Walchensee: A Bavarian Paradise with Caribbean Vibes
Anyone who has seen Lake Walchen from above — for example, from the easily accessible neighboring mountain Herzogstand — might never feel the need to visit the Caribbean again. Stretching over 27 kilometers of untouched shoreline, Walchensee is Germany’s largest and deepest mountain lake, with depths reaching nearly 200 meters. Its stunning turquoise-green color comes from a high concentration of calcium carbonate in the water. The crystal-clear, fish-rich lake offers visible depths of eight to ten meters, attracting not only swimmers who enjoy summer temperatures between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius but also divers. Walchensee is a hidden gem for divers, who can explore underwater aircraft wrecks, as well as car and boat remains. Sailors, windsurfers, and kitesurfers take advantage of the steady thermal winds, while motorboats are banned on this alpine lake situated 800 meters above sea level in the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district.
Chiemsee: The Enchanting Castle on Bavaria’s “Sea”
Lake Chiemsee, the largest lake in Bavaria, boasts an impressive surface area of 80 square kilometers—equivalent to over 11,000 soccer fields—earning it the nickname “Bavarian Sea.” Along its southern edge, the Chiemgau Alps stretch like a string of pearls. The lake’s shallow shores, secluded bays, and expansive moorlands create a picturesque landscape of green meadows, forests, and mountain peaks. At its center lie two islands: Fraueninsel and Herreninsel. The car-free Fraueninsel is famous for its centuries-old Benedictine convent, Frauenchiemsee, and for the artists’ colony of Chiemsee painters established in 1828. Nearby, the larger Herreninsel is home to Herrenchiemsee Castle, King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale Versailles replica. Both islands are accessible by steamer from Prien and Gstadt, as well as by sail, electric, or rowing boat. Around the lake in the Rosenheim district, visitors can enjoy numerous lidos and lakeside meadows, some featuring sandy beaches like the Übersee lido on the southeastern shore. This spot is also renowned for its romantic sunsets, best enjoyed from a deck chair at the beach bar.
Tegernsee: Sparkling Waters and Alpine Charm
Located about 50 kilometers southeast of Munich, Lake Tegernsee is one of Bavaria’s cleanest lakes, boasting crystal-clear water of drinking quality. This purity is thanks to numerous inflows and outflows from the surrounding mountains, ensuring a high water exchange that keeps the lake refreshingly cool—even in the hottest summer months, the temperature rarely exceeds 20 degrees Celsius. The lake, measuring 1.4 kilometers wide and 6.5 kilometers long, has a rich history closely tied to the Tegernsee Monastery, founded in 746, which also gave rise to the famous Tegernsee beer. The brewery remains in the monastery buildings right on the lakeshore and offers visits. Alongside the gentrified lakeside promenade, where luxurious villas nestle on the mountain slopes, the five lakeside towns—Gmund, Bad Wiessee, Rottach-Egern, Kreuth, and Tegernsee—offer direct access to the lake and lidos, all with stunning panoramic views of the Mangfall Mountains.
Lake Starnberg: Elegance and Summer Bliss
The S-Bahn brings you to this bathing paradise in just half an hour: Lake Starnberg is affectionately known as the “bathtub of Munich” due to its easy access from the Bavarian capital. Its stunning scenery, framed by the Alps and shaded by tree-lined shores, contributes to Starnberg’s reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Many of Bavaria’s wealthiest residents call it home. Even Empress Sisi spent her summers here, and anyone dipping their toes into the water at the “Strandbad Paradies” in Possenhofen will understand why. Visible nearby is Rose Island, featuring a charming castle built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria, set within a romantic rose garden — a favorite spot for divers as well. At the lake’s bottom lie the remains of prehistoric pile dwellings, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those seeking a quieter alternative to the popular lake, the Osterseen—a group of 19 small lakes just a few kilometers to the south—offer peaceful serenity.
Forggensee: Swimming with a View of Neuschwanstein Castle
An unusual sight in the Allgäu region: Forggensee was created only in the 1950s as Bavaria’s largest reservoir and is completely drained each winter. In summer, this twelve-kilometer-long and three-kilometer-wide lake becomes a fantastic swimming destination thanks to its unrestricted access, pristine shores, excellent water quality, and its mesmerizing blue-turquoise color. The panoramic view of the Alps adds to the charm. The unique “Peninsula” bathing area offers a spectacular sight—you can admire Neuschwanstein Castle right from the water’s edge! The shimmering lake also attracts kitesurfers, sailors, rowers, pedal boaters, canoeists, and kayakers. Two passenger boats connect Füssen with the nearby villages of Waltenhofen, Osterreinen, Dietringen, and Tiefental.
Alpsee: A Triple Delight for Swimmers
Returning to the beautiful Allgäu region, you’ll find three lakes named Alpsee — the large and small ones between Immenstadt and Oberstaufen, and another Alpsee near Schwangau. The Schwangau Alpsee, smaller in size, offers plenty to discover. Nestled at the foot of the iconic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, it lies amidst a lush forested mountain landscape. For a peaceful retreat, the western shore hosts the Alpseebad outdoor pool, complete with rentable deck chairs.
Meanwhile, about 40 kilometers west, the Großer and Kleiner Alpsee lie just a kilometer apart. The Großer Alpsee is the largest natural swimming lake in the Allgäu, surrounded by meadows, forests, and gentle hills. It’s popular among visitors, featuring a campground with a sandy beach right by the water. On the southern shore, nude bathing is permitted, while the eastern side offers quiet, secluded bays perfect for a private swim.
Großer Brombachsee: Expansive Sandy Shores
If you don’t need mountains to enjoy swimming, then the Franconian Lake District is perfect for you. Located about 50 kilometers southwest of Nuremberg in Middle Franconia, this area is known for its many man-made lakes. At its heart lie the Great Brombachsee, Small Brombachsee, and Igelsbachsee—three lakes separated only by two dams. The Great Brombachsee offers extensive sandy beaches along its northern shore, surrounded by dense forests, two sailing harbors, and even a nudist beach, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. A boat trip is a must—why not try a ride on a trimaran, a fast vessel with three slender hulls? You can also explore other beaches easily by bike, thanks to a 15-kilometer bike path that circles the lake.
