Swimming in the Riedener Waldsee: season, rules and facilities

A reservoir with official bathing water status

The Riedener Waldsee covers around four hectares and is eight metres deep at its deepest point. It was created in 1982, when the Rehbach stream was dammed.

More important than the figures is its status: the state of Rhineland-Palatinate lists it as an official bathing water and tests the water quality regularly through the season. The current rating is “excellent" — the best of the four possible categories.

The readings are public and can be seen at any time on the state’s bathing water portal. If you would like to check before you travel, you will find the current status there.

Swimming season and water temperature

The official swimming season in Rhineland-Palatinate runs from 1 June to 31 August, and during that time the water quality is tested regularly. Outside those dates the lake is freely accessible, but unmonitored.

An honest word about the temperature: the Waldsee lies in upland country and is surrounded by forest. That means:

• June — still fresh. For the hardy, not for long days in the water.
• July and August — the warmest spell. In hot summers it stays pleasant for several weeks.
• September — the water holds its warmth longer than the air does. A warm September day at the lake is often lovelier than a busy one in July.

The lake is not heated and has no deep springs feeding it — it simply follows the weather.

What the bathing area offers

• Lawns in sun and shade
• Changing cubicles and toilets
• Children’s playground
• Barbecue area
• Pedalo hire
• Restaurant and kiosk
• Circular path around the whole lake

Access to the lake itself is free.

If you are staying with us, you will be walking down anyway.

Dogs: the rule that catches people out

We answer this one very clearly on purpose, because otherwise it causes trouble once you are here:

Dogs may not set foot in the designated bathing area and its lawn. That applies all year round, not just in summer. And in Rhineland-Palatinate, dogs are not allowed to swim in bathing waters at all.

What does work: the path around the lake and all the walking trails — on the lead. And of course the fenced terrace at every house.

There is more on this in our article Dog-friendly holiday home in the Eifel.

Swimming with children

The lake has a shallow entry into the water with a lawn right beside it, so you can keep the children in view without having to run after them. The playground and the kiosk are a few steps away.

What to bring: water shoes (the lake bed is left in its natural state), sun protection for the lawn and, for smaller children, buoyancy aids. There is no lifeguard, and you swim at your own risk.

When the weather lets you down

Not every day is a swimming day. Two alternatives within easy reach:

• Nettebad Mayen (about 13 km) — indoor pool with a sauna, outdoor pool with a 140-metre slide
• Schieferbergwerk Mayen slate mine — underground, whatever the weather, around 8 °C all year round

More ideas in our article The Eifel in autumn.

Other swimming lakes in the area

If you fancy a change of scene during your stay:

• Gemündener Maar (about 50 km) — a maar, or volcanic crater lake, with a natural open-air bathing area; swimming allowed
• Pulvermaar (about 55 km) — at 74 metres the deepest maar in the Eifel, with natural open-air bathing
• Laacher See (about 9 km) — swimming is possible, but in one place only: the designated bathing area lies at the campsite and can be reached only through it. It is shallow and well suited to children and non-swimmers, though you should expect water plants. The rest of the shore lies in a nature reserve.

One place not to swim is the Ulmener Maar — the town of Ulmen has issued an official warning about blue-green algae.

From the house to the water

Our three holiday homes stand on the Sonnenterrasse above the lake, around 150 metres from the shore. That is a good two minutes on foot, downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back. After a day at the water with a cool box and children you feel the climb home, and that belongs in an honest description. What you are spared is everything else: no hunting for a parking space, no parking fee, and you can be at the water at seven in the morning and back at the house for lunch.

On the fenced terrace of every house there is a hooded beach chair of your own, along with a barbecue and a seating area. For guests with a dog that is the answer on swimming days: he is not allowed on the lawn, on the terrace he can be off the lead, and up to two dogs travel free of charge. Susi has room for two to four guests, Annika and Tommy for up to six. You can see all three with photos and facilities under Holiday Homes, from 195 euros per night per house.