Top 20 Lakes around Freinsheim
Best lakes around Freinsheim offer diverse natural experiences within a reasonable distance of the town. This region, situated in the Palatinate, features a landscape characterized by forests and low mountain ranges. Visitors can find a variety of lakes, from tranquil natural monuments to developed bathing spots. The area provides opportunities for nature observation, hiking, and lakeside recreation.
Best lakes around Freinsheim
- The most popular lakes is Ungeheuersee, a lake that is a flat bog pond fed by the Krumbach. As part of the only raised bog in its low mountain range, it has been protected as a natural monument since the 1930s.
- Another must-see spot is Eiswoog, a lake known for its scenic beauty and refreshment options. It is a popular bathing lake with sunbathing lawns and a circular path of about 3 kilometers.
- Visitors also love Basalt Lake South Quarry (Forst, Palatinate), a lake that formed after basalt quarries were abandoned in the 1980s. Today it is a nature reserve, offering impressive views from its paths.
- Freinsheim is known for bathing lakes, natural monuments, and former quarry lakes. These include options for swimming, nature observation, and scenic walks.
- The lakes around Freinsheim are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 3600 upvotes and 1900 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ungeheuersee
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Basalt Lake South Quarry (Forst, Palatinate)
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Eiswoog
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Every two years the lake is pumped empty. Eiswoogfest.
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Lake Eiswoog and Viaduct
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Basalt Lake (Nordbruch)
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It is located on the Pechsteinkopf, which takes its name from the basalt found there.
The ballast was mined in open-cast mining until the 1980s. In addition to a smaller crater in the southwest, a larger one was created in the northeast, which is 100 m deep and 200 m in diameter. Initially, the rock was transported by a circular cable car to a loading station with a grinding mill on the Neustadt-Bad Dürkheim railway line. The cable car was more than 2 km long and ran between Forst an der Weinstraße and Deidesheim across the German Wine Route.
After basalt mining was stopped, the grinding mill and cable car were dismantled and the edges of the craters were cordoned off to prevent access. Because the water escaping in the mining area is no longer pumped out as it was during mining times, two ponds formed on the bottom of the mining craters, which are now natural biotopes.
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Tips from the Community
Originally created for fish farming by monks from the nearby monastery
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In the summer, a SunDowner event takes place here every two Wednesdays. It's a lovely way to watch the sun set over the lake while enjoying a bratwurst and a spritzer or a wheat beer.
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So no one has to slip through the fence to take photos
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Something really great was built there. The platform was newly installed and now you have a great view of the quarry and the lake.
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Since June 2024, there has been an observation platform on the edge of the Nordbruch crater lake, which offers a great view of one of the two basalt lakes. Information board no. 7 next to the viewing platform tells the interesting story of this quarry: "The basalt deposit around Forst is 820 m long and 260 m wide and is slightly dumbbell-shaped. The Margaretental runs through the middle of the deposit, which is why the basalt had to be mined in TWO separate quarries. The north quarry was the first to be opened up in 1841, but production there was only for the quarry's own needs. Five years later, in 1846, mining also began in the south quarry. In 1897, mining in the north quarry was stopped until a lease agreement with the municipality of Forst made further mining possible in 1911. A 2800 m long cable car was built to transport the extracted rock, which ended directly at the railway line near Deidesheim and was only replaced by a transport road in 1969. Mining in the south quarry was stopped in 1964. In December 1990, operations in Nordbruch finally ceased. Following the closure, both sites were recultivated and officially returned to nature in 2011."
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Platform with a great view of the basalt lake deep in the crater. Now nobody has to climb over the fence anymore 😉
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Great sight if you're tall enough to look over the edge. Not visible to children. Luckily it was completely cordoned off due to the brittle edges. Impressive crater!
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From the path, the ballast quarry offers an impressive view of the lake that has formed there. It is located on the Pechsteinkopf, which takes its name from the basalt found there. The ballast was mined in open-cast mining until the 1980s. In addition to a smaller crater in the southwest, a larger one was created in the northeast, which is 100 m deep and 200 m in diameter. Initially, the rock was transported by a circular cable car to a loading station with a grinding mill on the Neustadt-Bad Dürkheim railway line. The cable car was more than 2 km long and ran between Forst an der Weinstraße and Deidesheim across the German Wine Route. After basalt mining was stopped, the grinding mill and cable car were dismantled and the edges of the craters were cordoned off to prevent access. Because the water escaping in the mining area is no longer pumped out as it was during mining times, two ponds formed on the bottom of the mining craters, which are now natural biotopes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Freinsheim are suitable for families?
For family-friendly outings, consider Ungeheuersee, Eiswoog, and Lambsheimer Weiher. The Basalt Lake (Nordbruch) also offers family-friendly viewing opportunities. Almensee, located close to Freinsheim, is another convenient option for a refreshing dip with the family.
Are there good swimming opportunities at the lakes near Freinsheim?
Yes, several lakes offer excellent swimming. Eiswoog is a popular bathing lake with sunbathing lawns. Lambsheimer Weiher is a beautiful bathing lake with a beach bar, and Almensee is also known as a convenient bathing lake close to Freinsheim.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Ungeheuersee is a flat bog pond and part of a protected raised bog, offering a tranquil natural setting. The Basalt Lakes (South Quarry and Nordbruch) are former basalt quarries now natural reserves, providing unique geological views. Eiswoog is nestled in a romantic forest, offering scenic views and shady paths.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Freinsheim?
Absolutely. Many lakes are surrounded by hiking trails. For instance, Eiswoog has a circular path of about 3 kilometers. The Basalt Lakes (South Quarry and Nordbruch) offer impressive views from their paths. You can find various hiking routes, including those around Ungeheuersee, in the Hiking around Freinsheim guide.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near the lakes?
Beyond hiking, the region offers opportunities for mountain hikes and gravel biking. You can explore routes like 'View of Battenberg Castle – Ungeheuersee loop' for gravel biking, or various mountain hikes. Check the Mountain Hikes around Freinsheim and Gravel biking around Freinsheim guides for detailed routes.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, several lakes provide refreshment options. Eiswoog has a hotel with a cozy beer garden right on its shore. Lambsheimer Weiher features a restaurant and a beach bar. Additionally, the PWV hut Weisenheim is located near Ungeheuersee.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Freinsheim?
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, especially for swimming and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and nature observation. Summer is ideal for bathing lakes like Almensee, Eiswoog, and Lambsheimer Weiher.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
While specific rules for each lake may vary, many natural areas and trails around the lakes are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves like Ungeheuersee and the Basalt Lakes (South Quarry and Nordbruch), to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
What makes the Basalt Lakes unique?
The Basalt Lakes, including the South Quarry and Nordbruch near Forst, are unique because they formed after basalt quarries were abandoned in the 1980s. They are now nature reserves, offering impressive geological views and a glimpse into the region's industrial past and subsequent natural reclamation. A new observation platform at Nordbruch provides excellent views.
Is the Ungeheuersee truly a natural monument?
Yes, Ungeheuersee is a protected natural monument. It is a flat bog pond fed by the Krumbach and is part of the only raised bog in its low mountain range. It has been protected since the 1930s, highlighting its ecological significance and tranquil natural setting.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Freinsheim?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the scenic beauty and refreshment options at Eiswoog, the tranquil natural setting of Ungeheuersee, and the unique geological views of the Basalt Lakes (South Quarry and Nordbruch). The availability of bathing spots and family-friendly facilities also makes them popular.
Are there any cultural events associated with these lakes?
Yes, Eiswoog is known for its unique 'Eiswoogfest,' which occurs every two years when the lake is pumped empty. This event adds an interesting cultural dimension to its appeal. Lambsheimer Weiher also occasionally hosts live music at its beach bar.
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