A pair of connected lakes formed by flooding the former Merseburg-Ost lignite mine between Raßnitz and Zöschen, each covering around 300 hectares, part of the Mitteldeutsches Seenland network within easy reach of Halle and Merseburg.
The Wallendorfer See and Raßnitzer See are twin lakes formed by flooding the two remaining pits of the former Merseburg-Ost open-cast lignite mine, which closed in 1991, with water piped in from the Weiße Elster river between 1998 and 2000. Each lake covers roughly 300 hectares and the two received their current names in 2002, becoming part of the broader Mitteldeutsches Seenland network of redeveloped mining lakes across Saxony-Anhalt and neighbouring Saxony. The main Strandbad on the Wallendorfer See side has a sandy beach, changing rooms, a kiosk, and boat and paddleboard hire, with water reaching a comfortable 19-23°C in summer. A network of cycling and hiking paths connects the two lakes and links onward toward other lakes in the district, and because this pair sits closer to Halle and Merseburg than some of the region's larger lakes, it functions as a convenient, somewhat quieter alternative to the more heavily visited Geiseltalsee for local day-trippers. Regional trains or buses from Halle (Saale) or Merseburg reach Schkopau or Wallendorf, followed by a short walk to the shore.
| Getting there | Regional train or bus from Halle (Saale) or Merseburg to Schkopau/Wallendorf, then a short walk to the lakeshore |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Strandbad Wallendorfer See, Am See, 06231 Schkopau (Wallendorf) |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, cyclists, day-trippers from Halle
- Facilities
- Sandy beach, Changing rooms, Kiosk, Boat and SUP hire, Cycling and hiking trail network
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Strandbad Wallendorfer See, Am See, 06231 Schkopau (Wallendorf)
Highlights
- Twin lakes connected by a cycling and hiking path network
- Formed from the former Merseburg-Ost lignite mine, flooded 1998-2000
- Quieter alternative to Geiseltalsee, closer to Halle and Merseburg
- Boat and paddleboard hire on the main beach
Tips for visiting
- The two lakes are close enough to combine a visit to both in a single day via the connecting cycle path
- This is a quieter alternative to Geiseltalsee for visitors based in Halle or Merseburg
When to visit
July and August for the warmest water; weekday visits are quieter even in peak season.
Accessibility
The main beach approach path is level and compacted gravel; the sandy shore itself has no dedicated wheelchair ramp.
Frequently asked questions
How were these two lakes formed?
Both were created by flooding the remaining pits of the former Merseburg-Ost lignite mine, using water piped from the Weiße Elster river between 1998 and 2000.
Can visitors see both lakes in one visit?
Yes, a connecting cycling and hiking path links the Wallendorfer See and Raßnitzer See, making it easy to visit both.
How does this compare to Geiseltalsee?
It is smaller and generally quieter than Geiseltalsee, and sits closer to Halle and Merseburg, making it a convenient local alternative.
How do visitors get there from Halle?
Regional trains or buses run from Halle (Saale) or Merseburg to Schkopau or Wallendorf, followed by a short walk to the lakeshore.