Bathing in the Harz
Bathing lakes are usually called bathing ponds in the Upper Harz - there are many of them here
What could be nicer on a hot summer's day than jumping into a bathing lake or pond, swimming a few lengths and refreshing yourself? There are picturesque bathing lakes, ponds and outdoor pools in many places in the Upper Harz, many of which have showers, toilets and a kiosk or restaurant.
You can even bathe in a World Heritage Site in the Harz Mountains. In 2010, the Unesco World Heritage Committee designated the so-called Upper Harz Water Management a globally unique water management system consisting of ponds, ditches and lakes, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bathing and swimming is permitted in some of the lakes and ponds.
Pixhaier pond
Easily accessible on foot via the "Buntenbocker Teiche" water trail. As a former mining pond, the Pixhaier Pond is now an active part of the "Oberharzer Wasserregal" cultural monument. The Prahljust campsite is located on the eastern bank. There is a small kiosk and catering facilities here.
- Admission & parking: Prahljust campsite (€2.80 per car and €1.60 per person incl. use of toilets and showers, playground and use of the bathing area) - as at: 01.2024
- Address: An den langen Brüchen 4, Clausthal-Zellerfeld (approx. 200 m to the pond)
Ziegenberg pond
Medium-sized bathing pond with sunbathing lawn in beautiful surroundings near Clausthal-Zellerfeld and Buntenbock, surrounded by forest on three sides. Hiking destination on the "Buntenbocker Teiche" water hiking trail.
- Address: Mittelweg car park, approx. 800 m from the centre of Buntenbock
Oder pond
Seven kilometres from Sankt Andreasberg, a gem in the rustic Hochharz landscape and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Upper Harz Water Management". The pond is ideal for long walks. A 4 km circular hiking trail starts at the Oderteich car park on the B 242 and leads over the dam wall along the shore. The car park is located opposite the lake on the other side of the road. In summer, the cool, dark water attracts swimmers. However, caution is advised as the cold undercurrents pose a real danger. You should therefore stick to the areas designated for bathing on the eastern and western shores.
Oker reservoir
The Upper Harz recreational water Okerstausee for sailors, windsurfers and canoeists with their own equipment. Suitable for experienced swimmers and divers. Boat trips with the MS "AquaMarin". Fishing is permitted. You can obtain a fishing licence at the Oberharz tourist information office or at the campsite located directly on the reservoir. Skaters and cyclists will find a wonderful route on the tarmac forest road around the reservoir. The catering establishments located directly by the lake offer refreshment stops. There are designated free car parks along the B498 and the L517.
Pinewood pond
The Kiefhölzer Teich is a former mining pond in the Upper Harz mountains north-east of Clausthal-Zellerfeld. The pond is family-friendly and is ideal for swimming, boating and relaxing.
- Address: On the outskirts of Clausthal-Zellerfeld on the L517 in the direction of Schulenberg, spacious car park (in the direction of Festenburg), maximum 100 metres to the pond.
Mirror bath Wildemann
Opening hours from 02.07.2022
Monday - Friday 14.00 - 19.00 Saturday - Sunday 11.00 - 19.00 During the summer holidays in Lower Saxony daily 11.00 - 19.00
The pool remains closed in bad weather.
Natural swimming pool Oberer Hausherzberger Teich
Popular swimming pond and forest lake pool on the edge of the Clausthal urban area. A natural swimming pool with a separate non-swimmers' area, sunbathing lawn, playground, kiosk and snack bar.
- Opening times (weather permitting): weekdays from 2 pm, weekends from 12 pm, during the Lower Saxony summer holidays Mon-Fri from 10 am to 6 pm and Sat & Sun from 12 pm to 6 pm
- Admission: Free admission
- Address: Am Waldseebad, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, 100 metres to the pond
Okerteich forest swimming pool Altenau
The Okerteich forest swimming pool is now open again for you throughout the year.
The forest swimming pool in Altenau is a natural swimming pool and is located directly in the forest. Suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers, with a separate non-swimmer area, spacious sunbathing lawn, outdoor shower, toilets and changing rooms, children's playground with sandpit, slide, climbing frame and balance beam. The pool opens at the beginning of May and closes at the end of September.
- Admission: Free admission (as of 06.2022)
- Address: Kleine Oker 43, 38707 Altenau
Sieber outdoor pool
Solar-heated outdoor pool in Herzberg with swimmers' and non-swimmers' area as well as children's paddling pool, large sunbathing lawn, kiosk with coffee terrace right next to the large adventure playground.
- Opening times: Mon-Fri from 1pm to 7pm, Sat & Sun 11am to 7pm, during the Lower Saxony holidays and Mon-Sun 11am to 7pm (weather and corona-related closures are possible)
- Admission: Adults €3, children €1.50, children under 6 years free only when accompanied by an adult (as of 06.2022)
- Address: Tiefenbeek, 37412 Herzberg am Harz, Tel. 05585 411
Kuttelbach pond
Located just outside Hahnenklee on the L516, in a dense wooded area in a wonderful location, easily accessible by car. On its north-western shore there is a popular forest lake bath with a large sunbathing lawn, barbecue area and boat hire. The pool is open daily in fine weather during the season.
Opening hours:
- Pedal boat and rowing boat hire, stand-up paddle board hire: €6 per half hour (guest card holders receive a €1 discount)
- Free entry to the bathing area
- Bathing area open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (weather permitting)
Upper Grumbach Pond
Situated in a wooded area near Hahnenklee-Bockswiese. There is a campsite with a restaurant and the Hotel Kreuzeck on its south-eastern bank. Here you can enjoy the summer by and in the water at any time.
- Address: Car park 200 m away at the Kreuzeck.
