Go Wild Swimming
What a glorious summer we are having here in Germany. But you might be finding the temperatures a little hot to handle. If so the ideal solution is to cool off with a nice swim. There are lots of lovely outdoor pools to discover in the area, but for real nature lovers, you will find that Germany offers some amazing wild swimming lakes.
Most charge a small entrance fee and those that do usually offer some basic facilities like toilets and a kiosk for drinks and snacks. But don’t be afraid to explore swimming lakes that don’t have these facilities and go really off-grid! The water quality is excellent and it really feels like you are embracing the European outdoor lifestyle!
If you haven’t experienced wild swimming yet, then here are a few options of swimming lakes in the around Kaiserslautern and Ramstein:
1. Gelterswoog
67661 Kaiserslautern (Rheinland-Pfalz)
The Gelterswoog is surrounded by forest near the Hohenecken district of Kaiserslautern. The water is the largest reservoir in the Palatinate Forest. It was artificially dammed in the Middle Ages as a Woog (pool) with small streams to breed fish. In 1926 it was officially declared bathing water. The lake is fed by the Hohenecker Mühlenbach.
There is a 300m long sandy beach with boat dock. Children love this part of the lake because you can build beautiful sandcastles. You rent a canoe or rowboat or take a stand up paddle-board and explore the lake from the water.
There is a spacious lawn for volleyball or frisbee or you can have fun with mini golf and table tennis. If the kids are tired of sand castles, they can enjoy the playground.
Changing rooms and toilets are offered. You can also camp here. For parties and groups rent the barbecue hut. There is a kiosk selling drinks and snacks.
2. Bärenlochweiher
66862 Kindsbach (Rheinland-Pfalz)
The Bärenlochweiher is located in a small valley in the Palatinate Forest. There is a beautiful lawn with sunny and shady places located on the southern shore.
In Bärenlochweiher there is a separate non-swimmers area in addition to the bathing zone. A boathouse on the lake makes rowing on the Bärenlochweiher possible. In a playground for children, the little ones can let off steam in addition to swimming in the water. If you want to discover the fauna and flora, you can go on several trails that lead past the lake.
There is a kiosk on site selling drinks and snacks. Toilets and changing facilities are available at the lake.
3. Ombach-Stausee
66903 Gries (Rheinland-Pfalz)
The Ohmbach reservoir is located near Gries, near the district of Kusel in Rhineland-Palatinate. A perfect spot on hot days to cool off or relax in the sun.
Pedal boats can be rented from May to September at the kiosk. Surfing, fishing, hiking or cycling are other leisure activities around the lake. You will also find bike rentals, barbecue areas, a water playground, a small pool and a lovely walk of about 3.5 km around the lake.
A camping park is located in the immediate vicinity of the Ohmbachsee with toilet facilities and there is a kiosk.
4. Seehof Erlenbach
76891 Erlenbach (Rheinland-Pfalz)
The Seehof Erlenbach is located near Erlenbach in Rhineland-Palatinate. The natural lake Seehof is situated below the castle Berwartstein away from busy traffic and is surrounded all around by trees. It’s very picturesque.
Bathers love the undisturbed peace and the spacious lawn. There is a very nice kiosk/restaurant here that was recently renovated.
5. Mühlweiher
66996 Ludwigswinkel (Rheinland-Pfalz)
The Mühlweiher is located near Ludwigswinkel in Rhineland-Palatinate.
With its 300 m² lawn, it is the ideal place for the whole family. Fun and games for the kids are guaranteed at the Neubäu beach area which includes a playground, slider and water trampoline. Meanwhile, parents can sit in the beach restaurant and enjoy the sun over coffee and cake or take a cooling dip in the lake..
There’s a big camping area offering lots of facilities.
6. Clausensee
66978 Clausen (Rheinland-Pfalz)
The Clausensee is a lake in the Palatinate Forest north of Pirmasens and south of Kaiserslautern between Waldfischbach and Leimen. Its total area is 4.5 ha and in the middle of lake, which is up to 5 m deep, is an island. At the lakeshore there is a campsite with restaurant and toilet facilities and a beach to access the water (no lifeguards).
7. Helmbachweiher
67471 Elmstein (Rheinland-Pfalz)
The Helmbachweiher is located near Elmstein in Rhineland-Palatinate. On warm days, sunbathers and water-lovers relax on the banks in the sun or refresh themselves in the cool water (no life guards).
The rustic landscape of the Palatinate Forest nature park forms the framework for this lovely fresh water lake. It was artificially created in 1970 by damming the Kohlbach, and is fed with clear water from the Helmbachs.
A large lawn with barbecue area, a kiosk with soft drinks and snacks and toilets is available.
8. Bostalsee
66625 Nohfelden-Bosen (Saarland)
OK, this is a little further to drive but well worth it for a whole day on the lake or even a weekend trip! Idyllically embedded in the low mountain landscape of the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park is the Sankt Wendeler Land and the 120 hectare Bostalsee.
This is a huge lake and resort area and offers plenty of space for those who like to spend their free time on or in the water. There are two large sandy beaches and lawns that invite you to swim, play beach volleyball or build sandcastles. There is also pedal boats, surfing, sailing, playgrounds, hiking or biking offered.
The Bostalsee also offers plenty of options for solitude and peace: those who want to fish in the morning silence from the boat or shore or just wander around the lake.
There are plenty of facilities offered: toilets, kiosks and restaurants.
There is a campsite and a Center Parcs situated on the lake for those that would like to stay longer and enjoy a wider range of facilities.
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