Location
Germany
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
May to August
About Schultheisweiher
The Schultheis-Weiher is a former gravel pit in Offenbach am Main, between the districts of Bürgel and Rumpenheim close to the Main. The lake covers more than 10 hectares and lies inside the Rumpenheimer und Bürgeler Kiesgruben nature reserve, which is also a European bird protection area, so bathing is limited to a public zone. The city describes about 3,000 square metres of sand beach and 10,000 square metres of lawn in that zone, split into a textile section and an FKK section. Part of the lake is fenced off for breeding and resting waterbirds: a line of buoys marks the protected area, and swimming beyond it is forbidden. Bathing is allowed from 1 May to 31 August, with staff on site acting as bathing supervision, and there are showers and toilets. In warm summers the water can reach about 27.5 °C, and the city counts up to 360,000 visits a year, so expect crowds on hot weekends. Water plants are part of the lake's ecology; the city asks swimmers not to tear them out. The lake is a designated EU bathing water and has had temporary bans for blue-green algae, including in July 2024.
Getting there
Cars cannot drive up to the lake because it lies in a nature reserve. Arrive on foot or by bicycle via the Mittelweg (the dyke-defence path) or Lammertstraße in Offenbach-Bürgel, and use the bicycle stands provided. The walk from the nearest streets is short and flat. Dogs must be kept on a lead. On-site staff handle supervision and house rules on behalf of the City of Offenbach; ask them which part of the lawn is the FKK section if the signs are unclear. Check the city's or Hessen's bathing-water information before going, as algae warnings can close the lake.
Amenities
Legal context
The City of Offenbach's own visitor leaflet (Amt für Umwelt, Energie und Klimaschutz, April 2018) states that the beach and lawn are divided into a textile and an FKK area. Bathing is permitted only in the public zone from 1 May to 31 August, and swimming inside the buoyed bird-protection area is prohibited. Temporary bathing bans are issued for blue-green algae (for example July 2024).
Naturism at Schultheisweiher sits under Germany's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 25 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 50.1317, 8.7792
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 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 Schultheis-Weiher?
Yes, in the FKK section. The City of Offenbach's leaflet says the beach and lawn are divided into a textile area and an FKK area.
When can I swim?
Bathing is permitted from 1 May to 31 August in the public zone. Temporary bans can apply when blue-green algae are detected, as happened in July 2024.
Is there parking at the lake?
Motor vehicles may not drive to the lake because it is in a nature reserve. Come on foot or by bike via the Mittelweg or Lammertstraße.
Are there facilities?
Yes: showers and toilets, and staff on site who act as bathing supervision.
Can I swim anywhere in the lake?
No. A line of buoys marks a protected area for birds where swimming is forbidden.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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