Bathing lake
Ricklinger gravel ponds
Swimming Prohibited at Ricklinger Dreiecksteich, Großen Ricklinger Teich, Ricklinger Bad, and Ricklinger Siebenmeterteich
There is currently a massive bloom of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) at the Großer Ricklinger Teich / Ricklinger Bad and the Ricklinger Siebenmeterteich. Due to the low water clarity and to prevent any health risks posed by blue-green algae, swimming is prohibited in these EU bathing waters! (As of September 7, 2026)
For more information, see the Questions and Answers on blue-green algae.
The water quality of the swimming areas is checked regularly. You can find the results of the tests here:
➡️The results of the water investigation for reading
The Costa Kiesa: one of the Hanoverian's favorite vacation destinations for many years. Three huge bathing ponds offer recreation for everyone. The most popular is the Dreiecksteich, the Sieben-Meter-Teich is reserved for nudists and those seeking peace and quiet will find a sheltered spot at the Großer Teich. There are large sunbathing lawns along the ponds that blend into the surrounding landscape.
Infrastructure
Water area:
Dreiecksteich: 225,000 square meters
Amenities:
Portable toilets, grassy areas for sunbathing, trees and bushes as far as the eye can see.
Dining:
Kiosk with seating
Interesting facts about lifeguards, watercraft and more
Bathing at your own risk
Info profile Ricklinger gravel ponds
Large pond / seven-meter pond / triangular pond
The lake is located in the immediate vicinity of the Leine River, surrounded by large bodies of water, lakeside paths, residential areas, community gardens, and farmland. The Seinebach stream flows into the lake from the south, having passed through Wilkenburg and Hemmingen. Rainwater from the stormwater drainage systems of both towns is discharged into the stream. Two additional stormwater outfalls discharge directly into the lake. When the Leine River experiences high water levels outside the swimming season, this can lead to additional flooding. Many nutrients enter the lake through these channels. These nutrients promote algae growth.
Some types of “blue-green algae” release metabolic byproducts that can cause allergic or toxic health problems in humans and animals.
Mass accumulations of blue-green algae, known as algal blooms, can be recognized by a bluish-greenish cloudiness in the water, ranging from streaks to foam patches or cream-like layers on the water’s surface.
The Ricklinger gravel ponds (Großer Teich, Dreiecksteich, Siebenmeterteich) are located in the southwest of Hanover within the
“Obere Leine” landscape conservation area, as part of the southern Leine floodplain, and are officially open for swimming. There are large sunbathing areas along the ponds. The only source of disturbance in this idyllic setting near the city center is the Südschnellweg, which crosses the area.
Swimming areas at the Großer Teich are located at the Ricklinger Bad, part of the Aegir outdoor pool, and on the eastern shore northeast of the Südschnellweg. Swimming is not permitted south of the expressway! Fishing in the lake is conducted by the local fishing club. There are no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk!
The Department of Health, as the responsible authority, conducts regular tests of the bathing water at the bathing site. The first water sample is taken before the start of the season. During the bathing 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, among other places.
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.
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