Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Best season
June to August
About Ettlingen-Bruchhausen: Baggersee
A gravel-pit lake lies in the flat Rhine-plain woods south of Ettlingen-Bruchhausen, near the boundary with Malsch, south of Karlsruhe. The only source describing nude use is a short visitor note on the German nude-bathing directory nacktbaden.de from 2002: it says nude bathing was possible, that many nude bathers came, that the lake lies close to the Buchtzig bathing lake and that it adjoins a working gravel plant, so cars had to be left about 500 m away. The neighbouring Badesee Buchtzig (Am Baggersee 4, Ettlingen) is a separate, managed bathing lake run by the Ettlingen pools service with fixed opening hours, play areas and volleyball, and it is not a nude site. Which of the nearby pits the 2002 note refers to is not stated, and no more recent report was found, so treat nude use here as unconfirmed by current sources.
Getting there
The area lies between Ettlingen-Bruchhausen and Malsch, west of the B3 and reachable from the A5 exit Karlsruhe-Süd or Ettlingen. According to the 2002 note, parking is not at the lake because of the gravel works; walk about 500 m from where you can legally park. Bus routes from Ettlingen serve Bruchhausen. Do not enter active quarry areas.
Legal context
No designation or signage for nude bathing was found. Active gravel-extraction sites in Baden-Württemberg normally prohibit bathing on the working part of the pit, so check signs on site.
Naturism at Ettlingen-Bruchhausen: Baggersee 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. 48.9084, 8.3184
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this an official nude beach?
No. The only report of nude use is a short 2002 visitor note.
Is the Buchtzig lake nude?
No. Badesee Buchtzig is a managed family bathing lake; the reported nude spot is a different pit next to a gravel works.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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