Crystal-clear waters stretch before you, while towering Alpine peaks and pristine forests create a stunning backdrop. This scene isn’t from a fairytale – you’ll find this magic at one of the magnificent lakes in Germany.
My travels have taken me to dozens of German lakes. Munich’s nearby gems showcase mirror-like waters, and the Bavarian Alps hide some of Germany’s most beautiful lakes. These spots tell their own stories with historic castles that cast reflections in calm waters, secluded swimming spots, and views that simply take your breath away.
Years of visits and extensive exploration have helped us select the 5 best lakes in Germany for your travel plans. These lakes give you unmatched experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Europe, whether you want adventure, relaxation, or perfect photo opportunities.
Lake Königssee
Image Source: Berchtesgaden
Bavaria’s crown jewel of lakes sits in its southeastern corner. Lake Königssee stretches 7.7 kilometers in length and reaches depths of 190 meters, making it Germany’s third deepest lake.
Königssee Location and Accessibility
This pristine lake lies within the Berchtesgaden National Park, close to the Austrian border. Glaciers carved out this unique spot during the last ice age, creating a fjord-like landscape where steep mountain flanks rise dramatically to 2,700 meters.
The lake is easy to reach from major cities. A car trip from Munich takes 2-3 hours, while public transportation needs about 3.5 hours. Salzburg is closer, just a 40-minute drive away.
Königssee Activities and Attractions
The lake’s reputation as Germany’s cleanest body of water makes it special. Since 1909, only electric-powered passenger boats, rowing, and pedal boats can operate here to keep the water pristine.
These attractions should be on your list:
- St. Bartholomä Church: This iconic pilgrimage church with its distinctive red onion domes rests on a peninsula halfway along the western shore
- Echo Chamber: Boat tours feature the famous echo demonstration where trumpet sounds bounce up to seven times off the sheer rock walls
- Obersee Lake: A 15-minute walk from the Salet boat stop leads to this smaller, equally beautiful lake
- Röthbach Waterfall: Germany’s highest waterfall drops 470 meters and creates a spectacular sight
Königssee Best Time to Visit
The best time for your visit depends on your priorities:
| Season | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul-Aug) | <citation index=”5″ link=”https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/@2885778/climate” similar_text=”### Quick Climate Info — Hottest Month | July (68 °F avg) Coldest Month |
| Spring/Fall | Fewer visitors | Mild temperatures |
| Winter | Unique scenery | Limited boat service |
May through October offers milder temperatures and longer days, making it ideal for most visitors. The shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October see fewer crowds.
Pro tip: Peak season visitors (July to mid-September) should take the boat tour before 10:30 AM and return by 2:30 PM to avoid long queues. Summer boats start at 8:00 AM and run every 30 minutes.
Swimming is allowed in most areas except near the Seelände dock, though the water stays cold throughout the year. Hikers can choose from several trails of varying difficulty. The Malerwinkel circular route gives amazing views of the lake.
Lake Constance (Bodensee)
Image Source: Bodensee
Our journey took us to one of Europe’s most amazing lakes in Germany, right where three countries meet. Lake Constance (Bodensee) stretches an impressive 64 kilometers long and reaches up to 12 kilometers wide. The lake’s total area is so big at 536 square kilometers.
Bodensee Tourist Attractions
Lake Constance isn’t just about natural beauty – it’s a wealth of culture. The lake region has many amazing spots to visit:
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Abbey Cathedral of St. Gall and Reichenau Island amazed us with the region’s rich medieval history
- Mainau Island: This botanical paradise, known as the ‘Flower Island,’ fascinates visitors with year-round blooms
- Historic Towns: The charming medieval settlements like Meersburg caught our eye with its iconic pink castle from 1712
- Zeppelin Museum: Friedrichshafen showed us the amazing history of these majestic airships
Bodensee Water Activities
The crystal-clear waters create ideal conditions for many activities. The lake is a hot spot especially when you have:
- Water Sports: Canoe hiking works best in the western part, and you’ll see windsurfing and sailing spots everywhere
- Swimming: Summer months bring perfect chances to take refreshing dips at lakeside beaches
- Boat Tours: Both scheduled services and special trips run from mid-April to mid-October
Bodensee Travel Tips
Here’s what you need to know about planning your trip:
Best Time to Visit:
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fruit tree blossoms | Pleasant temperatures |
| Summer | Peak swimming season | Water temperature ~20°C |
| Fall | Wine harvest | Less crowded |
| Winter | Christmas markets | Possible fog |
Transportation Tips: The lake region offers easy ways to get around:
- Bodensee Card PLUS lets you access many attractions
- Regular boat services link major towns
- Car ferries run year-round between Friedrichshafen-Romanshorn and Konstanz-Meersburg
Accommodation Advice: Book your stay well ahead during peak season (July to early September). Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, and Meersburg make excellent home bases.
Weather Considerations: The Black Forest protects the lake’s unique climate. Rainfall varies by a lot – Bregenz gets over 1500 liters yearly, while Constance sees about 950 liters.
Water sports fans can find great certified schools:
- Segelschule Konstanz gives expert sailing lessons
- Tom’s Aqua Club teaches windsurfing and catamaran skills
- La Canoa KanuZentrum runs exciting day trips
The sort of thing I love was taking evening boat tours – nothing beats watching sunset from a sailboat. After active days on the lake, the region’s thermal baths and moor baths offer perfect relaxation spots.
Lake Chiemsee
Image Source: Herrenchiemsee
Our trip into Bavaria’s heartland led us to Lake Chiemsee, which locals call the “Bavarian Sea.” The lake formed about 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age and covers 80 square kilometers with a depth of 73 meters.
Chiemsee Historical Significance
The lake’s rich history captivated us. The story starts in the 7th century with the first monastery on Herreninsel. The lake gained more importance in 1215 when Salzburg created the Chiemsee Bishopric on the island.
A fascinating chapter began in 1873 when King Ludwig II bought Herreninsel. This purchase resulted in the creation of the “Bavarian Versailles” – clear evidence of the king’s admiration for French monarch Louis XIV. The palace remains one of Bavaria’s most impressive architectural achievements, though workers never completed it.
Chiemsee Island Attractions
Each of the three islands has its own distinct character:
- Herreninsel (238 hectares):
- Herrenchiemsee Palace features a stunning State Staircase and Hall of Mirrors
- A vast park with fountains inspired by Versailles
- Augustine Monastery museum displays historical artifacts
- Fraueninsel (15.5 hectares):
- Houses Germany’s oldest nunnery, 782 years old
- Known for its Benedictine convent and traditional marzipan production
- A charming fishing village with artistic heritage
The third island, Krautinsel (3.5 hectares), stays uninhabited but holds historical value as a medieval vegetable garden.
Chiemsee Visitor Information
Here’s what you should know to plan your visit:
Best Time to Visit:
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Late June-August) | Peak season for water activities | Warmest temperatures |
| Spring/Fall | Less crowded | Comfortable weather |
| Winter | Snow-covered landscapes | Limited activities |
Transportation and Access: The lake is just an hour away from Munich by car or train. Boats leave regularly from Prien/Stock and Gstadt through Chiemsee-Schifffahrt all year.
Pricing for Boat Tours (as of our last visit):
- Island tour west: Adults €9.90, Children €4.90
- Island tour east: Adults €10.50, Children €5.20
- Big Chiemsee tour: Adults €13.60, Children €6.80
Plan enough time for your palace visit. A typical schedule looks like this:
- Boat trip: 20 minutes each way
- Palace guided tour: 30-35 minutes
- Museum visit: 30-45 minutes
- Monastery visit: 60-90 minutes
The lake offers plenty of activities. You can swim in one of Bavaria’s cleanest lakes, or try sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. A 60-kilometer cycling path circles the shoreline.
Photography enthusiasts should head out early morning to capture the palace’s reflection in the calm waters. The viewing spots near the palace gardens offer spectacular landscape shots.
Lake Eibsee
Image Source: Zugspitze
Our trip through Germany’s most beautiful lakes took us to a hidden gem that locals call “the Caribbean of Germany.” We found Lake Eibsee at the foot of Germany’s highest peak. This alpine wonder amazes visitors with its emerald-green waters that reach depths of 35.40 meters.
Eibsee Natural Beauty
Lake Eibsee’s beauty struck us immediately. The crystal-clear lake sits 1,000 meters above sea level in Grainau, near the German-Austrian border. The Zugspitze mountain creates a stunning backdrop that makes the scene look like a painting.
The lake shows its unique charm in every season:
| Season | Experience | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Peak season | Warmest temperatures, perfect for swimming |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Color display | Spectacular autumn foliage |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Snow beauty | Frozen lake surface, winter sports |
| Spring | Nature revival | Blooming flowers, clear skies |
Eight distinct islands dot the lake’s surface. An ancient landslide created these islands over 3,000 years ago. They add character to the scenery and create perfect reflections in the calm morning waters.
Eibsee Photography Spots
Several prime photography locations capture the lake’s essence beautifully:
- The Sasseninsel Island Bay: Perfect for morning reflections
- The Rock Viewpoint: Offers panoramic lake views
- The Maximilianinsel Viewpoint: Best for mountain backdrops
- Wankle Viewpoint: Exceptional vistas of islands and peaks
The best shots come early in the morning. The still water and rising sun create dramatic lighting behind the mountains. The north shore has the most photogenic spots.
Eibsee Hiking Trails
The Eibsee Circuit Trail (Eibsee Rundweg) stands out as the main attraction. This 7.5-kilometer loop trail proved easy to navigate and took about 2 hours to complete.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 7.5 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 224 meters
The trail’s most scenic sections appear in the first half when you walk counterclockwise. Islands come closest to shore here. The path switches between shoreline views and elevated spots, showing different angles of this beautiful German lake.
Notable features along the way include:
- The spruce-fringed Frillensee Lake
- Pebbly beaches perfect for swimming breaks
- Wooden docks offering perfect photo opportunities
- The charming Untersee bridge crossing
Families will find the trail suitable for all ages. Most of the path stays flat with good surfaces, though the northern shore gets a bit rougher.
Summer visitors can enjoy various activities:
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Electric boat tours
- Swimming in designated areas
The Eibsee-Pavillon makes a great spot to rest and grab refreshments. Its spacious terrace offers magnificent lake views. Adventure seekers can take the Zugspitze Cable Car from the lake for spectacular aerial views of the entire landscape.
The lake stays beautiful year-round. Winter transforms it into a magical frozen landscape perfect for photos. Autumn brings brilliant colors to the surrounding forest that reflect in the crystal-clear waters.
Weekday visits work best to avoid crowds. Early morning weekend arrivals help too. The parking area fills up quickly during peak season. Morning visits not only yield the best photos but also let you enjoy the lake’s peaceful beauty in solitude.
Lake Starnberg
Image Source: muenchen.de
A short drive from Munich led us to one of Germany’s most historically rich lakes. Lake Starnberg stretches 20 kilometers and plunges to depths of 127 meters. The lake’s natural beauty and royal heritage left us spellbound.
Starnberg Lake Activities
Our visits helped us understand why locals nickname this the “bathtub of Munich.” The crystal-clear waters make it a perfect getaway for anyone who loves being on the water. The lake offers plenty of activities:
- Sailing and windsurfing through yacht clubs of all sizes
- Stand-up paddling with equipment rentals
- Electric and paddle boating
- Swimming at several marked beaches
Swimming spots around the lake really stood out to us. Here are some beaches worth checking out:
- Percha Beach: Shows off amazing lake views
- Ambach Recreation Area: Comes with plenty of parking
- Südbad Tutzing: Has two beautiful panorama jetties
- Feldafing Recreation Area: A swimming spot steeped in history
Boat lovers should try one of the regular tours running from mid-April through October. The Bavarian Lake Navigation steps things up in summer with:
- Romantic moonlight trips
- Brunch excursions
- Evening steamer parties
Starnberg Cultural Heritage
The lake’s rich royal history makes it unique among German lakes. The sort of thing I love is that it was called Würmsee until 1962. The name “Starnberg” became prominent after builders completed the Munich-Starnberg railroad, making it a hotspot for Munich’s upper class.
Several notable features highlight the lake’s cultural importance:
Royal Connections:
- King Ludwig II’s mysterious death in 1886 near Berg
- Empress Elisabeth’s (Sisi) childhood at Possenhofen Castle
- Rose Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site
The lake area has some amazing historical sites:
- Berg Castle: King Ludwig II’s final home
- Possenhofen Castle: Sisi’s favorite summer house
- Rose Island: A romantic getaway with the historic royal villa “Casino”
UNESCO-recognized prehistoric pile dwellings beneath the water date back to 5000 BC. These ruins teach us about ancient farming and daily life.
Starnberg Travel Guide
Here’s everything you need to know based on our visits:
Transportation Options:
| Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| S-Bahn (S6) | 30 minutes | From Munich main station |
| Car | 40-50 minutes | Via A96 or A95 motorways |
| Bicycle | Variable | Extensive cycling paths available |
Best Time to Visit: The lake has something special in every season:
- Summer: Great for swimming and water sports
- Spring/Fall: Perfect for hiking and cycling
- Winter: A peaceful vibe with occasional fog
You’ll find various places to stay around the main towns:
- Starnberg: Luxury hotels overlooking the lake
- Tutzing: Boutique places to stay
- Berg: Historic guesthouses
Most rental places open from June to September. The Wassersportcenter is great for equipment rentals and expert advice. Getting there early makes sense because parking fills up fast on weekends.
Diving here is exceptional:
- Water clarity goes surprisingly deep
- An old wreck lies 8 meters down near Berg
- Nature reserve areas need special permits
The 50-kilometer bike path around the lake ranks among Germany’s most scenic routes. We really enjoyed riding to Maisinger See on the west side, with its changing landscapes and viewpoints.
History buffs will love the Lake Starnberg Museum. It houses fascinating exhibits about local history in a beautifully restored historic building since the early 19th century.
Photographers should head out early when the lake turns mirror-smooth. The promenade gives you perfect spots to capture the lake with the Alps as your backdrop.