Secker Weiher

Enjoy the idyllic location of the Secker Ponds. The large and small pond are separated by a dam. The large pond is fed by a small stream, and the overflow supplies the small pond with water. The ponds were commissioned in 1672 by Prince Moritz Heinrich of Nassau-Hadamar to secure the fish supply during Lent. Today, they form the core of a quiet and beautiful recreational area, which also offers a good amount of infrastructure with a campsite and gastronomy.

The water quality of the Secker Pond is regularly checked by the health department, ensuring uninterrupted swimming fun. A playground and the mud play area at the sandy beach are a great joy for children, while the "grown-ups" can sunbathe and relax on the lawn.

Entry prices (as of 2024):

Adults 3€
Children 4-14 years 1€
Dogs 1€ (Dogs are not allowed in the lake, only on the lawn)

The Secker Ponds - From Noble Fish Pond to Recreation Area

by Helmut Jung

Prince Moritz-Henrich of Nassau-Hadamar had the Secker Ponds constructed in 1672. Where today the large pond lies was previously the "Grazing field" of the village of Seck. In compensation, the Secker received the pasture of the former village of Stöcken, which had become desolate in 1648. In connection with the creation of the ponds, the construction of the former hunting lodge, first documented in 1663, can also be seen. The little castle stood near the ruins of the Seligenstatt Monastery and served as a residence for officials during the annual fish catches. It was purchased by the municipality of Seck in 1824 for 800 guilders and moved to the village to be used as a school. Today it is the town hall of the municipality. In 1719, 240 carp, 24 pike, and 4 perch were caught during the fish catch. After the respective rulers ceased self-utilization of the pond, the water body was managed by tenants. One of these tenants was the well-known animal breeding inspector Paul Schulze-Rößler. He had a Swedish wooden house built at the small pond, also called "Streckweiher," in 1895 to prevent recurring fish thefts. The house served as a residence for Philipp Nattermann, who was the supervisor of the ponds. On March 27, 1914, the house was transported in a spectacular operation by the carrier Carl Wisser from Erbach (now Nistertal) on two wagons pulled by 12 horses as a whole to Westerburg, where it still stands today below the castle hill. The ponds have been state property since 1866. This may also be one reason why the Prussian Forestry Administration chose the construction site of the forester's house Weiherhof in 1928/29 within view of the large pond. In addition to fish farming, the pond also served as a bathing water. While formerly only male visitors were recorded, the pond was also frequented by female bathers starting in the early 1930s. This, however, displeased the Secker pastor and a number of older women. In the mid-1950s, the large pond was increasingly used as a bathing area not only by the local population but also by external guests. This led to the local community of Seck having to intervene regulatively. To avoid conflicts between fish farming and bathing operations, both ponds were purchased by the community from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate for 45,000 DM (approximately 23,000 €) on November 21, 1961. In 1959, several toilets were installed, as the changing room built in 1935 had been sold as an emergency barn during the war. In 1960, the campsite was leased to Bruno Weber from Siegerland. His successor was Edmund Orth, who leased the site on February 6, 1963, for 10 years with the requirement to develop the campsite accordingly. From April 1, 1974, the tenant Dieter Zimmermann took over the facility with a lease contract set for 50 years, which, however, was amicably dissolved after 32 years. Since April 1, 2006, the family Helmut and Birgit Stelzen managed the now 5-star rated "Campingpark Weiherhof" until February 28, 2019, before it transitioned to the married couple Sonja and Jörg Spreitzer on March 1, 2019. In addition to well-maintained and heated sanitary facilities, a restaurant, a shop for daily needs, and a children's playground, fully equipped pitches with electricity connections as well as fresh and wastewater lines are available to guests. In the summer months, the campsite accommodates up to 1,500 guests who find peace and relaxation here. The catchment area of the site extends over Siegen and the Rhine-Main and Ruhr areas up to Holland.

Opening times