Silversee

Lake Silbersee was created between 1934 and 1935 during the construction of the highway. It is about ten meters deep. It is said to have gotten its name from airplane pilots because it glistened silvery in the sun as they flew overhead. The quarry pond was converted into a lakeside park in the 1960s. In the 1980s, playground equipment, a mini-golf course, a restaurant, a kiosk with a beer garden, and restroom facilities were added. Swimmers can enjoy a carefree swim. And many do—especially on weekends. But even when it gets really crowded, there’s plenty of room for everyone on the grounds with its expansive lawns.

Read the results of the bathing water analysis

Infrastructure

Water area:
68,000 square meters, large demarcated shallow water zones

Equipment:
WC (disabled access), shower, changing room, large sunbathing lawns, three sandy beaches, old trees, dog beach

Activities:
Three playgrounds with exciting play equipment, mini golf

Gastronomy:
Kiosk with snack bar and beer garden

Interesting facts about lifeguards, watercraft and more

The DLRG is on duty on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and, weather permitting, during school breaks from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can tell when lifeguards are on duty by the raised DLRG flag.
Please note: Never block the emergency access road! There is another parking lot a few hundred meters further down the road.

During the bathing season from May 15 to September 15, dogs are not allowed on the lake, with the exception of the signposted dog walkway and the dog beach

Lake Silbersee Information Profile

Lake Silbersee is located east of the city of Langenhagen, north of the A2 highway and south of the L382. It is said to have been named by airplane pilots because it glistened silvery in the sun as they flew overhead. The developed lakeside area features a playground, mini-golf, and other sports activities, designated barbecue areas, long sandy beaches, and boat docks. One of the beaches is designated as a dog beach. Some areas of the water are reserved for anglers. The large grounds offer relaxation and tranquility to many visitors. The DLRG (German Life Saving Association) patrols the beach on weekends during the swimming season when the weather is nice. At other times, swimming is at your own risk. Parking is free in the designated areas.

The reed zones in the lake serve as valuable retreats for water birds and other animal species.

Waterfowl serve as hosts for the larvae of flukes, which parasitize the intestines of waterfowl. During their development, these flukes undergo a change of host. The eggs are released into the water through the birds’ feces. From these eggs hatch ciliated larvae, called miracidia, which seek out an intermediate host—various freshwater snails. Within the snails, the miracidia develop into infectious cercariae through various reproductive stages. These are released into the water when water temperatures exceed 24°C, during the months of June through September. They mistakenly target humans as accidental hosts. The cercariae penetrate human skin but die there, causing skin lesions that resemble mosquito bites. Cercariae infestation is harmless to humans but unpleasant due to severe itching. The presence of cercariae is not related to the hygienic water quality of the lakes!

Cercariae - what you can do

You can prevent an encounter with cercariae by

• Do not feed the ducks; this increases the risk of parasite infestation!
• Avoid shore zones rich in aquatic plants!
• Use waterproof sunscreen!
• Rub yourself down vigorously with a towel after bathing to remove any cercariae that haven't fully penetrated the skin.
• Do not scratch yourself - prevent secondary infection

The Department of Health, as the responsible authority, conducts regular tests of the bathing water at the swimming area. The first 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, 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.