A large reservoir on the Helme river in the Goldene Aue basin near the town of Kelbra, on Saxony-Anhalt's southern border with Thuringia, with a long sand-and-grass beach and a well-established reputation for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing.
Stausee Kelbra, also called the Helmestausee, is a dam-formed reservoir on the Helme river sitting in the middle of the Goldene Aue, an agricultural basin on Saxony-Anhalt's southern edge bordering Thuringia, close to the town of Kelbra and the Kyffhäuser hills. The reservoir has long served flood-control and water-management purposes for the Helme, and its recreational area has developed into one of the more established bathing and watersports destinations in the southern part of the state, with a long combined sand-and-grass beach, an international campground, and hire facilities for sailing dinghies and windsurf boards. The open, unshaded basin setting gives the lake more consistent wind than many of the region's flooded mining lakes, making it a locally known spot for sailing and windsurfing alongside straightforward swimming. Restaurants and changing facilities serve the main beach area, and water temperatures reach a typical 18-23°C in summer. The nearby Kyffhäuser hills and their landmark monument make an easy half-day extension for visitors staying at the lake's campground. A regional train to Berga-Kelbra station, followed by a short walk, reaches the reservoir.
| Getting there | Regional train to Berga-Kelbra station, then a short walk to the reservoir |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Erholungsgebiet Stausee Kelbra, Straße des Friedens, 06537 Kelbra (Kyffhäuser) |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, sailors, windsurfers, campers
- Facilities
- Long sand and grass beach, Changing rooms, International campground, Sailing and windsurfing hire, Restaurants
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Erholungsgebiet Stausee Kelbra, Straße des Friedens, 06537 Kelbra (Kyffhäuser)
Highlights
- Long sand-and-grass beach on a reservoir in the Goldene Aue basin
- Reliable wind conditions for sailing and windsurfing
- International campground directly at the lake
- Kyffhäuser hills and monument nearby for a combined day trip
Tips for visiting
- The Kyffhäuser monument and nature reserve are a short drive away for a combined day trip
- Sailing and windsurfing conditions are considered some of the most reliable in southern Saxony-Anhalt thanks to the open basin setting
When to visit
July and August for the warmest water; breezier spring and autumn days suit sailing and windsurfing best.
Accessibility
The main beach and campground approach roads are paved and level; the sand-and-grass shore itself has no dedicated wheelchair ramp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Goldene Aue?
It is an agricultural basin straddling Saxony-Anhalt's southern border with Thuringia, where the Helme river and the Stausee Kelbra reservoir sit.
Why is this lake known for sailing?
Its open, unshaded basin setting gives it more consistent wind than many of the region's forested or mining lakes, making it a locally favoured sailing and windsurfing spot.
Is there camping at the lake?
Yes, an international campground operates directly at the reservoir's recreation area.
How do visitors reach Stausee Kelbra by train?
A regional train to Berga-Kelbra station is followed by a short walk to the reservoir's beach area.