Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to August
About Eichbaumsee
The Eichbaumsee is a groundwater-fed lake in the Vier- und Marschlande in Hamburg-Bergedorf, created by sand extraction between 1972 and 1976 beside a side arm of the Dove-Elbe, next to the Allermöhe district. Nude bathing is long established on the narrow tongue of land between the lake and the Dove-Elbe, where several lawns are used by naturists although water access is possible only at a few points. At the south-east end there is also a small sandy beach where nude and clothed bathers share the space. The opposite side of the lake is almost entirely clothed and has snack stands. The lake's big problem is water quality: in hot summers massive blooms of toxic blue-green algae are common, and the city regularly closes the bathing sites. In 2026 the north bathing site stayed closed and the east site was closed for algae from late August. There is no lifeguard on duty. Check the city's bathing-water status before you go.
Getting there
The lake is in Hamburg-Allermöhe (Bergedorf district), beside the Dove-Elbe. Entry is free. The headland is reached on foot along the shore paths. Portable toilets have been reported at several points around the lake. Watch for steep drop-offs close to the shore, where the water suddenly becomes very deep.
What visitors say
Naturist reports describe the headland lawns as a popular, free place for nude sunbathing, with a small mixed sandy beach at the south-east end. Water access from the headland is limited. Recurring complaints concern the algae closures, which can make swimming impossible for weeks in hot summers. The far shore with the snack stands is busy and almost entirely clothed.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no official FKK designation on the city's bathing-water pages; nude bathing on the headland is an informal, long-standing custom. Hamburg's environment authority (BUKEA) monitors the lake and frequently bans bathing due to blue-green algae: in 2026 the north site was closed all season and the east site was closed from 27 August.
Naturism at Eichbaumsee 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. 53.4853, 10.1030
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 nude bathers go at the Eichbaumsee?
To the lawns on the headland between the lake and the Dove-Elbe, and to a small mixed sandy beach at the south-east end.
Can I swim there?
Only when the city has not closed the bathing sites for blue-green algae, which happens often in summer; check hamburg.de first.
Is there a fee?
No, the lake is free to use.
Is there a lifeguard?
No, the city lists the site as unsupervised.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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