Natural lake not far from Gutenbrunn – perfect for unwinding
he Lake Edlesberg near Gutenbrunn is a peaceful retreat in the southwestern Waldviertel region. Nestled among forests, meadows, and marshy shorelines, the water shimmers with a reddish hue, almost as if in a Scandinavian landscape. From the Gutenbrunn 133 vacation apartments, it’s only about 1.85 kilometers to the starting point by the lake. This makes the lake ideal for a spontaneous stroll, an easy hike, a peaceful rest by the water, or a few hours of mindful relaxation without the pressure of a schedule.
Although Lake Edlesberg appears very natural today, it is not of natural origin. It was created as a reservoir for the timber rafting operation and thus represents a piece of the Waldviertel’s economic and forestry history. The historic tap house still serves as a reminder of this former use.
Edlesberger Lake near Gutenbrunn at a glance
- Location: Edlesberg in the market town Martinsberg, near Gutenbrunn
- Distance from the Gutenbrunn vacation rentals: about 1.85 kilometers
- Travel time: about 4 minutes under normal conditions
- Character: a largely unspoiled bog-iron swimming lake
- Water area: about 14 hectares
- Elevation: just under 900 meters
- Special Features: Water shimmering with a reddish glow, overhanging pine trees, forest, wet meadows, and the pine cone house
- Activities: Relax, take a walk, go hiking, swim, and fish with a valid fishing license
- Dogs: Welcome, according to the official tour description
- Easy round-trip hike: Lake-Forest Trail No. 21
- Parking: According to the official tour website, right in the forest near the sculpture
In official sources, the lake is referred to as both Lake Edlesberg as well as Edlesberg pond ... is referred to as. This refers to the same body of water. To make it easier to find, we primarily use the name “Edlesberger See”—which is commonly used by tourists—in this article.
A quiet place to unwind
At Lake Edlesberg, it’s not about major attractions or a packed schedule of activities. The town’s true strength lies in its tranquility. When you stand on the shore, you can hear the wind rustling through the pine trees, see the reflections on the water, and feel how quickly the stresses of everyday life fade into the background.
The landscape isn't completely built up like a modern beach resort. Forests, nature trails, and unpaved shorelines define the scenery. That's exactly what makes the lake so appealing to many visitors. You can stop by for a quick break, take a few photos, or combine your visit with a short hike.
Why the water has a reddish sheen
The reddish-brown color of the water is a natural feature. According to official tourism websites, it is caused by natural substances from the surrounding wet meadows and by iron-rich rock. The color is therefore not a sign of polluted water, but rather part of the character of this moor-iron lake.
The water looks different depending on the time of day and the weather. When the sun is shining, the brown and red hues stand out particularly clearly. On calm days, the forests are reflected on the surface. After rain or when it’s windy, the scene can change quickly.
From a retention pond to a nature-oriented recreational area
Lake Edlesberg was originally used as a reservoir for timber floating. The dammed-up water allowed felled timber to be transported further downstream via waterways. The sluice house by the lake serves as a reminder of this historic method of water management and is now one of the lake’s most recognizable landmarks.
Official sources provide differing information regarding the date of construction. The general guidebook attributes its creation to the 18th century. The official website for the See-Waldweg, however, describes the body of water as a particularly old reservoir built around 1670. Since these dates do not fully align, we have deliberately chosen not to specify a purportedly exact year of construction. What is undisputed is its former function as a storage site for timber rafts.
Today, the focus is on experiencing nature. The lake is a destination for walkers, hikers, swimmers, dog owners, and anglers.
Lake-Forest Trail No. 21: An Easy Loop Around Edlesberger Lake
If you'd like to do more than just sit by the water—if you want to actively explore the area—you can take the Lake-Forest Trail No. 21 Select. The loop trail begins and ends at Edlesberger See, House No. 15. It first runs along the lake and then into the Weinsberger Forest.
The trail is officially classified as easy and family-friendly. Two gentle inclines add a bit of variety without turning it into a challenging mountain hike. Along the way, forest trails, granite boulders, and several benches define the landscape. On the eastern shore, the „Schwemmen“ seating sculpture invites you to linger.
Reliable route data from the official GPX file
- Route type: Circular Tour
- Official distance: 4.30 kilometers
- Walking time: about 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Promotion: 22 meters of elevation gain
- Relegation: 22 meters of elevation gain
- Lowest point: 871 meters
- Highest point: 893 meters
- Difficulty: slightly
- Fitness requirements: 1 of 6
- Start and Finish: Ednesberger Lake, House No. 15
The official GPX file used for the GPS map contains 225 waypoints. These waypoints result in an actual route length of approximately 4.29 kilometers. This confirms the current official figure of 4.30 kilometers.
Why 3.6 kilometers is also mentioned
On the same official tour page, an older description still lists the length as 3.6 kilometers. However, the current tour data, elevation information, and the downloadable GPX route indicate a distance of approximately 4.30 kilometers. When planning their trip, guests should therefore account for 4.30 kilometers and about 1 hour and 10 minutes of walking time calculate.
This clear explanation is important: The GPS map was not drawn from scratch, but was created exclusively from the official GPX file for Lake-Forest Trail No. 21.
Suitability for older guests
Due to the minimal elevation gain, the manageable length, and its official „easy“ rating, the Lake-Forest Trail is well-suited for many older guests who are sure-footed. Nevertheless, it remains a nature and forest trail. Your personal fitness level, balance, and the trail’s current conditions are crucial factors.
After rain, some sections may be damp, soft, or slippery. Roots, small stones, and uneven terrain are always possible in the forest. We therefore recommend sturdy shoes with a good tread. Hiking poles can provide additional safety. If you don’t want to walk the entire loop, you can choose just a short section along the lake and turn back in time.
Anna and Herbert are happy to help their guests tailor their visit to their individual mobility and how they're feeling that day.
A Realistic Assessment of Accessibility
For the lake-forest trail and the natural shoreline areas, there is no confirmed accessibility assessment in the official sources used. The trail may therefore not automatically be considered wheelchair accessible be referred to as.
For wheelchair users, those using walkers, or people with more severe mobility limitations, accessibility depends on the chosen route, the condition of the ground, and current weather conditions. A brief visit to the water may also be possible, but should be planned on a case-by-case basis. If necessary, please check with the local staff or the Martinsberg municipal office for current conditions.
Swimming in Lake Edlesberg
Waldviertel Tourism lists Lake Edlesberg as a peat-and-iron swimming lake and recommends a swim as a way to cool off. However, the lake is not a swimming area with a paved shore throughout. Visitors should expect natural entry points, vegetation, soft ground, and varying shoreline conditions.
For a stop to go swimming, water shoes, a towel, and a seat pad come in handy. Always follow local guidelines and check the conditions immediately before entering the water. The sources consulted do not indicate that there is continuous lifeguard supervision. Children should therefore be closely supervised both near and in the water.
Families by the Lake
The official See-Waldweg trail is designated as family-friendly. There’s plenty for children to discover along the way: the reddish water, the large granite boulders, the pine cone hut, and the wooded landscape make for a varied walk.
Despite the easy difficulty rating, families should wear sturdy shoes and allow plenty of time for breaks. Caution is required on natural riverbanks, wet rocks, and in forested areas. A small snack and plenty of drinks will make the outing more relaxing.
A Trip to Lake Edlesberg with Your Dog
According to the official description of the outing, dogs are welcome. To ensure a considerate visit, however, we recommend bringing a leash, fresh drinking water, and a bowl. Wild animals live in quiet sections of the forest in particular, and there are also fishermen and other visitors enjoying the lake.
Please keep your dog away from sensitive areas along the shore, pick up after your dog, and follow any on-site instructions.
Fishing and Nature Observation
Lake Edlesberg is also known as a fishing spot. According to the official visitor guide, fishing is permitted year-round with a valid fishing license. Since rules, prices, and license issuance are subject to change, anglers should check the current conditions in advance directly with the appropriate authority.
For more detailed information, please see our article Edlesberger See: A Fisherman's Paradise.
If you're not fishing, you can use the quieter times of day to observe nature. Waterfowl, insects, reflections, and the flora of the wetlands offer beautiful photo opportunities. Please stay on the designated trails and take your trash with you when you leave.
Directions from the Gutenbrunn Vacation Rentals
The Gutenbrunn vacation rentals are an ideal starting point for this trip.
Start:
Apartments Gutenbrunn
Gutenbrunn 133
3665 Gutenbrunn
Goal for the Lake-Forest Trail:
Ednesberger Lake, House No. 15
Martinsberg Market Town
The route calculated using OpenStreetMap data to the official starting point of the See-Waldweg is 1.85 kilometers. Under normal conditions, the travel time alone is approximately 4 minutes. Weather, road conditions, or construction zones may affect the actual travel time.
GPS coordinates
Gutenbrunn Vacation Rentals: 48.368830, 15.124330
Lake Edlesberger: 48.380278, 15.108056
Start and end of Lake-Forest Trail No. 21: 48.377852, 15.109153
The official tour website mentions a parking area right in the forest near the sculpture. No information is provided regarding the number of parking spaces or how to make a reservation. Please park so as to save space and keep access roads clear.
Equipment and Weather
To ensure a pleasant stay, we recommend:
- sturdy shoes with good tread
- clothing appropriate for the weather
- Sun and Rain Protection
- enough water and a small snack
- a charged cell phone
- hiking poles, if needed
- In the summer, a towel and flip-flops
- Insect and Tick Protection
- a small bag for your own trash
Check the weather conditions before you set out. In the woods, the ground can remain damp even after a rain shower has passed. In winter, snow, ice, and limited accessibility are possible.
Our Tip from Anna and Herbert
Lake Edlesberg is especially beautiful if you don’t try to cram too much into a single day of your vacation. Head there in the morning or late afternoon, take some time to enjoy the reflections on the water, and decide once you’re there whether you want to hike the entire loop or just spend a little time on the shore.
You can find more ideas in our overview Excursion destinations around Gutenbrunn. As guests at the inn, you can always ask Anna and Herbert for a good mix of nature, culture, and cozy places to stop and relax.
Book a vacation rental near Lake Edlesberg directly
If you love peace and quiet, forests, and water, Gutenbrunn is the perfect place to stay. Our vacation apartments are just a few minutes’ drive from Lake Edlesberg and offer plenty of space, relaxation, and personalized hospitality from Anna and Herbert.
