Best lakes around Bad Soden-Salmünster are situated in a region characterized by the Kinzig river, extending into the Spessart to the south. The area features the Kinzig Reservoir, a significant man-made lake created by a dam between 1976 and 1979. This reservoir serves as a recreational hub and contributes to the local landscape. The surrounding natural environment offers diverse flora and fauna.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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The Kinzig is a river approximately 86 kilometers long. It rises in Sterbfritz, flows southwest through the Main-Kinzig district of Hesse, and flows into the Main from the right in Hanau. The Kinzig is a second-order river in low mountain ranges. It overcomes an elevation of 301 meters and has a bed gradient of 3.5 per thousand. The Kinzig's catchment area covers 1,058 square kilometers, and the calculated mean discharge (MQ) at the mouth of the Kinzig is 10.97 cubic meters per second. The Kinzig was first documented in 796 as "iuxta fluvium Kincihen." In 815, the name was written as "Chinzicha," around 900 as "Kincicha"/"Kinzicham," in 1364 as "Kinzige," in 1584 as "Kintzig," in 1607 as "Bintz," in 1681 as "Kintz," in 1716 as "Kins," in 1769 as "Kinzing," and in 1802 as "Kinzig." In the river's headwaters, there was the now-defunct village of Kinzig, mentioned in 815 as "Chirizichheimero." The village and river were often confused by monastery scribes at that time with "Chizzicha" (now Bad Kissingen), both of which were described as being located in the Saalegau. The name presumably derives from the ancient Celtic *ku̯anti̯o- meaning "flat hill, valley." The name was therefore derived from the mountainous region from which the Kinzig flows. Source: Wikipedia
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There is always something going on here, no matter what the weather is like.
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The park found here including the Hess. Forestry office, shapes the entire townscape... Nice to look at and experience
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Was here when the tide was low, is a huge complex and very impressive when you see it for the first time, as I did
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Idyllic beautiful lake with many benches and a perfect location in the Haseltal.
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The primary lake in the area is the Kinzig Reservoir, a significant man-made lake with a 6.5 km circular path. Another idyllic spot is Hasel Pond, known for its relaxing atmosphere and benches.
The Kinzig Reservoir offers a variety of activities. You can walk or cycle the 6.5 km flat circular path, rent pedal boats from May to September, and explore the 'Ardeas Seenwelt' learning and adventure trail for birdwatching and nature observation. There's also the Bootshaus with outdoor gastronomy and a large water playground on the south bank.
Yes, the Kinzig Reservoir is very family-friendly. It features a large water playground at the Bootshaus, pedal boat rentals, and an easy, flat circular path suitable for all ages. The 'Ardeas Seenwelt' trail also offers educational fun about local flora and fauna.
Around the Kinzig Reservoir, you can observe diverse flora and fauna, especially birds, from platforms like the Ardeas Seenwelt Birdwatching Platform. The dam itself is an impressive structure, 14 meters high. The broader region, including the Ruhlsee near Langenselbold, is an important habitat for water and ground-nesting birds.
Absolutely. The Kinzig Reservoir features a 6.5 km long, flat circular path that is perfect for easy walks, jogging, and cycling. Hasel Pond also offers inviting and well-maintained trails for biking and relaxing.
There is a car park conveniently located directly on the state road (Leipziger Straße) between Bad Soden-Salmünster/Ahl and Steinau an der Straße, near the dam wall of the Kinzig Reservoir.
Yes, at the Kinzig Reservoir, you'll find the Bootshaus on the south bank, offering regional dishes from spring to autumn. A kiosk is also available during the summer months for snacks and drinks.
While the Kinzig Reservoir is great for recreation, the Kinzigsee near Langenselbold is a dedicated swimming lake with a 700-meter sandy beach and good water quality. The Ruhlsee is primarily a nature reserve and not intended for swimming.
The period from May to September is ideal for visiting the lakes, especially the Kinzig Reservoir, as pedal boat rentals and the kiosk are open. However, the circular path is enjoyable for walks and cycling year-round, with winter offering a different, serene experience.
Beyond walking and cycling around the lakes, the region offers extensive opportunities for outdoor sports. You can find numerous road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and MTB trails that often incorporate views of the lakes and the surrounding Spessart landscape.
Yes, there are several viewpoints. The View of the Kinzig Reservoir offers excellent perspectives of the water body and its surroundings. The Ardeas Seenwelt Birdwatching Platform also provides unique views, particularly for observing wildlife.
Yes, the Hessian long-distance cycle route R3 (Rhine-Main-Kinzig cycle route) runs along the northern bank of the Kinzig Reservoir. This route is popular with cyclists and connects the lake to a wider network of trails.


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