The Most Beautiful Lakes of Bavaria

The Most Beautiful Lakes of Bavaria

The most beautiful lakes of Bavaria are renowned for their enchanting landscapes and cultural heritage. Some of the major lakes in Germany are here, in Bavaria. Each lake, with its unique charm and array of activities, promises an unforgettable visit. From serene waters nestled in the Alps to lively shores offering a myriad of recreational opportunities, here’s a glimpse into the most beautiful lakes of Bavaria.

Grouping enchanting Bavarian lakes by region can help travelers and enthusiasts to better plan their visits. This way you make the most of the natural beauty and recreational opportunities each area offers.

Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern) Lakes – Major Lakes in Germany

Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern) is a region steeped in tradition, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural richness embodying the quintessence of Bavarian spirit and natural beauty. It is here, amidst the rolling Alpine foothills and majestic peaks, that some of the most picturesque lakes in Bavaria nestle. They offer a serene escape and a myriad of recreational activities to both locals and visitors alike.

Eibsee

Eibsee is easily one of the most beautiful lakes of Bavaria to visit. The lake has clear green waters and breathtaking alpine scenery. It’s a place where the azure sky merges with turquoise waters, offering a cooling breeze even on the hottest days. The lake has a rich history, having been turned into a luxury resort in the 19th century. It has been attracting tourists ever since. Notably, it’s one of the few privately owned lakes in Bavaria. Eibsee also guarantees a state of Zen, affirmed by a thank-you note from the Dalai Lama found in the guestbook.

• Located at the foot of the Zugspitz mountain near Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
• This lake offers stunning views and activities like swimming, boating, and hiking around the lake.
• Entrance is free, but parking at Eibsee has a standard fee of €7, with a reduced rate if you arrive early​.

Ammersee

A hour drive from Munich, Ammersee is the third-largest lake in Bavaria. It’s not only a visual delight but also a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and surfing, especially in the fall. Herrsching, a spa town on its shore, provides a quaint retreat with sports, cultural activities. There are scenic attractions like St. Martin’s Church and a neorenaissance-style castle​. Ammersee is one of the best swimming lakes near Munich.

• Known for its clear waters and water sports opportunities. Visit Andechs Abbey or take a boat ride on the lake.
• Family-friendly with shallow areas for children and lakeside promenades.
• Parking is advised in cities like Herrsching and Diessen.​ Also accessible by the S-Bahn train line 8 to Herrsching and takes about 50 minutes​

Tegernsee

Tegernsee combines natural beauty with a plethora of activities. It’s perfect for swimming, hiking, water sports, and cultural exploration. The area around Tegernsee offers accommodation ranging from modern to traditional Bavarian style. And the region is a hotspot for tourists seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation​​.

• Enjoy traditional Bavarian charm with activities such as leisurely boat cruises, water sports, and visiting the Tegernsee Abbey. The area is known for its family-friendly accommodations and ample parking in towns like Gmund and Tegernsee​.

Schliersee

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Schliersee is a serene mountain lake that offers an idyllic escape into nature. Its clear waters, surrounded by lush alpine meadows and dense forests, create a picture-perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. The area around Schliersee is rich in culture and history, providing a blend of recreational and educational experiences.

• Offers eco-tourism with well-marked walking routes explaining the local flora and fauna.
• Activities include exploring the Markus Wasmeier Freilichtmuseum and taking ship trips on the lake​.

Spitzingsee

Spitzingsee embodies the tranquil beauty of the Bavarian Alps. It is a charming alpine lake located at over 1,000 meters above sea level. Its crystal-clear waters are framed by majestic peaks, offering a secluded retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is a beloved destination for winter sports, with nearby ski resorts drawing visitors seeking snowy adventures.

• In the warmer months, its a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and those seeking a peaceful moment by the water.
• In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and hiking trails with panoramic views. Parking is available near the lakeshore and ski areas​.

Starnberger See

One of the Bavarian lakes near Munich, Starnberger See is a hub of recreational activities. Its history is as intriguing as its landscape, with ties to King Ludwig II’s mysterious death.

• Lake Starnberg offers a quick beach escape in Percha, reachable within 25 minutes from Munich.
• Offers a variety of recreational activities including cycling around the lake and visiting historical sites like the Starnberger castle.
• The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its prehistoric pile dwellings​​; is rich in history with ties to King Ludwig II​.

Chiemsee

Often referred to as the “Bavarian Sea,” Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria. It hosts the famous Herrenchiemsee Palace, a lavish tribute to Versailles built by King Ludwig II. Visitors can enjoy boat tours to the islands, explore the palace and its grounds, or engage in water sports and hiking around the lake’s perimeter. Chiemsee’s expansive waters and cultural landmarks offer a unique blend of natural beauty and historical opulence.

Walchensee

Known for its stunning deep blue waters, Walchensee is one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in Germany. The lake offers a plethora of activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Surrounded by mountains, it provides breathtaking scenic views, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The scenic German Alpine Road offers spectacular views of the lake, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself​.

Kochel am See

Adjacent to Walchensee, Kochel am See is not just a body of water but a historical retreat that has inspired artists over the decades. The lake is perfect for a leisurely exploration of Bavaria’s natural and artistic heritage. Nearby attractions include the Franz Marc Museum in Kochel, which celebrates the works of the expressionist artist who once found inspiration along these shores​.

Swabia (Schwaben) – Bavaria Lakes Amidst History

Swabia (Schwaben), a region steeped in history and folklore, spans across southwestern Bavaria and parts of Baden-Württemberg. It’s a land where medieval castles stand sentinel over vibrant towns and rolling hillsides give way to the serene expanses of its lakes. Swabia’s waterscapes offer a contrast to the rugged alpine scenery to the southeast, presenting a gentler but equally captivating natural beauty.

Forggensee

Forggensee is a man-made lake created in the 1950s for flood protection and hydroelectric power. Despite its practical origins, it has become a beloved recreational spot, offering sailing, fishing, and splendid views of the Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle. The lake’s size allows for a variety of water sports and leisure activities, making it a versatile destination for visitors​

Southeastern Bavaria – The most beautiful lakes of Bavaria

Southeastern Bavaria, a realm where the Alpine majesty ascends to meet the heavens, is a land etched with valleys, lush forests, and, most notably, some of the most pristine lakes in Germany. This region, a tapestry of natural splendor, offers a quiet respite from the bustling world, where the water’s edge becomes a haven for reflection, recreation, and unparalleled scenic beauty.

Königssee

Nestled in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Königssee, is celebrated for its clean water, earning it the title of the cleanest lake in Germany. This natural attraction is ideal for lakeside holidays, offering visitors the chance to enjoy some of the best German food against a stunning backdrop​.

• Königssee is also the deepest lake in Germany!
• Königssee is translated as “King’s Lake” from German.

Obersee

This Bavarian lake a jewel of the Berchtesgaden National Park. Lake Obersee is an emerald surrounded by Alpine rocks and forests. Its calm waters reflect the serene beauty of the surrounding wilderness, offering a secluded spot for visitors to find peace and unity with nature​.

Allgäu/Bavarian Alps

The Allgäu/Bavarian Alps region, a picturesque tapestry woven with verdant meadows, rugged peaks, and serene valleys, serves as the backdrop to some of Bavaria’s most breathtaking lakes. This corner of the world is where nature unveils its most intimate beauty, inviting explorers, dreamers, and adventurers to immerse themselves in its pristine landscapes.

Alpsee

Nestled near the fairy-tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, Alpsee boasts crystal-clear waters and is framed by forest-covered mountains, offering idyllic views and a serene atmosphere. This lake is perfect for those looking to combine a nature retreat with a touch of Bavarian history and architecture.

Großer Alpsee Lake

Großer Alpsee, cradled in the picturesque landscapes of the Allgäu region, stands as the largest natural lake in the Upper Allgäu, spanning an impressive area and mesmerizing visitors with its emerald-green waters. This lake serves as a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and recreational activity throughout the year.

The lake is encircled by a scenic hiking path that allows visitors to explore its diverse shores, from reed-dotted banks to open vistas where the water reflects the sky in a seamless expanse. For those inclined towards more vigorous activities, Großer Alpsee offers favorable wind conditions for sailing, pedal boating, and stand-up paddling, making it a favored spot among water sports aficionados.

Which of the beautiful lakes of Bavaria would you like to visit?

The lakes of Bavaria are not just natural wonders but also cultural treasures. They reflect the history and soul of the region. They are places where nature and human history intersect, offering insights into the past while providing a peaceful escape from the modern world. From the historical opulence of Chiemsee’s Herrenchiemsee Palace to the recreational paradise of Forggensee, these bodies of water exemplify the beauty and diversity of Bavaria’s landscapes.