzgebirgeJahnsdorf/ErzgebirgeNeukirchen/ErzgebirgeNiederdorf (Sachsen)NiederwürschnitzLugauHeidersdorfBürgerwaldFichtelbergDam EibenstockStreitwaldRöthenbacher WaldAbtwaldRabiswaldMörbitzArlitzwaldTrinkwassertalsperre StollbergHauwaldStausee SosaSpiegelwaldDam SaidenbachNeudörfler WaldMothäuser HeideRungstockVorsperre SchönheiderhammerHirschberg - Seiffener GrundDam Neunzehnhain IIDam CranzahlDam Carlsfeld - Weiterswiese

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Dam Carlsfeld - Weiterswiese

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy