Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to August
About Aichstruter Stausee
The Aichstruter Stausee is a small reservoir of about 4 hectares in a sheltered valley between Welzheim and Murrhardt in the Swabian-Franconian Forest, in the Rems-Murr district north-east of Stuttgart. It is a busy local bathing lake: large lawns run round about three-quarters of the shore, with a sandy beach and a non-swimmer area by the kiosk, wooden loungers, a volleyball court, swings, an outdoor shower and a campsite right beside the water. DLRG lifeguards watch the lake at weekends. Nude bathing has been practised here for decades on the meadow on the left-hand shore as seen from the dam, beyond the barrier, at the rear end of the lake away from the beach. The rest of the site is used by families, cyclists, dog walkers and ball players, so the nude area sits alongside a lively textile scene. Water quality is generally good but can suffer from algae after long hot spells, and barbecue spots have been closed in dry summers because of fire risk.
Getting there
Take the road from Welzheim towards Murrhardt; the lake is signposted. There is a paid car park on one side of the lake (fees reportedly apply round the clock), and it fills up on sunny Sundays. From the car park a footpath circles the lake; walk past the dam and along the left shore beyond the barrier to reach the nude meadow, a few minutes on level paths. Buses from Welzheim are limited, so most visitors come by car or bike.
What visitors say
Visitors like the friendly, natural setting, free bathing, clean beach and the long tradition of tolerated nude bathing at the back of the lake. Complaints focus on too few toilets, tight paid parking on weekends, occasional algae after hot spells and closed barbecue areas in dry years. Opinions on whether tent camping is still allowed differ.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
No official FKK designation by the town of Welzheim was found. Nude bathing on the rear meadow is a long-standing tolerated custom described by naturist guides and lake-guide visitors. No conflicts or enforcement have been reported.
Naturism at Aichstruter Stausee sits under Germany's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. 48.9023, 9.6398
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Where do people bathe nude at the Aichstruter Stausee?
On the meadow along the left shore as seen from the dam, past the barrier at the back of the lake.
Is nude bathing official?
No, it is tolerated by long custom rather than signed or designated.
Is there an entry fee?
Bathing is free, but the car park charges a fee.
Are there lifeguards?
The DLRG watches the lake at weekends; on weekdays you swim at your own risk.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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