Envision, if you will, a former gravel pit teeming with life. This is Schultheis-Weiher. It is not just a body of water. It is a testament to nature’s resilience.
Welcome to Schultheis-Weiher. This beautiful lake lies in the Mainbogen. It sits snugly between Offenbach-Bürgel and Offenbach-Rumpenheim. Once a gravel pit, Schultheis-Weiher now offers recreation and refuge.
In 1928, the Schultheis company began excavating this area. They sought gravel. For decades, the company extracted valuable resources. By the 1960s, however, the gravel pit was abandoned. The area became a dumping ground. Authorities intervened in 1975. They prohibited further waste disposal. Later in the 1970s, Cassella transferred the area to Umlandverband Frankfurt. It was transformed into a local recreation area.
Today, Schultheis-Weiher spans 10.4 hectares. Its maximum depth reaches 3.11 meters. The average depth is 2.49 meters. The lake provides a refreshing escape.
Schultheis-Weiher is more than just a swimming spot. Since March 23, 1983, it has been part of the Rumpenheimer und Bürgeler Kiesgruben. It is a designated nature reserve. A large lawn invites sunbathers. A small nudist area exists on its west side. Showers and sanitary facilities are available.
Getting here is easy. You can drive close to Schultheis-Weiher for quick drop-offs. Pedestrians and cyclists from Frankfurt-Fechenheim can use the Arthur-von-Weinberg-Steg. Access to the lake is free. During bathing season, lifeguards are on duty. They watch over swimmers from 10 AM to 8 PM. Swimming is prohibited outside these hours.
In 2015, about 140,000 people visited Schultheis-Weiher. By 2016, that number more than doubled to 300,000. This shows how beloved this area is.
The water quality at Schultheis-Weiher is closely monitored. The Stadtgesundheitsamt Offenbach regularly tests the water. They use various examination methods. They also conduct bi-weekly inspections and odor tests. In 2008, bathing was temporarily suspended. This was done to facilitate water remediation. Since 2012, the water quality has been mostly excellent. The European Union has awarded Schultheis-Weiher its highest rating. It is an “excellent quality” bathing water.
However, challenges remain. In 2017, the red swamp crayfish was discovered. This invasive species poses a threat to native wildlife. Monitoring efforts continue to manage its population. In July 2022, a bathing ban was put in place. This was due to an increased occurrence of blue-green algae. A water treatment plant was installed to combat this. The plant removes phosphates. It also increases oxygen levels. It circulates 30,000 liters of water per hour. Despite these efforts, a bathing ban remains in place in 2023.
Thanks to measures improving water quality, the bathing season could open on May 1st in 2024. The city will also provide a lifeguard until the end of the season in September 2024.
Schultheis-Weiher is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The red swamp crayfish and the Kamberkrebse reside here. The great pond mussel and painter’s mussel also thrive. The thick-lipped, globular, and zebra mussels are present. Even the European common toad calls this place home. A yellow-bellied slider was spotted in 2021.
Underwater plants flourish in Schultheis-Weiher. These include fragile algae and rough hornwort. Curly pondweed and spiked watermilfoil add to the underwater landscape.
The southern half of the lake caters to recreational users. Swimmers, model boat enthusiasts, and anglers enjoy this space. The northern half serves as a protected biotope. Rare bird species find refuge here. Great crested grebes and gray herons are common sights. Various duck species also live here. Cormorants and little grebes can be spotted. Divers have also been observed. The kingfisher is an annual winter guest. The surrounding Main meadows provide habitat. Lapwings and gray partridges live there. During migration season, various waders, cormorants, and birds of prey appear.
Schultheis-Weiher stands as a harmonious blend. It combines recreation and nature conservation. This balance creates a unique experience. It is a place where people and wildlife coexist. So, take a moment to appreciate this urban oasis. Remember its history. A gravel pit transformed into a sanctuary.