On the northeastern shore is the so-called "Uni-Wildnis", a nature reserve, a nude beach and, somewhat further west, the camping ground "HanseCamping Bremen".

To the southeast, on the shore closest to the university, lies a grassy recreational area with a sand beach that is open to the public for swimming.

Several investors plan to build hotels or wellness facilities against the will of the local residents on the north-eastern part of the lake.

In summer, the water often develops an algae buildup, so the lake must occasionally be closed to swimmers.

The lake and the nature reserve were created by sand extraction during the development of the A 27 motorway and the construction of the university.