Top 20 Lakes around Ruderting
Lakes around Ruderting offer diverse natural and recreational experiences in the surrounding region. While Ruderting itself does not feature large natural lakes, the area is characterized by the Ilz River, known as the "Black Pearl," and former quarry sites. The landscape provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, and enjoying natural beauty. Visitors can explore unique geological formations and protected river valleys.
Best lakes around Ruderting
- The most popular lakes is Dreiburgensee, a lake that features a specially created sandy beach.…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Ilz Dam and Fish Ladder
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Oberilzmühle Reservoir
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Dreiburgensee
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Path Between the Ilz River and Fish Ponds
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Kerber Quarry Lake (Büchlberg Quarry Lake)
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Fine- to medium-grained two-mica granite (equivalent to Hauzenberger Granite I) was mined from 1880 until after Carl Kerber's death …
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The Dreiburgensee, formerly known as the Rothauer See, lies between the climatic health resort of Thurmansbang and Tittling in the Bavarian Forest. It was named after the surrounding Ilz Valley and Dreiburgenland, including Saldenburg Castle, Englburg Castle, and Fürstenstein Castle. The lake was first documented in 1703. It had been created shortly before as a fish farm by Lieutenant Field Marshal Max Josef Graf von Tauffkirchen zu Guttenburg. The dammed lake, with a length of 700 m and a maximum width of 200 m, has a surface area of 8 hectares and a maximum depth of 7 m. The border between the districts of Passau and Freyung-Grafenau runs across the lake. A roughly 2 km circular path along the lake's shore invites you to take leisurely strolls. In summer, the Dreiburgensee is a popular bathing spot with restaurants, hotels, and sunbathing lawns. In winter, you can ice skate and play curling on the frozen lake. Beavers have also been living at the lake for several years. By building a large dam at the lake's inlet, they have created a biotope of approximately 6 hectares, where rare bird species such as the black stork and the great egret can be seen. The Bavarian Forest Museum Village, one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, is located directly on the lake. https://www.bayerischer-wald.de/attraktion/dreiburgensee-1edb7f4942
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The former quarry is also vividly described at https://www.sehenswerter-bayerischer-wald.de/steinbruch-buechlberg-wandern-see.html
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The former Büchlberg granite quarry with lake is an important geosite. Fine- to medium-grained two-mica granite (equivalent to Hauzenberger Granite I) was mined from 1880 until after Carl Kerber's death in 1961 in the former Kerberbruch quarry on the Büchlberg. The rock, which is grayish-white when fresh, has a slightly yellowish tinge. The outcrop walls show signs of weathering to varying depths. Büchlberg granite was used as natural stone in buildings such as Nuremberg Central Station, the spiral staircase of the Germanisches Museum in Nuremberg, and the Walhalla in Regensburg. The stone was also traded internationally, for example in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. The granite quarry, surrounded on all sides by the remaining walls and with a lake at its lowest level, is a natural monument and is located in a landscape conservation area. It now serves as a recreational area. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=275A032
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The view over the dam onto the water, you just want to go on a boat trip here - it's so beautiful.
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The view over the dam onto the water, you just want to go on a boat trip here - it's so beautiful.
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Unfortunately, swimming is forbidden here 😔 but you can enjoy the peace and quiet here 😍☺️
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At the western end of the dam there is a beautiful lawn where you can swim. If you cross the dam and follow the narrow hiking path on the east side after the turnstile for about 1km, you will reach a small meadow. There you can also sunbathe naked in peace. When I visited in August 2024 there were only a few visitors and it was wonderfully quiet and relaxed.
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The dam is a gravity dam 19 m high and 110 m long. The Oberilzmühle power plant on the Ilz produces around 13 million kWh annually with a nominal output of 3.4 MW
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Ruderting are suitable for families?
For families, Dreiburgensee is an excellent choice, featuring a specially created sandy beach perfect for swimming. The Oberilzmühle Reservoir is also a very nice recreation spot with a beach area. Additionally, the Path Between the Ilz River and Fish Ponds offers a pleasant, family-friendly walk with water on both sides.
What unique natural features can I explore near Ruderting's lakes?
The region offers distinct natural features. The Kerber Quarry Lake (Büchlberg Quarry Lake) is a former granite quarry recognized as an important geotope, showcasing unique rock formations and a lake at its base. The Ilz River, often called the 'Black Pearl' due to its dark water, flows through a natural and almost untouched valley, home to diverse flora and fauna like otters and beavers.
Are there good hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, the Ilz Valley, particularly around the Ilz River, offers extensive hiking opportunities. Trails like the Ilztalwanderweg and parts of the Goldsteig run alongside the river, providing insights into the local ecology. For more structured routes, you can explore various running trails in the area, such as the 'Ilz Crossing at Fischhaus' or 'Fischhaus Station – View of the Ilz' which are part of the Running Trails around Ruderting guide.
Can I swim in the lakes near Ruderting?
Yes, swimming is possible in several locations. Dreiburgensee is a beautiful small lake with a sandy beach specifically created for swimming. The dammed section of the Ilz River at Mausmühle also provides bathing spots for refreshing swims.
What kind of activities can I do besides hiking and swimming?
Beyond hiking and swimming, the Ilz River area is popular for cycling, with routes like the Donau-Ilz-Radweg. Angling is also a common activity. Some sections of the Ilz are navigable for canoes and kayaks with certain restrictions. You can find various cycling routes in the Gravel biking around Ruderting and Road Cycling Routes around Ruderting guides.
What makes the Ilz River special?
The Ilz River is known as the 'Black Pearl' due to its dark, brownish water originating from the Bavarian Forest. It offers a unique, wild romantic charm and flows through an almost untouched natural landscape with diverse flora and fauna. The river is a significant tributary of the Danube and provides a habitat for over 20,000 species, including otters and black storks.
Are there any historical or man-made landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, the Ilz Dam and Fish Ladder is a notable man-made monument on the Ilz River. It offers scenic views and allows you to cross the Ilz. The Kerber Quarry Lake itself is a site of historical significance, as it's a former granite quarry that operated from 1880 until 1961, with its granite used in famous buildings like Nuremberg Central Station.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Ruderting?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility. Many enjoy the clear waters of the Ilz and the peaceful recreation areas like the Oberilzmühle Reservoir. The unique geological history of the Kerber Quarry Lake and the opportunity for refreshing swims at places like Dreiburgensee are also highly valued.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the lakes?
Yes, near the dammed section of the Ilz River, you'll find Gasthof Mausmühle, which offers a convenient stop for refreshments with its beer garden after outdoor activities. Some recreation areas, like the one near the Ilz fish house, might also have small kiosks or facilities.
Is the area around Ruderting's lakes suitable for cycling?
Absolutely. The Ilz Valley is popular for cycling, including the Donau-Ilz-Radweg. There are various routes available for different cycling preferences. For example, the Gravel biking around Ruderting guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Ruderting guide offer numerous options, from easy to difficult, exploring the scenic landscapes.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Ruderting?
The lakes and surrounding areas are beautiful throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn, when hiking, cycling, and swimming are most enjoyable. The diverse flora and fauna of the Ilz Valley are particularly vibrant during these seasons. While winter offers a different, serene landscape, many water-based activities might be limited.
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