Best lakes around Scharnebeck are situated in the Lüneburg district, an area recognized for its natural landscapes and proximity to the Elbe-Seitenkanal. The region offers diverse aquatic environments, from former gravel pits to natural ponds, providing recreational opportunities. Scharnebeck itself is known for its tranquil setting and accessibility to these water bodies. The area combines natural beauty with points of interest like the Scharnebeck twin ship lift.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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The Kreidesee in Lüneburg (also called Kreidebergsee) is a former gypsum and limestone quarry that has developed into a popular local recreation area north of the city center. It is known for its depth of up to 30 meters, the impressive white limestone cliffs, and valuable salt flora, but swimming is prohibited for safety reasons. The Kreidesee is very ideal for walks and geology enthusiasts. The lake originated from a former gypsum and limestone quarry. It is located north of Lüneburg's city center, in the Kreideberg district. It is up to 30 meters deep. It impresses with its unique feature, up to 30-meter-high white limestone steep walls, and hosts a rare salt flora, which is due to its proximity to the Lüneburg salt dome. You can enjoy wonderful walks and hikes here. There are paths around the lake that also lead through the allotment garden district and offer panoramic views of Lüneburg. Benches are available. A visit is recommended.
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The Kreidebergsee was created by the extraction of chalk and gypsum, which, alongside salt mining, has been of enormous importance in Lüneburg for centuries. From 1838 onwards, the chalk quarry was expanded to include a high-performance lime kiln as part of its industrial use. Thanks to its abundant raw materials, which were largely used for house construction and in agriculture at the time, the lime kiln was very successful. Around the turn of the century, jobs could be created for 300 to 400 people. Thus, the lime kiln was considered the largest employer of its time. In 1963, chalk and gypsum extraction in the area was discontinued because the operation had no longer been economically viable for several years. In addition, more and more residential areas were being built near the area, which is why the citizens felt disturbed by the lime kiln. Subsequently, the water pumps were shut down and the pit slowly filled up to groundwater level. The resulting lake was then used as a landfill for waste and construction debris until 1983, until it was developed into a local recreation area. Source: https://www.luenepedia.de/wiki/Kreidebergsee
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An old watermill, but no longer in operation. It looks like it's privately owned.
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There is also a youth guest house for up to 26 people where you can easily stay overnight.
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It looked inviting. A refreshment would have been good - next time!
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The Barumer See is a larger bulge of the Neetze similar to the Reihersee. The access to the beach is a narrow street, there is no real parking space for cars or mobile homes, and there is no toilet. But it is easy to reach by bike and there is a small bike stand at the top. The much-described official barbecue area is on the other side, where there is also the campsite. The Barumer See is a small idyllic place that is used more by those who live there, with a small lawn and a small sandy beach. Swimming is at your own risk, there is no surveillance.
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For families, the Island Lake (Scharnebecker Inselsee) is highly recommended. It features a wide sandy beach, shallow water for children, and a large sunbathing lawn with shaded areas. During summer weekends, the lake is monitored by the DLRG for safety. Another option is Barumer Lake, which is also popular for swimming and water sports, though dogs are not permitted in its main bathing area.
Yes, the Island Lake (Scharnebecker Inselsee) has dedicated dog beaches available since 2022. While dogs are generally not allowed in the main bathing area of Barumer Lake, they can cool down about 200 meters from the bathing area, downriver near the car parking spaces.
The lakes offer diverse natural features. At the ponds near Bockelsberg, you can observe various waterfowl like herons, swans, and geese, especially in the early morning mist. Kreideberg Lake, a former quarry, is known for its impressive white limestone cliffs and rare salt flora. The Fehlingsbleck Nature Reserve, a former gravel pit, provides a quiet area for birdwatching with an observation tower.
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For hiking, there are trails like the 'Inselsee, Scharnebeck – Scharnebeck Ship Lift loop' or the 'Stairs to the Viewpoint – Inselsee, Scharnebeck loop'. Find more hiking routes at Hiking around Scharnebeck. Running enthusiasts can explore routes such as the 'Ship lift – View of Scharnebeck Boat Lift loop' or the 'Canal Bridge near Fischhausen – Inselsee on the Elbe Lateral Canal loop'. Discover more running trails at Running Trails around Scharnebeck. For mountain biking, routes like the 'View of Lauenburg Old Town – Island Lake loop' are available; see more at MTB Trails around Scharnebeck. Additionally, lakes like Barumer Lake and Island Lake are excellent for swimming, stand-up paddling, and canoeing.
Fishing is generally permitted in some lakes. For the Island Lake (Scharnebecker Inselsee), permits can be obtained from local sports fishing shops. Specific regulations and permit requirements may vary by lake, so it's advisable to check with local authorities or fishing clubs for detailed information.
The Island Lake (Scharnebecker Inselsee) offers a kiosk on sunny days for drinks and ice cream, along with grill areas and toilets. It also has a large, shaded parking lot and an asphalt road for easy access. Barumer Lake also provides accessible parking.
The summer months are ideal for visiting, especially if you plan to swim or engage in water sports, as the Island Lake (Scharnebecker Inselsee) has monitored swimming on summer weekends. However, the region offers recreation year-round. For nature observation and walks, spring and autumn provide pleasant conditions, and even winter walks can be enjoyable, particularly around the ponds near Bockelsberg when mist hangs over the water.
Yes, a significant attraction near the Island Lake (Scharnebecker Inselsee) is the impressive Scharnebeck Twin Ship Lift. This engineering marvel, which overcomes a height difference of 38 meters, is visible from the lake's sandy beach and is highly recommended for a visit. The ponds near Bockelsberg also have historical context, having been created through reforestation efforts in the late 19th century, with a historic Fischerhaus built in 1894.
Many lakes are easily accessible. The Island Lake (Scharnebecker Inselsee) is accessible via an asphalt road and features a large, shaded parking lot. Barumer Lake also offers accessible parking. While specific public transport routes to individual lakes may vary, Scharnebeck itself is generally well-connected, and local transport options can help reach the vicinity of these natural areas.
Absolutely. The Kreideberg Lake offers paths around the lake that lead through an allotment garden district, providing panoramic views of Lüneburg and its impressive white limestone cliffs. At the Fehlingsbleck Nature Reserve, an observation tower provides excellent views of the water surface and its birdlife. The ponds near Bockelsberg are also noted for their idyllic scenery, especially early in the morning.
For a quieter experience focused on nature observation, the Fehlingsbleck Nature Reserve is designed as a calm area for birdlife and offers a peaceful setting. The ponds near Bockelsberg are also described as idyllic, particularly early in the morning when mist hangs over the water, offering a serene atmosphere.


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