What will be your personal Geiseltalsee experience?
Did you know that the Geiseltalsee is the largest man-made lake in Germany? Just a few years ago, coal was mined there and the Geiseltal was considered rather one of the more unsightly places. But today the local recreation area is a real paradise for all hiking, cycling, nature and water enthusiasts. Whether on, in or by the water, you can spend a few hours or days here and make not only children's eyes sparkle.
Fun for all landlubbers interested in history
Braunsbedra
The history of this town and the entire surrounding region is marked by 300 years of mining and lignite tradition. The people who used to live here were dependent on coal and it was hard work. It is hard to believe that this has resulted in the largest man-made lake in Germany and that there is nothing left of coal and mining far and wide.
Braunsbedra lies idyllically on the southern shore and, along with Mücheln, is probably the most prominent town on the Geiseltalsee. Did you know that Braunsbedra was only granted town status in 1993? This town is quite young, but its beginnings go back well over a thousand years.
Today Braunsbedra attracts with industrial culture and archaeology! If you would like to know more about this, we recommend a visit to the Pfännerhall central workshop.
Central workshop Pfännerhall
Would you like some contemporary history and an exciting museum day today? Then head to the Pfännerhall central workshop. Here you can marvel at a prehistoric fellow. Our old elephant "Ele" has found a new home here. You can find out why it is here in the exhibition "Pfännerhall Discovery Site/ Diorama Forest Elephant". Definitely something for big and small explorers!
But this exhibition is not the only one you will enjoy. Take a look at what other exciting exhibitions are currently on offer. You will certainly also learn more about the mining history of the Geiseltal.
Afterwards, you can treat yourself to a break in the Geiseltal Café in the rustic walls of the Pfännerhall. Afterwards, you can take the Geiseltal Express, which starts at the central workshop, to the most beautiful places on the lake.
Mücheln
Probably the best-known place on Lake Geiseltal is Mücheln - a tourist gem on the "Romanesque Road". The Geisel Spring even rises here, not far from the church of St. Micheln, one of the largest springs in Central Germany and the source of the name for today's Geiseltal region!
Experience tip
Accordingly, Mücheln has several former water mills to offer. These can be admired on the 2.5-kilometre-long mill hiking trail.
Other places of interest are the market square, the town hall, the regional museum as well as the town information centre and especially the Baroque garden and landscape park Ortiseiwhich is one of the "Garden Dreams in Saxony-Anhalt".
Maze Original Horse
Based on the most famous animal fossil find, the "Geiseltaler Urpferd", the maze was built from 3,800 hornbeams. It has a path length of 678 metres and is guaranteed to put everyone to the test.
The maze is located directly on the Gesieltalsee circular path, the asphalt cycle path around the lake, between Mücheln and Braunsbedra in the district of Neubiendorf.
Recreational pleasure on the water
Bathing beaches in Stöbnitz and Frankleben
Would you like to cool off in the cool water? Then head for the most beautiful bathing beaches of the Geiseltalsee and dive into the crystal-clear water.
In Stöbnitz, not far from Mücheln, the Stöbnitz lido has been open to the public since the beginning of the partial opening. Everyone will get their money's worth here. Beach volleyball courts and a playground offer an optimal sporting balance for your children or they can let off steam in the water. Sun-seekers can sit comfortably on the fine sandy beach and enjoy the day. There is also a special section for naturists. For the hungry and thirsty, the Beach Club provides the perfect food and drink. A water sports centre and the diving centre directly on the beach are ideal addresses for adventurers and sports enthusiasts.
Tip
Stöbnitz lido is not only a bathing beach, but also a camping paradise with a fantastic view over the lake. Why not spend the night in a camping barrel or in a Woodlodge and have even more time for the Geiseltalsee experience.
On the other side of the Geiseltalsee in Frankleben is the second bathing beach with fine sand and extensive meadows, perfect for sunbathing. A small kiosk is also located there and provides you with homemade ice cream and other snack specialities on hot summer days. A special section for your favourite furry nose is also located in Frankleben. Diving enthusiasts will also get their money's worth here - whether beginners or experts. dogs are also welcome at the bathing beach in Frankleben.
Marina Mücheln
The Marina Mücheln is the starting point for many activities and probably the best-known place on the Geiseltalsee. Here you can expect a special original feeling. Surrounded by a great harbour, varied gastronomic offers, bicycle hire, boat tours and accommodation options, you can make your holiday exciting. Boredom is definitely not an option! Decide for yourself whether you prefer to go on an excursion with one of the rentable boats or sit with a glass of wine in one of the restaurants and marvel at the boats in the harbour.
Marina Braunsbedra
A pondon to Marina Mücheln is Marina Braunsbedra, but with a charm all its own. In contrast, there are not (yet) so many accommodation options here, but it is still worth a trip.
Somewhat more spacious, it offers room for a relaxed stroll. There is also a small harbour here and the numerous houseboats can be admired or rented. Want to find out about even more activities? Perfect, directly at the marina, there is a modern tourist information office on the right-hand side.
Experience tips
Unique to the Geiseltalsee is the 190-metre-long pier, which is located here. Perfect for strolling and with a fantastic view. Would you like even more holiday feeling? A beach bar, with covered shaded seating and sun loungers in the sand, offers the perfect relaxation for all beach bar fans. Further catering facilities and bicycle hire are in the immediate vicinity.
Wedding tip
You want to get married and are looking for an exclusive location? Why not get married here on the pier and enjoy an unforgettable Geiseltalsee experience.
Observation towers
You want to go high up? The 15-metre high observation towers at the Mücheln and Braunsbedra marinas offer a magnificent view over the Geiseltalsee and the surrounding villages. Take a bird's eye view and enjoy the moment from above for you and your family. A real Geiseltalsee experience!
Geiseltalsexpress
Just like Harry Potter travelled with the Hogwarts Express, you can comfortably explore Lake Geiseltal with the Geiseltal Express. Okay, it's probably not quite like Harry Potter, but on a 2-hour round trip you'll learn more about the history of Lake Geiseltal with an audio guide and get to know all the tourist highlights on the lake. A scheduled stopover is the "Goldener Steiger" vineyard where you deserve a short break and a glass of wine, at least as much as Harry Potter.
Active experience Geiseltalsee - in, on and around the water
Cycling
Not only bathing fun can be found at the Geiseltalsee, but also activity lovers, hiking, cycling and inline skating enthusiasts are guaranteed not to be disappointed.
The asphalted 25-kilometre circular route leads once around the lake and combines all the sights with each other. You can start your tour almost anywhere, whether at the Mücheln Marina, Braunsbedra or in Frankleben. You just have to decide which direction to take. A clockwise tour is ideal. The vineyard demands a lot from you. This is the only stretch that can be a bit strenuous. Do you dismount and push or do you pedal hard again? Either way, you will be rewarded at the top with a magnificent view and a glass of wine. Afterwards you can let yourself roll downhill, almost to Frankleben.
Note
The circular path is accessible to everyone, including walkers, inline skaters and the Geiseltale Express. Please be considerate of each other.
Hiking
Hiking enthusiasts will certainly get their money's worth at the Geiseltalsee experience. You can use the circular route or hike along the shore on narrow paths to the hidden, inconspicuous bays, through the nature reserve not far from Frankleben and also get once around the lake with a little perseverance. You can also walk only parts and then turn back again. Settle down at the bays, enjoy the peace and idyll far away from the hustle and bustle or jump into the cool water for a change.
Note
The route leads you to a nature reserve. Please pay attention to the signs and be considerate of nature and your fellow inhabitants. Swimming in the bays of the nature reserve is not permitted.
Sailing, SUP and diving experiences
Want a little more action? Sailing friends, cast off! You think only the sea is Sailing possible? No, you can also pursue your passion for sailing on the Geiseltalsee or simply give it a try during a trial lesson. The fun is guaranteed and it is an unforgettable Geiseltalsee experience.
A little calmer but also with a lot of dexterity and balancing skills, you embark on a Stand Up Paddle Board and try it out. You will be thrilled. Bring your own SUP to the Geiseltalsee or rent one. Your children will have a lot of fun and will be challenged athletically along the way.
An unforgettable Geiseltalsee experience awaits you on a Dive. The adventure of depth is unique and even in an artificial lake this can be very exciting. Diving means enjoying freedom and weightlessness, experiencing adventure and nature and exploring the mysterious depths. Good visibility and conditions prevail all year round. Fish, crabs, water plants, even a shipwreck and "Bruce" make the diver's heart beat faster. Who is Bruce? See for yourself, book a dive and get to know the depths of the Geiseltalsee. For beginners, advanced and experienced divers - surely an unforgettable experience!
Ahoy on board
Houseboat adventure
Spend the night on a houseboat with all the trimmings? That's only possible on the Müritz? No way! The motto "Adventure Houseboat" is also alive and well for young and old at Geiseltalsee. Possible without a boating licence. Either firmly anchored in the harbour without sacrificing comfort or motored up the lake. Either way, one thing is certain - as soon as you open the wine bottle on the houseboat terrace and look up at the starry sky, you are guaranteed to have arrived on holiday, in the middle of Lake Geiseltal. What a Geiseltalsee experience!
Sauna and barbecue on Lake Geiseltal
Not only houseboats make the holidaymaker's heart beat faster, but also the various rafts and boats. You can spend a cosy summer day with up to 7 people on the bathing rafts. Barbecuing, fishing, bathing - everything is possible and the fun is certainly not neglected. The roofing offers protection from sun and rain.
Have you ever heard that you can go to the sauna in the middle of the lake? With the sauna raft this is possible and offers a terrific experience and is guaranteed something for all sauna lovers and newcomers! Other boats and offers provide even more variety. Be it with a small motor boat, a pedal boat or the rafts. Browse around and enjoy a day on the water with lots of variety for sure!
A trip on the MS Geiseltalsee is more leisurely and less strenuous. The passenger ship departs from the Braunsbedra marina all year round. Relax and enjoy the round trip on deck in fine weather or in the interior of the ship with a coffee and cake. Sit back and enjoy the views over the Geiseltalsee. As the trips only start with a minimum of 10 people, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance - however, the tickets are only paid for on board the ship when the trip starts.
Tips
Charter trips with the passenger ship "Felix" can be booked from the Marina Mücheln. The ship offers space for up to 30 people. The MS Geiseltalsee also offers special trips with a minimum of 15 participants.
Boat moorings
Travelling to the Geiseltalsee with your own boat? The marinas in Mücheln and Braunsbedra offer various berths on request. Over 200 berths are available in Braunsbedra alone. Information on fees etc. can be obtained from the harbour masters in Mücheln and Braunsbedra.
Geiseltalsee experience for nature and wine lovers
Nature reserve
Psst....Do you know the bee-eater? Probably the most colourful bird in the Geiseltal settles in the nature reserve not far from Frankleben during the summer months. The open-cast mining holes and gravel pits with suitable steep faces provide an excellent breeding ground for the birds. Be alert during a walk and be especially considerate of the bee-eaters' brood in the nature reserve.
Part of the area around the Geiseltalsee is designated as a nature reserve. It consists of the three sub-areas of the Klobikau slag heap, Blösien slag heap and the eastern inner dump of the former Mücheln open-cast mine and is part of the Geiseltal post-mining landscape. Certain areas of the lake may not be navigated. In addition, some shore areas are completely closed to guests and boaters.
Vineyards and wine tavern "Goldener Steiger" in the Geiseltal valley
The best comes at the end and how do you round off a successful day out at the Geiseltalsee? With wine, of course. As a popular excursion destination, the Geiseltalsee offers its own vineyard. Since 2000, wine has been grown here on the Klobikau slag heap. A wide variety of grape varieties can be found on 6 hectares in the middle of a nature reserve. There is a wine tavern on the "Goldener Steiger" vineyard. The view from the top is simply fantastic. Oh, and by the way: In 2020, the vineyard received the public award "Most beautiful wine view" in Saale-Unstrut! Let's go there!
Brochure tip Time out by the water
Would you like even more Geiseltalsee experience? Our brochure gives you even more detailed information about the popular excursion destination Geiseltalsee and other lakes in Saale-Unstrut. Click on the link below and go to order. It's worth it, this Geiseltalsee experience!
