Top 20 Lakes around Eßbach
Best lakes around Eßbach are found in the municipality of Eßbach, located in Thuringia, Germany. The region is characterized by its proximity to significant aquatic attractions, including the Hohenwarte-Stausee and the Wisenta Talsperre. This area features a landscape of the Thuringian Slate Mountains, dense forests, and gentle hills, providing various recreational opportunities.
Best lakes around Eßbach
- The most popular lakes is Stilt House on Hausteich (Touringen Stamp Point No. 352), a man-made monument that serves as a museum on…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Plothen Ponds
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you can swim in some ponds (e.g. Hausteich)
very nice for bird watching
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1000 Ponds Circular Trail
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Saale Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Bleiloch Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Stilt House on Hausteich (Touringen Stamp Point No. 352)
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful stilt house on the pond in Plothen 🤩.
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The dam was declared a historical landmark of engineering in Germany in 2016.
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A 🏃🏼♀️ detour to the dam is absolutely worthwhile 🤩.
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The Bleiloch Dam, the upper reservoir, has a storage area of 9.2 km² and, with its total storage capacity of 213 million m³, is one of the largest reservoirs in Germany.
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The lake is 28 km long and has a water volume of 215 million m³. The dam was built between 1926 and 1932 for flood protection and to generate energy. It is 205 meters long, 65 meters high and 47 meters wide at the base. It is located in the northernmost part between the Bleiberg mountains. The reservoir got its name from these mountains.
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In the land of 1000 ponds there are also 1000 things to discover... What a beautiful landscape.
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A beautiful circular route in a charming lake landscape.
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The circular route is very beautiful and well signposted. But you can also spontaneously take a different route; there are many good paths here and it is almost impossible to get lost. There are a few places to sit and rest at the first large pond with the stilt house, but there are a few at the other ponds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect around the lakes near Eßbach?
The region around Eßbach is characterized by the picturesque, fjord-like landscape of the Thuringian Slate Mountains, featuring deep valleys, lush forests, and gentle hills. Expansive reservoirs like the Hohenwarte-Stausee, often called the 'Thuringian Sea,' offer stunning scenery, while areas like the Plothen Ponds present a unique pond landscape.
Are there any unique natural attractions among the lakes near Eßbach?
Yes, the Plothen Ponds are a unique pond landscape in Thuringia, known for their natural beauty and opportunities for bird watching. Additionally, the Hohenwarte-Stausee is famous for its fjord-like appearance and impressive dam wall.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Eßbach?
The Hohenwarte-Stausee offers a wide array of water sports, including boating, fishing, swimming, diving, sailing, surfing, and water skiing. For land-based activities, numerous well-signposted hiking trails, such as the challenging Hohenwarte Stausee Trail, wind along the shores and through forests. Cycling is also popular. You can find more hiking routes in the area on the Hiking around Eßbach guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Eßbach?
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Stilt House on Hausteich is a museum suitable for children. The 1000 Ponds Circular Trail offers various length options for family walks. At Hohenwarte-Stausee, an adventure play and sports ground provides facilities like mini-golf, football, volleyball, and basketball.
Where can I go swimming near Eßbach?
You can swim in some of the Plothen Ponds, such as Hausteich. The Hohenwarte-Stausee also permits swimming in its clear waters. However, swimming is not permitted in the Wisenta Talsperre.
Are there good hiking trails around the lakes near Eßbach?
Yes, the area boasts many hiking opportunities. The 1000 Ponds Circular Trail is a well-signposted route through a charming lake landscape. The Hohenwarte-Stausee features numerous trails, including the challenging Hohenwarte Stausee Trail, offering breathtaking panoramas. For more options, explore the Hiking around Eßbach guide.
What historical or man-made landmarks can I find near the lakes?
The Stilt House on Hausteich is a man-made monument serving as a museum. The Bleiloch Dam, built between 1926 and 1932, is Germany's largest reservoir by volume and an impressive structure. The Hohenwarte-Stausee also features a 75-meter-high dam wall offering impressive views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Eßbach?
Visitors appreciate the serene and scenic environment, the diverse recreational opportunities, and the tranquility. The unique pond landscapes, like the Plothen Ponds, are loved for bird watching and easy hikes. The expansive Hohenwarte-Stausee is praised for its stunning fjord-like views and wide range of water sports.
Are there viewpoints offering panoramic views of the lakes?
Yes, the Saale Tower offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including nearby lakes, after climbing 192 steps. The Hohenwarte dam wall also provides impressive vistas of the reservoir and its surroundings.
Can I go cycling around the lakes near Eßbach?
Yes, the area around the Hohenwarte-Stausee is suitable for cycling, with trails winding along the shores and through forests. For more cycling options, you can check out the MTB Trails around Eßbach guide.
Is there accommodation available near the lakes?
Idyllic campsites are available around the Hohenwarte-Stausee, some with direct water access. There is also a beautiful campsite at the Hausteich/Fürstenteich near the Stilt House on Hausteich, and various guesthouses can be found in nearby towns like Plothen, Knau, or Dreba.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Eßbach?
The lakes are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months for water activities, hiking, and cycling. The Hohenwarte-Stausee is a popular recreational area, and the Stilt House on Hausteich museum is open from April to October.
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