Best lakes around Waldheim are centered around the Kriebstein Reservoir, located approximately 4 kilometers from the inland town of Waldheim in Saxony, Germany. This reservoir was created by damming the Zschopau River in the 1920s, resulting in a landscape of mixed forests and meadows. Kriebstein Castle, considered a notable knight's castle in Saxony, overlooks the reservoir. The area is known for its scenic beauty and offers various recreational opportunities.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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The Kriebstein Dam is an impressive structure in Saxony. Built between 1927 and 1929, it is a curved concrete gravity dam. With a height of approximately 28 meters and a length of 230 meters, it serves power generation, shipping, fishing, and recreational purposes.
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Please keep the area clean👍🏻
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Impressive castle 🏰 in a great scenic setting. However, the catering facilities (as of August 2024) inside the castle are unfortunately closed.
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Central meeting point, we took the ferry to Lauenhain and then took the panoramic trail to... One of the many options for a beautiful hike here.
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Here you can take the ferry to Lochmühle and Kriebstein harbor for €3.
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great view over the dam, unfortunately not possible to cross
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The Kriebstein Reservoir offers a variety of activities. You can explore the reservoir on five different ships or rent rowboats and paddleboats. There are numerous hiking routes along the Zschopau Valley, including an art hiking trail. A climbing forest is also available, and the Kriebstein Dam itself is used for power generation, shipping, fishing, and recreation.
Yes, the Kriebstein Reservoir area is very family-friendly. Taking a ferry ride from the Ferry Terminal Erlebach and Kriebstein Harbor is a popular activity. The climbing forest offers fun for various ages, and the lake stage hosts diverse performances suitable for families. Many hiking trails are also suitable for family outings.
For the best views of Kriebstein Castle, head to the View of Kriebstein Castle highlight. Visitors recommend exploring the lower paths around the castle, which offer many beautiful perspectives of its architecture and setting. There are also benches available to rest and enjoy the scenery.
While the Kriebstein Reservoir is primarily known for boating, fishing, and scenic cruises, it is generally not designated for public swimming due to its function as a dammed river for power generation and shipping. For swimming, it's best to check local regulations or look for specific designated swimming areas in the broader region.
The most prominent historical site is Kriebstein Castle, considered the most beautiful knight's castle in Saxony. It's perched on a steep rocky outcrop overlooking the reservoir. You can take guided tours of its Gothic hall, treasure vault, knight's hall, and chapel. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.
Yes, the Kriebstein Reservoir and its surroundings offer numerous hiking opportunities. You'll find various routes along the Zschopau Valley, providing fascinating views and nature experiences. An art hiking trail also encircles the dam, featuring around 50 wooden artworks. For more hiking options, explore the Easy hikes around Waldheim guide.
You can explore the Kriebstein Reservoir on five different ships, offering unique perspectives. Rowboats and paddleboats are also available for rent. The Kriebstein Reservoir Ferry Terminal is a central point where you can board ferries to various parts of the lake, including Lochmühle and Kriebstein harbor.
The Kriebstein Reservoir area is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the changing foliage. Summer is ideal for boating and outdoor events at the lake stage. Even in winter, the landscape can be picturesque for walks, though some services might be limited.
The Kriebstein Dam is a significant man-made monument and the dam with the largest hydroelectric power station in Saxony. While you can view the dam from various points, such as the View of Kriebstein Dam, direct access to walk on the dam wall might be restricted. It's primarily used for power generation, shipping, fishing, and recreation.
The Kriebstein Dam is home to Saxony's only lake stage, which hosts a variety of performances from spring to autumn. These include operettas, musicals, cabaret, and concerts, providing unique entertainment options right on the water.
Public transport options connect Waldheim to the Kriebstein Reservoir area. Once there, you can utilize the ferry services to navigate different parts of the reservoir, combining boat trips with hiking to reach various points of interest. Many trails are accessible directly from ferry stops.
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty of the reservoir nestled amidst natural mixed forests and meadows. The combination of outdoor activities like hiking and boating, the historical significance of Kriebstein Castle, and the unique experience of the lake stage are highly appreciated. The community has shared over 300 photos and given more than 700 upvotes for highlights in the area.
While many trails are easy to moderate, the diverse terrain around the Zschopau Valley and Kriebstein Reservoir also offers options for more challenging hikes. These routes often involve steeper ascents and longer distances, providing a good workout while enjoying the scenic landscape. For specific routes, you can check out the MTB Trails around Waldheim guide, which includes some longer, more demanding routes that can also be hiked.


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