Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Bleibtreusee
The Bleibtreusee lies in the Ville forest lakes south of Hürth, inside the city of Brühl, about 20 minutes from central Cologne. Like its neighbours it fills a former lignite pit, and it is surrounded by woodland in the Rheinland nature park; parts of the shore are protected. A small beach with a large lawn at the north end has a kiosk and toilets, and a cable water-ski and wakeboard park plus a stand-up paddle station now take up part of the lake. Nude bathing has a long but contested history here. Older nacktbaden.de reports describe nude use spread around the shore, mostly on the side facing the Luxemburger Straße, with the main lawn kept textile. The same site later moved the lake to its 'no more nude bathing' list after a 2008 report that nudity had been expressly forbidden and that police were called. Since then accounts disagree: a 2023 seen.de comment describes mixed textile and nude use with more nude bathers away from the water-ski area and no trouble, a Cologne city guide still lists it as a place to swim nude outside the nature reserve parts, and another commenter says it is definitely banned and that city wardens check the bushes.
Getting there
The lake is off the Luxemburger Straße (B265) between Hürth and Erftstadt; from the A1 take the Erftstadt exit towards Cologne, or drive out of Cologne past Hürth, and turn into the car park. Parking has been charged by visitors at around EUR 2-3.50 per day (2008-2023 reports); the lot closes in the evening. Buses stop nearby. From the car park, forest paths lead around the lake on a roughly 4 km circuit.
What visitors say
Visitors like the forest setting, the clear water and the many small bays, and dog owners and families use the main lawn. Recurring complaints are litter and cigarette ends on the beach, a dirty car park, and more noise since the water-ski park opened. On nudity, reports are split: some describe relaxed mixed use away from the busy areas in recent years, while others say wardens tell people to dress and that it is banned. Expect textile to be the norm.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no designated nude area. nacktbaden.de recorded in July 2008 that nudity had been expressly prohibited from May 2008, with checks and police involvement; later visitor comments (2023 and undated) conflict on whether it is still tolerated. Bathing is not permitted from 1 November to 31 March and is restricted in the nature-reserve sections.
Naturism at Bleibtreusee 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
View on interactive map
Approx. 50.8402, 6.8589
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
Is nude bathing allowed at the Bleibtreusee?
It is unclear. A ban was reported in 2008, and later accounts disagree; there is no designated nude area. Some visitors still swim nude in quieter bays away from the water-ski area.
Is parking free?
No, the car park off the Luxemburger Straße charges a daily fee, reported at around EUR 2-3.50; some visitors say arriving early avoids it.
When can you swim?
Bathing is not permitted from 1 November to 31 March, and it is restricted in protected shore sections.
Is it family-friendly?
The main north beach with lawn, kiosk and toilets is used by families; it is a textile area.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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