Top 20 Lakes around Eschwege
Best lakes around Eschwege are found in northern Hesse, a region characterized by its natural landscapes and proximity to the Werra river. The town is home to the prominent Werratalsee and is near the recreational Meinhardsee, both offering diverse features for visitors. These lakes are set within a low mountain landscape, providing scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities. The area combines natural beauty with accessible recreational facilities, making it a notable destination for lake exploration.
Best lakes around Eschwege
- The most popular lakes is Lake Kalbe, a lake that offers an impressive view and insights into the region's open-cast mining history. Informative boards explain its past, making it a site of both natural beauty and historical interest.
- Another must-see spot is Frau Holle Pond and Frau Holle Sculpture, a lake known for its legendary association with Frau Holle on the Hoher Meißner. Visitors can explore hiking trails around the pond and experience its magical atmosphere, which is steeped in local folklore.
- Visitors also love Werratal Lake, a lake nestled in a beautiful low mountain landscape. It serves as an ideal leisure center, offering a relaxed environment for cycling around its perimeter and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Eschwege is known for artificial lakes, natural ponds, and recreational lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with historical significance to those designed for water sports and relaxation.
- The lakes around Eschwege are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1100 upvotes and more than 30 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Werra Cycle Path near Grebendorf
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Werratal Lake
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Lake Kalbe
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Frau Holle Pond and Frau Holle Sculpture
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Werratalsee Beach (Schwebda)
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Tips from the Community
Be sure to take a tour around the Werrasee
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Beautiful lake, but there are blue-green algae in it
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Here you can finally make some progress!
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The Werratalsee is 104 hectares in size and over 2,000 m long. At its widest point it measures over 600 m. You can easily go around it on a 7 km long loop on the hiking/biking path marked yellow 4.
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you can very well ride around it by bike or go for a walk
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Legend of the Frau Holle pond: The lake forms the entrance to Frau Holle's subterranean realm. At the bottom lies her castle of pure silver, surrounded by lush gardens full of flowers, fruit and vegetables. Every noon the beautiful young woman appears at her lake to take her bath in the middle of the pond. That's why this place is also called 'Bathroom of Frau Holle'. As the light earth mother and goddess of fertility, Mother Holle gave people rich harvests. She brought the rain that brought growth to the fields, and when she shook out their beds, the snow that covered everything. If they were angered, they brought misfortune and misery to the land.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of activities can I do at the Werratalsee?
The Werratalsee is a hub for various water sports, including surfing, sailing, stand-up paddling, canoeing, and rowing. It also features two designated bathing areas with sandy beaches, sunbathing lawns, and beach volleyball courts. For those who prefer land activities, there's a 7 km long, barrier-free circular path ideal for walking, inline skating, jogging, or cycling.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes near Eschwege?
Yes, both the Werratalsee and Meinhardsee offer excellent family-friendly amenities. The Werratalsee has adventure playgrounds and play elements for climbing and balancing along its circular path. The Meinhardsee, particularly at the Werra-Meissner-Camping site, provides a large water slide, playgrounds, and a minigolf course, making it ideal for families.
Where can I find historical or geological insights near the lakes?
You can visit Lake Kalbe, which offers an impressive view and informative boards explaining the region's open-cast mining history. Additionally, the Werratalsee itself is an artificial lake created from former gravel pits after 1945, reflecting its role in the region's post-war development.
Are there good hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Frau Holle Pond and Frau Holle Sculpture on the Hoher Meißner is surrounded by great hiking trails. You can also find numerous routes around the Werratalsee, such as the 'View of Werratal Lake – Shepherds' Hall Pavilion loop from Eschwege' which is a moderate 9.27 km hike. For more options, explore the Hiking around Eschwege guide.
What are the options for cycling around the lakes?
The Werratalsee features a 7 km long, barrier-free circular path perfect for cycling. The Werra Valley Cycle Path also runs directly along the Meinhardsee. A popular route is the 'Werra River – Werratal Lake loop from Eschwege', an easy 24.56 km ride. You can find more cycling routes in the MTB Trails around Eschwege guide or the Gravel biking around Eschwege guide.
Can I swim in the lakes near Eschwege?
Yes, both the Werratalsee and Meinhardsee offer designated bathing areas. The Werratalsee has two spots, with the south shore in Eschwege ensuring excellent water quality year-round and DLRG supervision during bathing season. The Meinhardsee features a textile and FKK (nudist) bathing beach, and its water quality was rated as 'very clean' in 2013.
Are there dog-friendly areas at the lakes?
Yes, the Werratalsee has a separate dog beach located on its east shore in Meinhard-Schwebda, allowing your canine companions to enjoy the water as well.
What natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see?
The Werratalsee is nestled in a beautiful low mountain landscape, offering views extending to the Hessian Switzerland, the Plesse, and the Hoher Meißner. A nature conservation area on its north shore near Meinhard-Grebendorf provides an observation point for numerous rare bird species. The Lake Kalbe also provides impressive views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Werratalsee?
Visitors appreciate the Werratalsee as an ideal leisure center for all ages. Many enjoy cycling around the lake, finding nice resting spots to linger and let the lake's beauty work its magic. The beautiful and easy-to-ride cycle path near Grebendorf, offering great lake views, is also a highlight for many.
Are there camping facilities near the lakes?
Yes, camping is available. The KNAUS Campingpark is located directly on the Werratalsee. Additionally, the Werra-Meissner-Camping site is situated on the Meinhardsee, offering numerous pitches and a wide range of amenities for campers.
How accessible are the lakes from Eschwege town center?
The Werratalsee is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Eschwege town center. The Meinhardsee is approximately 3 km from the town center and is accessible via a dedicated foot or bike path.
What amenities are available at Meinhardsee?
The Meinhardsee offers extensive amenities, particularly at the Werra-Meissner-Camping site. These include a large water slide, playgrounds, a minigolf course, a volleyball field, and boat rentals. There's also the 'Seeterrasse Meinhardsee' restaurant on-site, known for its schnitzel dishes and offering various dining areas.
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