Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to August
About Edelmannsee
The Edelmannsee is a former lignite-mining lake in the Oberpfälzer Seenland north of Schwandorf, in the municipality of Wackersdorf, opposite the larger Murner See. Unlike its neighbours with paid lidos and holiday infrastructure, it has no facilities and is reached along farm tracks, which kept it a quiet spot that naturists have used for years. A 2009 report described the water as excellent and the lake as used almost exclusively by nude bathers apart from anglers. Since 2010, however, the situation has been tense: the mayor of Wackersdorf moved to stop nude bathing here, police patrols were ordered, and a 2011 report describes regular patrols, recorded personal details and complaints filed by the municipality and anglers, as well as new footpaths and a Nordic-walking course routed through the former lying areas. Other reports from 2010 and 2011 said nude bathing continued without problems. Expect a natural shore with little shade, and be aware that nude bathing is actively discouraged by the municipality.
Getting there
From the south, leave the A93 at Schwandorf-Nord; from the north, come via Schwarzenfeld towards Neunburg vorm Wald and turn right at the Übelmesserhof inn onto the farm track. The lake is not easy to find and there is no formal car park or signage. Paths are unpaved farm and field tracks; there are no toilets, kiosks or lifeguards, so bring water, shade and everything you need.
What visitors say
Older reports praise very clear water and a peaceful, almost entirely nude crowd apart from anglers. From 2010 the tone changes: some visitors describe police patrols and complaints from anglers and the municipality, while others say they saw no police at all. One report blames cruising and swinger adverts online for giving the lake a bad reputation, and notes a corner used mainly by gay men. Shade is scarce, so bring an umbrella.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Legal context
Nude bathing is not permitted by any local rule here, and the municipality of Wackersdorf has actively opposed it since 2010: reports describe police patrols, recorded personal details and complaints for public nuisance (2010-2011) (a visitor report says the national press picked up the story). Other visitors reported no problems in the same years. Treat it as a contested informal spot.
Naturism at Edelmannsee 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. 49.3546, 12.2007
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 Edelmannsee?
No official permission exists, and since 2010 the municipality of Wackersdorf has tried to stop it with police patrols, although some visitors report no problems.
How do I find it?
From the A93 exit Schwandorf-Nord, or via Schwarzenfeld towards Neunburg, turn at the Übelmesserhof inn onto the farm track.
Are there facilities?
No. There are no toilets, kiosk or lifeguards; the Murner See opposite has developed bathing areas.
Is it family-friendly?
Not especially: it is remote, unserviced and reports mention cruising activity and police checks.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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