Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Boberger See
The Boberger See is a gravel-pit lake on the south-east edge of Hamburg in the Bergedorf district, dug in 1950 for material to build the nearby A1 motorway. It lies inside the Boberger Niederung nature reserve, a mix of dunes, heath and woodland next to the Boberg gliding field, and is fed by groundwater, so the water is usually clear with a soft sandy-mud bottom. The lake is leased to a Bergedorf angling club and open to the public for bathing. Hamburg's environment authority lists it as an official bathing water with a short, 16 m sandy beach and a lawn on the north-east shore. The nude area is on the south shore: a shaded forest path leads round the lake to extensive sunbathing meadows used by nude visitors of all kinds, and both nacktbaden.de and seen.de describe it as popular with naturists. Most of the rest of the shoreline is overgrown, with small clearings giving access to the water. There is no entrance fee, and because motor vehicles are kept out, the lake feels quiet compared with Hamburg's bigger bathing lakes.
Getting there
Cars cannot reach the lake; all access roads are closed to motor vehicles. Take S-Bahn line S21 to Mittlerer Landweg and walk or cycle into the reserve, or park at the Boberger Torfsee car park and walk in. From Billwerder, cross the Bille bridge at Billwerder Kirchenstieg (by St. Nikolai church), keep right, and walk anticlockwise around the lake on the shaded path to reach the nude meadows on the south side. Paths are unpaved.
What visitors say
Naturists describe the south-shore meadow as a small paradise: clear water, plenty of space and a relaxed, mixed crowd, with most people taking their litter home. The north-east beach is the busier textile spot. Visitors recommend arriving by bike or S-Bahn since there is no car access, and note that facilities are minimal, so bring water and food. Water quality is generally rated very good, though algae warnings occur in hot spells.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Boberger See is an official Hamburg bathing water (season 2026: 8 May to 14 September), but the city does not designate a nude area; nude use on the south shore is long-standing custom. The lake is in a nature reserve where camping is forbidden; check the authority's blue-green algae notices before swimming.
Naturism at Boberger See 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. 53.5142, 10.1362
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 is the nude area at the Boberger See?
On the south shore. From the Billwerder side, walk anticlockwise round the lake along the forest path to the meadows used by nude sunbathers.
Can I drive to the lake?
No. Roads are closed to motor vehicles; use S21 to Mittlerer Landweg, park at the Boberger Torfsee car park, or cycle.
Is it free?
Yes, there is no entrance fee.
Is the water safe?
It is an officially monitored bathing water with generally very good quality; check hamburg.de for blue-green algae warnings in summer.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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