4.5
(4704)
22,069
hikers
226
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Brückelsee offer access to a landscape shaped by its past as a brown coal open-cast mine, now transformed into a natural area within Germany's Oberpfälzer Seenland. The region features clear lake waters, including Brückelsee itself and the adjacent Murner See, separated by a dam. Terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for various fitness levels, with minimal elevation changes.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.3
(52)
184
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
25
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(5)
14
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
19
hikers
24.9km
06:32
210m
210m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A magnificent area with many sights
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I can only recommend Steinberger See. Great paths and many benches scattered around the lake, some with tables.
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nice mini-golf course at the wakeboard facility
0
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From here you can watch the wakeboarders very nicely. A cozy spot. And I love watching the wakeboarders on their course.
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Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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Lake Murner See is a lignite mining lake that was flooded in the 1980s and is part of the Upper Palatinate lake district. Thanks to its clear waters, it is very popular with divers, stand-up paddleboarders, swimmers, and others. The family highlight at Lake Murner See is the fantastic Water-Fish-Nature adventure park. Yet it still exudes tranquility.
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Beautiful path around the lake, unfortunately a bit crowded in summer
2
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great house with life-size Playmobil figures
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There are over 200 hiking routes around Brückelsee that are accessible from bus stations. These trails offer a wide range of experiences, from easy strolls to more challenging excursions, all starting conveniently close to public transport stops.
You'll find a diverse network of trails, primarily featuring generally flat terrain with minimal elevation changes. Many routes are circular, allowing you to return to your starting bus stop. The landscape often combines the unique transformed industrial features of the former open-cast mine with the clear waters of Brückelsee and the neighboring Murner See.
Yes, the region is well-suited for families and beginners due to its mostly flat terrain. An excellent easy option is the Murner See Promenade – Signpost to observation tower loop from Rauberweiherhaus, which is 5 km long and takes about 1.5 hours. It offers pleasant views and is easily reachable by bus.
Most trails around Brückelsee are dog-friendly, making it a great destination for hiking with your canine companion. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash, especially near populated areas or nature reserves, and carry waste bags. Check specific route details on komoot for any restrictions.
Many routes offer views of the clear waters of Brückelsee and Murner See. You might also encounter observation towers providing panoramic views of the lake district, or explore areas like the Upper Palatinate Fairy Tale Garden. The unique landscape, a result of a former brown coal mine, offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and industrial history.
Yes, many of the trails are designed as circular routes, making them ideal for public transport users. For example, the Signpost to observation tower – Upper Palatinate Fairy Tale Garden loop from Rauberweiherhaus is a moderate 12.5 km circular hike that brings you back to your starting point.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the wonderfully clear lake waters, the well-maintained trails, and the unique transformed landscape. The ease of access by public transport and the suitability for various fitness levels are also frequently highlighted.
The trails around Brückelsee are enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for combining hiking with swimming in the clear lake waters. Even in winter, the flat terrain can be suitable for a crisp walk, though some services might be reduced.
Yes, especially around the more popular areas like Murner See, you can find cafes, restaurants, and pubs. It's always a good idea to check opening hours in advance, especially outside of peak season, or to pack some snacks and drinks for your hike.
The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and your pace. Easy trails like the Murner See Promenade – Signpost to observation tower loop from Rauberweiherhaus can be completed in under two hours. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Murner See Promenade – Murner Lake Loop Trail loop from Rauberweiherhaus, can take over five hours.


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