Wöhrder See

Mittelfranken, Bavaria > Germany

Lake in Nuremberg that offers urban birdwatching with waterbirds, reed dwellers, and seasonal migrants in a mix of lake, shoreline, and park habitats.

Geplaatst* door Thomas Jungbauer
Meest recente update 24 november 2025

Beschrijving

Wöhrder See is an artificial lake in the heart of Nuremberg, formed from the Pegnitz River. It is divided into two main sections - Upper and Lower Wöhrder See - each offering different habitats and birdwatching opportunities. Despite its urban location, the lake and its surroundings support a wide variety of birds throughout the year.

The Upper Wöhrder See (Oberer Wöhrder See) is the eastern section of the lake and has undergone ecological restoration and now features shallow water zones, reed beds, gravel islands, and naturalized shorelines. It is more tranquil and less frequented by visitors, making it ideal for wildlife. It is a hotspot for waterbirds, including Fuut, Dodaars, different type of ducks, and Blauwe Reiger.

One attraction is the Blauwe Reiger and Aalscholver colony on an island in the Pegnitz River in the upper Wöhder Lake. During the breeding season, it is a noisy spectacle.

The reed areas support Kleine Karekiet, Waterhoen, and occasionally Waterral. Migrating ducks and waders use the shallow zones as stopover sites. Several paths and footbridges offer good views without disturbing the birds. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birdwatching.

Lower Wöhrder See (Unterer Wöhrder See) is located closer to the city center. This section is deeper and more urban in character, with promenades, lawns, and fewer natural features. Common urban-adapted species such as Grote Canadese Gans, Grauwe Gans, Knobbelzwaan, Wilde Eend, Kokmeeuw, and Aalscholver are regularly seen. Some swifts, sparrows, and tits use the surrounding trees and buildings. Birdwatching is possible while walking along the lakeside paths, though the bird diversity is lower compared to the upper lake.

Wöhrder See occasionally attracts unusual or regionally rare species, especially during migration seasons. Notable records include: Krooneend, Slobeend, Visarend (during spring/fall migration), Zwarte Stern, Zomertaling, Grote Zaagbek and Nonnetje (in winter). The reed zones and islands in the upper lake are particularly important for attracting these species when conditions are right.

Details

Toegang

Wöhrder See is centrally located in Nuremberg and accessible via the main city roads. Parking is vailable at nearby locations such as Parkhaus Wöhrder See, Klinikum Nord, or along Wassertorstraße (Click on P on the map for directions). Parking can be limited on weekends or during events.

Excellent access via Nuremberg’s bike path network. Cycle paths run along both shores of the lake and connect to the Pegnitz riverside route. Bike racks are available at key entry points.

By Public Transport: U-Bahn (Subway): Lines U2 and U3, stop at Wöhrder Wiese or Rathenauplatz. (These and many more train stations can easily be found at the blue train symbols on the map.) Tram/Bus: Several lines serve the area, with stops within walking distance of the lake. From the stations, the lake is accessible within a few minutes on foot.

The loop around both lakes on the map is roughly 6.5 km long.

Terrein en leefgebied

Meer , Rietvelden , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Park

Omstandigheden

Vlak

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Telescoop meenemen?

Kan handig zijn

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Het hele jaar

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Najaarstrek

Route

Breed pad , Smal pad

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemakkelijk

Toegankelijk via

Te voet , Fiets , Rolstoel

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Extra info

Wöhrder See was created in the 1970s as part of a flood control project and has since evolved into a multifunctional urban space. The “Wasserwelt Wöhrder See” project has significantly improved the ecological quality of the upper lake, introducing natural shorelines, shallow zones, and habitat islands.

The lake is a key part of Nuremberg’s “Green Ring”. This is a network of parks and natural areas encircling the city. It serves both as a recreational area and as an urban biodiversity hotspot. Information panels along the trails provide insights into local flora and fauna, making it a valuable site for environmental education.

Despite its urban setting, Wöhrder See demonstrates how nature conservation and recreation can coexist, offering both a refuge for birds and a green escape for city residents.

Links