Naturschutzgebiet Oberwaldsee von Dietesheim

The Oberwaldsee von Dietesheim nature reserve is a protected area near Mühlheim am Main that spans forest and meadow landscapes. Several lakes with deep blue water shape the terrain, formed from old basalt quarries, while dense trees line the edges.

The area received its protection status in 1989 following comprehensive mapping that demonstrated its geological and ecological value. Basalt quarrying over previous decades had shaped the terrain and unintentionally created these valuable water habitats.

The reserve serves local schools and nature groups as a learning place where visitors can experience the diversity of forest and water habitats firsthand. People use the paths here to learn more about the animal and plant life that lives in such protected spaces.

Visitors should stay on marked paths and keep dogs leashed, as swimming and boating in the lakes are not permitted. The best time to walk is during dry periods when the trails are in good condition and many bird species can be observed.

The reserve is home to rare bird species like Black Kites and Wrynecks that can be spotted along the walking paths with patience. Specialized butterfly species also live in the dry grasslands, found nowhere else nearby.