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Main-Kinzig-Kreis

Gründau

Top 20 Lakes around Gründau

Lakes around Gründau offer diverse natural areas for recreation. While Gründau itself does not feature large, prominent lakes, the surrounding region provides access to various water bodies. These include former quarry lakes, forest lakes, and spring-fed ponds. The landscape is characterized by its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Best lakes around Gründau

  • The most popular lakes is Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee, a lake area offering both a bird sanctuary and swimming opportunities. Lake Kinzig features a lido and sandy beach for summer use.
  • Another must-see spot is Barbarossa Spring, a natural monument located in a small basin on the edge of a forest lake. This spring is named after Friedrich I, Barbarossa, and is situated within a larger forest area.
  • Visitors also love Gondel Pond, Horbach, a small forest lake. This location is noted for its scenic setting and is a starting point for some hiking trails.
  • Gründau is known for its diverse water bodies, including forest lakes, quarry lakes, and spring-fed ponds. Visitors can explore a variety of lake types in the region.
  • The lakes around Gründau are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 highlights, over 130 photos, and more than 670 upvotes.

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee

Highlight • Lake

There is a path between the two lakes, so you can walk around each lake individually if you want. While you can observe many water birds in the bird sanctuary at Ruhlsee, Lake Kinzig is ideal for swimming in summer. On hot days you can take a short break at the lido, sunbathe on the sandy beach and jump into the cool water of the lake.

The lido is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from the end of May to the end of August. Entry costs 4 euros for adults and 2.30 euros for young people. Children up to 5 years pay no admission.

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Barbarossa Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

The source takes its name from Friedrich I, Barbarossa, who often stopped at the source on his hunting expeditions from the Barbarossa town of Gelnhausen to the Bulau.

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Gondel Pond, Horbach

Highlight • Lake

Wonderfully situated small forest lake on the main road Horbach / Geiselbach.

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Toad Pond

Highlight • Lake

Nice little pond for a short or longer rest. If you are lucky and have a little patience, you can spot fish (I mean carp).

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Albstadt Pond

Highlight • Lake

A system of 3 ponds located on the edge of the forest, which are fed with water by the Wehmigbach that runs next to it. There is a small parking lot with a shelter at the upper pond. At the lower pond, on the other hand, the Albstadt tennis facility and a Greek restaurant.

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Popular around Gründau

Hiking around Gründau

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Tips from the Community

Udo Spessarträuber♠︎
December 25, 2024, Gondelteich Horbach

At the Gondola Pond you can observe many birds 🐦 during the day.

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4

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nice place to relax

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Siegfried Kühn
September 26, 2024, Albstadt Weiher

There are several parking spaces here from which you can start various hikes.

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Attention: The path between the two lakes was almost impassable today (6/2/23). There were deep tractor tracks in many places, probably due to the fact that it had been very damp here for weeks beforehand. It is possible that these tractor gullies were created when the farmer mowed the field, because everything was covered with hay, so potholes and gullies were often only noticed when it was already too late to avoid them.

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With a little patience, wild turtles can also be observed here.

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From here you can start the Linsengerichter circular hiking trail 1+4.

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Nico
January 28, 2022, Gondelteich Horbach

The place for fishermen friends

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Lies, among other things, on the Spessart track "Vorderspessartblick Horbach".

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the lakes around Gründau unique?

The region offers a diverse landscape of water bodies, including former quarry lakes, forest lakes, and spring-fed ponds. Notably, the Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee area provides both a bird sanctuary and swimming opportunities, while the Dietesheim Quarries feature unique geological formations with dramatic basalt walls around lakes like Oberwaldsee and Vogelsberg Lake.

Are there family-friendly lakes near Gründau?

Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee offer a lido and sandy beach at Kinzigsee, perfect for summer swimming. Barbarossa Spring and Gondel Pond, Horbach are also categorized as family-friendly, providing scenic settings for walks.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?

You can observe a variety of natural features. The Dietesheim Quarries, home to Oberwaldsee and Vogelsberg Lake, are known for their unique geology with high basalt cliffs and are designated nature reserves supporting rich biodiversity. At Ruhlsee, you can spot many water birds in its sanctuary. Forest lakes like Gondel Pond, Horbach, offer tranquil, wooded surroundings.

Are there good hiking trails around the lakes near Gründau?

Absolutely. The Dietesheim Quarries, featuring Oberwaldsee and Vogelsberg Lake, have well-maintained paths suitable for various fitness levels, including a popular three-hour hike encompassing both lakes. Barbarossa Spring is also a starting point for great trails in its surrounding forest area. For more options, you can explore various MTB Trails around Gründau or Gravel biking routes that often pass by these scenic spots.

Can I go swimming in any of the lakes?

Yes, Kinzigsee is ideal for swimming in summer, featuring a lido and a sandy beach. The lido is typically open daily from late May to late August. Other lakes, like Hasel Pond, are privately owned and primarily used for fish farming, so swimming is not permitted there.

What historical significance do the lakes or nearby areas hold?

The Barbarossa Spring is named after Friedrich I, Barbarossa, who is said to have stopped there during his hunting expeditions from the nearby town of Gelnhausen. The Dietesheim Quarries, while a modern recreational area, represent a unique post-industrial landscape transformed from former basalt mining operations.

What outdoor activities are available besides hiking?

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy road cycling with various Road Cycling Routes around Gründau, mountain biking on MTB Trails, and gravel biking on routes like the Kinzigmühle Gründau-Lieblos loop. Fishing is also possible at lakes like Toad Pond, provided you have a fishing license.

How accessible are the lakes by public transport?

The Dietesheim Quarries, which include Oberwaldsee and Vogelsberg Lake, are easily accessible. The S-Bahn station Mühlheim-Dietesheim is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the recreational area, making it a great option for public transport users.

Are there any quiet or hidden lakes for a peaceful escape?

For a peaceful escape, Gondel Pond, Horbach, is a small, wonderfully situated forest lake. Hasel Pond also offers a picturesque setting in a meadow landscape, ideal for enjoying the beautiful sight and unwinding.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Gründau?

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the unique geology of the Dietesheim Quarries, the swimming and birdwatching at Kinzigsee and Ruhlsee, and the tranquil forest settings of places like Gondel Pond. The well-maintained paths for hiking and the chance to spot wildlife are also frequently highlighted.

Is there parking available at the lakes?

Yes, for some locations like Toad Pond, a parking lot is available and serves as a starting point for several hiking trails. For other popular areas like the Dietesheim Quarries, designated parking areas are typically provided for visitors.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?

The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming at Kinzigsee and enjoying outdoor activities. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and observing nature, especially the changing foliage around the forest lakes. Even in winter, circular walks around lakes like Vogelsberg Lake can be very scenic.

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