Werratalsee Suedufer

Germany Lake 1 - Excellent

Werratalsee Südufer is a bathing beach on the southwestern shore of Werratalsee, a 117-hectare gravel extraction lake located in the Werra floodplain between Eschwege and Meinhard-Schwebda. The lake features a large sandy beach approximately 60 meters long with a 20-meter-wide sand strip adjoining a 20-meter-wide grass area. The beach is separated from the main lake by a diving platform installed in 2020. The lake supports various water sports including rowing, sailing, and windsurfing, and the surrounding wetland landscape offers peaceful recreational opportunities.

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Water

Gravel extraction lake (Baggersee) with a surface area of 117 hectares, maximum water depth of 8.5 meters, and mean water depth of 4.9 meters. The lake has abundant aquatic vegetation and experiences high nutrient loading, leading to significant algae and cyanobacteria development, particularly from late summer onward.

Location

Located in the Werra floodplain southwest of Werratalsee, accessible from the city of Eschwege. A camping and motorhome park are situated nearby. The beach typically attracts 200 visitors on pleasant summer days.

Facilities

Toilets, adventure playground, bistro. Lifeguards, showers, disabled access, and flags are not mentioned.

Season

11 May 2026 to 23 August 2026. Monitoring occurs at least once monthly during the season and twice before the season begins.

Water Quality

Excellent water quality classification (2021-2025). Monitoring reveals low indicator bacteria levels (Enterococcus and E. coli) throughout the monitoring period. High nutrient loading from groundwater, Werra river water, and lake sediment results in eutrophic conditions (LAWA trophic class: eutroph 2). The lake experiences high observed cyanobacteria blooms during bathing season with medium-high risk of future mass occurrences. Reduced visibility occurs from late summer due to high algae development.

Risks

Large wild goose population (primarily Egyptian geese) capable of affecting water quality. High probability of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) mass development that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in bathers. Reduced water visibility in late summer and autumn due to high algal biomass. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins harmful to human health.