Lake Altwarmbüchen

The 45.5-hectare lake was created in the 1980s as part of the expansion of the so-called “Moorautobahn.” The sandy beach on the west side, with its service buildings and adjacent play areas and sunbathing lawns, is traditionally packed—which is why the lake is often referred to as the “Riviera of Hanover.” However, the further east you go, the quieter, more natural, and more idyllic the shore becomes. Despite the hustle and bustle, Altwarmbüchener Lake is ideal for hiking and nature observation. Large areas are protected nature reserves. Swimming is permitted only in designated areas.

The results of the water investigation for reading

The quality of bathing water:

© Hanover region

What does Altwarmbüchener See have to offer?

© Karl Johaentges, State Capital of Hanover (Source)

Water area:
48 hectares of water surface, depth 7-12 meters, long shallow water zones, separate swimming area

Equipment:
WC, showers and changing rooms in various changing houses; 3,000 square meters of sandy beach, 30,000 square meters of play and sunbathing area

Activities:
3.5 km long walk around the lake; DLRG station and 2 jetties of the local water sports club at the eastern service building; sailing yacht and surf school at the western service building offers courses and rents out boats and boards; surfing permitted with a day permit issued by the sailing school

Gastronomy:
Beer garden, 2 kiosks, snack bars with seating, ice cream vendors along the way

What do you need to know about lifeguards, watercraft, and more?

• DLRG at the weekend during the bathing season (Sat. 14-20 hrs, Sun. 10-19 hrs); car parking spaces
• The entire recreation area is closed to motor vehicles (including model vehicles).
• Other private watercraft are not permitted.
• Private diving with equipment is not permitted.

The Altwarmbüchener See Information Profile—What Else You Should Know

The lake, fed by groundwater, is surrounded by forests, meadows, and a residential area north of the reclamation site of the Lahe landfill. The lake has very few fish, as its water has a high iron content and resembles an acidic bog lake. Surfers need a day pass, which is issued by the sailing school at the western service building. The local sailing, yachting, and surfing school offers courses and rents out boats and boards. Rowing and sailing are offered by the Isernhagen Water Sports Club. The entire recreational area is closed to motorized vehicles (including model vehicles).

Private watercraft and private diving are not permitted. Barbecues and open fires are prohibited. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

The Department of Health, as the responsible authority, conducts regular tests of the bathing water at the swimming area. The first bathing water sample is taken before the start of the season. During the swimming season, from May 15 to September 15, samples are taken once a month. The water is tested for the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci. These results are published here and on the Lower Saxony State Health Office’s bathing water portal.

If the authorities become aware of the occurrence of mass proliferation of blue-green algae, the water is tested for blue-green algae and, if necessary, an official warning of acute occurrence of blue-green algae is issued. If large quantities of toxic blue-green algae are detected, a bathing ban is issued and published on site and on the internet.

How do you get to Altwarmbüchener Lake?

© Hanover region