Filzteich is a historic reservoir in the western Ore Mountains that has combined practical mining use with leisure for over five centuries. Its eastern half is a lively lakeside bathing area, while the western half is a quiet nature reserve wrapped in forest. Few places blend mining heritage with summer relaxation so seamlessly.

The surrounding landscape is shaped by peat bogs and dense spruce forests that once impressed Goethe himself during his visit. In summer, the beaches and meadows around the lake buzz with visitors, while in winter the pond turns into a natural ice rink, and the surrounding moorland forests give the area a wild, atmospheric character in every season.

• Schneeberg (Erzgebirgskreis) — parking at the lakeside bathing area, easy access, just minutes from the town centre
• Hartmannsdorf bei Kirchberg — access from the western side through the nature reserve, easy route

• The eastern part is a supervised EU bathing water with a swimming pool, an 83 m water slide, pedal boats and rowing boats; nude bathing (FKK) is permitted
• The western part of the lake is protected as the 'Heide und Moorwald am Filzteich' nature reserve and a Natura 2000 habitat area
• Filzteich forms part of the Schneeberg Mining Landscape, part of the Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří Mining Region inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019

The reservoir was built between 1483 and 1485 to supply water for Schneeberg's tin mining industry, and in 1783 a catastrophic dam breach occurred here, still commemorated by an inscribed stone standing beside the canal. The lake is also famous for its large carp, which have long attracted anglers.