Goldbergsee

The artificial complex of three lakes in the west of Coburg has become an import breeding and resting area within a few years after its creation, particularly for ducks and species related to reeds. When the water level is low, chances for resting waders are good. With more time at hand pay furthermore attention to the wetland area Glender Wiesen north of the Goldbergsee, which is among the most important sites of this kind in Upper Franconia. A visit is worth during passage and breeding season.

Target Species

Access

Dependent on your time budget you can focus on the Goldbergsee, explored best on a 2km circular route, or expand your visit to a detour to the Glender Wiesen (5 km in total). The Goldbergsee is divided into three connected lakes, which will be called in the following "Biotopsee" (north), "Grundsee N" (centre) and "Grundsee S" (south). These are the names also used on the platform www.ornitho.de

For both tour options cross the lake on the passenger bridge east of the car park situated between Grundsee N and S. Usually, the northern part is the more interesting. There, two small islands with trees offer suitable resting (and partially breeding) conditions for Cormorants, Herons and Geese. Afterwards, the path runs slightly uphill into a small forest, keep here always left until you reach the observation tower (1), immediately after having left the mentioned wood. From here you have a good overview over the most parts of the Biotopsee and of the Grundsee N. Distances are normally large, so a scope is recommended, light is best in the morning.

For the shorter variant turn left from the observation tower. Where Biotopsee and Grundsee N are connected you should have a close-up view on an interesting shallow water zone with sandbanks. The northwestern corner of the lake (2) is furthermore a reliable place for Stonechats. Soon afterwards you should reach the car park again. Unfortunately, the last few hundred meters don't offer further good observation opportunities due to limited view.

If you'd like to expand your tour turn here right and keep on the way parallel to the railways. At (3) you can cross the latter, follow the subsequent path northwards until you reach the small village of Glend. Have an open eye for Whinchats, Bluethroats and similar species that might be found in the variegated meadows east of the Biotopsee. North of Glend turn left (4) into a broad path that  runs parallel to ditch. Snipes and Bluethroats should be regularly encountered in this part of the area. After 1,5 km the path ends in a T-junction (5), walk southwards to the village Beiersdorf. Having arrived at the main road turn one last time left and stay on the footpath until you reach the car park.

GPS-coordinates:

Sources:

LBV Coburg: Das Naturschutzgebiet „Vogelfreistätte  Glender Wiesen und Goldbergsee bei Coburg“ - ökologische Highlights vor den Toren Coburgs,  2013.