Sunrises and sunsets

Ricklinger gravel ponds

Pasta salad and beer, or maybe sushi and wine? Whatever you decide to bring for your sundowner picnic at the Ricklinger Kiesteichen in the Döhrener Masch, you might want to pack your swimsuit, too.

Larger pond with trees on the shore — View of the Ricklinger gravel pits

You might want to take a dip in the Dreiecksteich or the Großer Teich before sunset or afterward, under the moonlight. For the third member of the trio, the Sieben-Meter-Teich, you don’t even need swim trunks or a bikini: in this secluded natural pool, you can jump into the water naked, leaving more room in your picnic basket for snacks and drinks to enjoy a sundowner by the blue water amidst the greenery.

Three pools for everyone

The Ricklinger gravel ponds were created by gravel mining in the second half of the 20th century, and each of the three swimming lakes in the “Obere Leine” landscape conservation area south of the Maschsee has its own unique charm. The 4.5-hectare Dreiecksteich, located directly across from the bridge over the Leine, is the most popular (it’s the only one with a kiosk) and is surrounded by large meadows where young and old alike enjoy playing ball, picnicking, and socializing until late in the evening when the weather is nice. The neighboring Große Teich is—as the name suggests—significantly larger (20.5 hectares), but the sunbathing areas around the swimming spots on the eastern shore near the Südschnellweg are correspondingly smaller (there is another swimming spot at the Große Teich, which charges an admission fee, at the Ricklinger Aegir outdoor pool).

Nudists are welcome at and in the 6-hectare Sieben-Meter Pond, located to the south, which is generally a bit quieter. In the nudist area on the north shore, you’re among like-minded people and undisturbed; the trees and shrubs all around provide privacy and, after a refreshing nude swim in the pond (which, by the way, is geographically located in the Döhren neighborhood), invite you to sunbathe without clothes. If you’re feeling athletic, just jump right in; for a more comfortable entry into the deep pond, use the ladder on the dock.

All three of the Ricklingen gravel pits have excellent water quality. Also good to know: Swimming is at your own risk; even during the official swimming season from May 15 to September 15, there is no lifeguard on duty, but there is free parking and restrooms.

Bathing guide

Swimming lakes

There are many beautiful swimming lakes in the Hanover region—why not go for a swim again?

read