Description
The Knielinger See is one of many former gravel pits along the river Rhine and the largest waterbody in or around the city of Karlsruhe. It is easily accessible with good paths and numerous viewpoints. In winter, the lake hosts a large number of wintering ducks, grebes, herons, swans and geese. These include kopřivka obecná , polák chocholačka , polák velký , hvízdák eurasijský , hohol severní , lžičák pestrý , čírka obecná , potápka malá and potápka roháč. There are always a good variety of species present and rarer species such as ostralka štíhlá, zrzohlávka rudozobá, polák kaholka, čírka modrá, turpan hnědý, potáplice malá, kormorán malý, morčák prostřední, potápka černokrká, potápka rudokrká , potápka žlutorohá, hoholka lední, polák proužkozobý and kajka mořská have all been seen here before.
In spring and summer the lake itself is quieter, although there are still many interesting birds around: rybák obecný can be seen fishing and rarer terns such as rybák černý are possible. luňák hnědý are frequently seen in spring and summer. The woodlands and meadows surrounding the lake are home to a good number of species, such as datel černý , žluna zelená and lejsek šedý. Warbler species such as pěnice slavíková or pěnice černohlavá can be heard in spring, along with slavík obecný.
Details
Access
The area is best explored by bike or on a 6 km circular walk. There are three car parks, each within short walking distance of good viewpoints. The tram stop "Maxau" is ideally located for those using public transport (S5 / S51 trams from Karlsruhe Hbf).
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , LakeConditions
Flat , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year round , Winter , SpringBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- eBird - Latest sightings and records
- Conservation and History of the Knielinger See (in German)
- Video showing clips of species that live and breed here

