Spend a day at the Gelterswoog lakeside beach ()
Are you stationed near the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC), but craving a day at the beach?
Dig those beach chairs and sand buckets out of storage and head over to the recently rebuilt Gelterswoog, just south of Kaiserslautern on Route 270.
Lovers’ Lake
Built around 300 years ago, the lake was created when a few local streams were dammed to make a “Woog,” or still body of water, as a reservoir for breeding fish. According to the City of Kaiserslautern, swimming in the lake was originally forbidden, but the area became popular with young couples looking for a romantic outing. It became so well-known during the Reformation era that local clergy and foresters would patrol the lake to steal clothes left on the shore while couples were swimming.
Lucky for us, swimming is now legal. A 300-meter-long sandy beach and swimming pier invite people of all kinds to enjoy a day out. Special two-person bamboo lounge bed rentals come with wine and continue to hint at the lake’s romantic past. Nowadays, however, couples are joined by older adults and families wanting a day in the sun.
There are tidy toilet and shower facilities, cabana and lounge chair rentals, and water-sport rentals like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. A mini-golf course and a big playground under the trees offer a shady respite.
The lake is relatively shallow, which means the water maintains a pleasantly warm temperature. It is still quite refreshing, but not the biting cold found at some local pools that can chill your skin on the hottest days.
Practicalities
Entrance fees for the Gelterswoog are four euros per adult and two euros per child 6-12 years old. Small children under six years are free.
You are welcome to bring your own water sport items and inflatable toys. There is not a lifeguard on duty, but staff are there to monitor people who have rented equipment.
Dogs are not allowed at Gelterswoog.
During the summer holidays, primarily July and August, the beach will open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. For the rest of the warm season, usually May – September, it is open in the afternoons, though special holiday weekend hours will be longer. It’s a good idea to check the Gelterswoog Facebook page for updates.
Special Events
In addition to a great day out at the beach, the Gelterswoog offers fun evening musical experiences and periodically hosts bands on the outdoor stage.
It’s not the Spanish Riviera, but the Gelterswoog fills that desire for sun, sand and swimming right here in Kaiserslautern.
