Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to August
About Federbachsee
The Federbachsee is a small flood-retention reservoir on the Federbach in the Ostalb district of eastern Baden-Württemberg, between Leinzell and Heuchlingen, below the hamlet of Horn near Göggingen and Schechingen. It is a working flood basin, about 4 m deep at normal levels, surrounded by meadows and woodland and used mainly by anglers and walkers. A 2001 visitor report on nacktbaden.de describes nude sunbathing as customary in the rear part of the basin and the place as very quiet. The same and later sources stress that it is not really a bathing lake: the water is murky, bathing was suspended in 2001 because of salmonella, and both a regional lake guide and a recent hiker's note say swimming and boating are not allowed. Treat it as a quiet spot for nude sunbathing on the grass rather than a place to swim.
Getting there
From Leinzell take the road towards Heuchlingen; the basin lies to the left above the road before the hamlet of Horn. There is no formal car park or facilities documented; park considerately on the roadside or field tracks and walk in to the rear of the basin. No public transport serves the lake directly; Leinzell has bus connections from Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Legal context
No designation exists. The reservoir is a flood-retention basin where, according to a regional lake guide and a 2021 visitor note, bathing and boating are not permitted; nude sunbathing in the rear area has been informally customary since at least 2001.
Naturism at Federbachsee 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. 48.8539, 9.9114
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
Can I swim in the Federbachsee?
Swimming is described as not permitted, and water quality is poor; the spot is used mainly for sunbathing.
Where is the nude area?
Reports place it in the rear part of the basin, away from the road.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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