Silbersee

Nature idyll with bathing beach

When I see the lake, I don't need the sea anymore: A day at the Silbersee is like a short vacation day. From the sandy golden bathing beach, one looks out over the clear blue water of the gravel pit lake. Small waves rush across the lake's surface, driven by the wind. In the background, the loungy music of the beach bar can be heard. In summer, families, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts gather here. During the winter months, walkers come to enjoy the beautiful light moods.

The Roxheim Silbersee is the largest lake in the Palatinate and the second largest in the entire state. It is two kilometers long, 900 meters wide, and covers 112 hectares. The beach, with 37,000 square meters, is spacious enough for everyone to find a lovely spot to lay. And when it does get too crowded on very hot days, you can retreat to one of the small, sheltered bays and suddenly have your (almost) personal oasis of tranquility.

As a visual change, many stand-up paddlers can be seen on the lake. Sailors, surfers, kayakers, and a few inflatable boats also join in. Although there is no treasure at the bottom, the Silbersee is still a paradise for water enthusiasts.

For years, it has maintained its consistently good water quality, making the lake popular with swimmers and young splasher. However, some sections are not open for swimming as they are located in one of the three nature reserves. Although gravel and sand are still extracted from the lake today, large parts of the area have been renatured since the 1950s.

Surrounding the lake landscape, which includes the Silbersee, two lake-like old Rhine arms, and the Ochsenlachen, there is also a bird sanctuary designated. Here, endangered species like the mallard or the tufted duck find refuge. Seagulls and terns set the tone for the lake concert that bathers love to listen to, feeling even more transported to the coast.

The nature idyll also attracts many walkers and joggers. A circular path leads around the lake. After rainfall, sturdy footwear is recommended for the tour, as the old Rhine path can get a bit muddy. Cyclists taking a break at the bathing beach are often traveling along the Salierweg. From the beach, a path veers left past the lake, allowing for a ride along the water to the north. The Isenach gently gurgles alongside and makes the beautiful lake ambiance perfect.