Highlight • Lake
Wendebach Reservoir
Cycling
4.7
(733)
Road cycling
5.0
(135)
Hiking
4.9
(66)
Mountain biking
5.0
(3)
Gravel riding
5.0
(2)
The Wendebachstausee, an artificial lake in Lower Saxony, Germany, is a popular recreational destination located approximately 8 kilometers south of Göttingen. Situated between the municipalities of Gleichen and Friedland, this man-made lake was created in 1973 by damming the Wendebach stream, a tributary of the Leine river, primarily for flood protection. Resting at an elevation of 177 meters, the Wendebachstausee offers a tranquil escape within the scenic landscape of the Göttingen district.
Visitors consistently praise the Wendebachstausee for its inviting atmosphere and excellent facilities, making it a beloved spot for residents and students from Göttingen. Many appreciate the designated swimming beach and dock, often supervised by the DLRG during warmer months, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. The surrounding recreation park, with its well-maintained lawns, benches, and barbecue areas, provides ample space for relaxation and social gatherings, drawing crowds on sunny days.
Before heading out, it's helpful to know that the Wendebachstausee is easily accessible, with its own car parking facilities. For those preferring sustainable travel, it's also conveniently reachable from Göttingen by bicycle, often taking about 10 kilometers. The terrain around the lake is generally flat, making for easy walks, but comfortable footwear is always recommended for exploring the circular path. While it can get busy during peak summer weekends, the extensive grounds usually offer enough space for everyone.
The best time to visit the Wendebachstausee for swimming and sunbathing is during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early autumn. Beyond swimming, the lake is a fantastic spot for boating, angling, and leisurely walks. The circular path around the lake is ideal for easy walks and is also part of the long-distance cycling route R5, making it a great destination for cyclists looking for scenic Wendebachstausee lake trails. Even in cooler seasons, the area remains appealing for peaceful strolls and enjoying the natural beauty.
Many visitors enjoy simply relaxing by the water, dangling their legs from the jetty, or having a picnic. The presence of barbecue huts, some available for rent, adds to the appeal for group outings. An island within the lake serves as a protected nesting site for birds, adding a touch of natural wonder and making it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts.
The Wendebachstausee offers a variety of experiences, from active pursuits like cycling and walking to simply unwinding by the water. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing with swimming and barbecue facilities or a peaceful spot for a circular walk, this lake provides a welcoming environment. Discover numerous routes and plan your visit to the Wendebachstausee with komoot, finding the perfect path for your next adventure.
Tips
April 10, 2023
Hiking
The area is used as a recreation area. The bathing area has a bathing jetty and a non-swimmer area, which is looked after by the DLRG.
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May 13, 2017
Cycling
•
December 10, 2020
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Wendebach Reservoir
4.7
(91)
431
riders
25.3km
01:06
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(13)
224
riders
70.7km
03:08
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(24)
250
riders
34.5km
01:36
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Elevation 180 m
Weather
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Saturday 9 May
21°C
5°C
22 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Wendebachstausee and its original purpose?
The Wendebachstausee was constructed between 1967 and 1973, primarily as a flood protection project by damming the Wendebach stream. After concerns about the dam's stability and flood control effectiveness arose in 2010, it underwent significant reconstruction from 2014 to 2015. It was re-opened to the public as a bathing lake on June 7, 2016, and is now managed by the Zweckverband Erholungsgebiet Wendebachstausee.
Are there specific trails or routes recommended for hiking or cycling around the lake?
Yes, a popular circular path encircles the lake, offering an easy walk for all ages. For cyclists, the Wendebachstausee is directly located on the long-distance cycling route R5, making it a convenient stop or starting point for longer rides. While the terrain immediately around the lake is generally flat, nearby areas offer more varied elevation for those seeking a greater challenge.
What are the parking options and public transport accessibility for Wendebachstausee?
The Wendebachstausee has its own dedicated car parking facilities, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by car. However, parking can fill up quickly, especially on sunny weekends and during peak summer months. For those using public transport, it's approximately 8 km south of Göttingen, and can be reached by bicycle from Göttingen in about 10 km, suggesting bus connections might also be available to nearby villages.
Is Wendebachstausee suitable for a winter visit, and what activities are possible then?
While the lake is most popular for swimming and sunbathing in summer, the area remains appealing for peaceful strolls and enjoying the natural beauty in cooler seasons. The circular path around the lake is accessible year-round, offering a tranquil setting for winter walks. However, specific winter activities like ice skating are not officially promoted, and facilities like the food stall might have reduced operating hours.
Is Wendebachstausee family-friendly, and are dogs allowed?
The Wendebachstausee is highly family-friendly, featuring a designated swimming beach, a non-swimmer area supervised by the DLRG during summer, and ample space for picnics and play. There are also grill areas and barbecue houses available. While dogs are generally welcome in the recreation area, it's advisable to keep them on a leash, especially near the bathing areas and to respect any signage regarding restricted zones to protect wildlife and ensure comfort for all visitors.
What amenities are available at Wendebachstausee, such as cafes, barbecue facilities, or restrooms?
The recreation park surrounding the lake offers several amenities. You'll find a food stall, public toilets, and various grill areas. There are also barbecue houses, one of which can be rented for private events. Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the area for visitors' convenience. While there isn't a full-service cafe directly at the lake, the food stall provides refreshments.
What are the rules for swimming, fishing, and using barbecue facilities at the lake?
Swimming is permitted in the designated bathing area, which includes a jetty and a non-swimmer section, often supervised by the DLRG during the summer season. Anglers can use the reservoir, but specific permits are required for fishing. Barbecue facilities, including grill areas and rentable barbecue houses, are available for public use. Visitors are expected to clean up after themselves and adhere to any posted rules regarding fire safety and waste disposal.
How long does it typically take to walk around Wendebachstausee?
The circular path around Wendebachstausee is relatively short and easy, making it suitable for a leisurely stroll. Depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views, a full walk around the lake typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes. It's a flat and accessible route, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Are there any unique natural features or viewpoints at Wendebachstausee?
A notable natural feature is the island within the lake, which serves as a protected nesting site for birds and is therefore inaccessible to visitors. This makes the lake a 'hotspot' for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The dam itself offers a viewpoint over the lake, and the surrounding recreation park provides various spots to enjoy scenic vistas of the water and the natural landscape.
What is the water quality like for swimming at Wendebachstausee?
The water quality at Wendebachstausee is regularly monitored to ensure safe bathing conditions. It is generally considered excellent for swimming, making it a popular choice for residents and students from Göttingen during the warmer months. A sediment retention basin was added upstream in 2020 to further prevent agricultural runoff from entering the lake, contributing to its clean water.