Germany is home to some of the most scenic and diverse natural landscapes in Europe, and its lakes are no exception.
From the majestic Alpine waters of Lake Königssee to the vast beauty of Lake Constance, lakes in Germany are perfect for both relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Here’s a look at 11 mesmerizing lakes in Germany, each with its unique charm, activities, and natural wonder.
1. Lake Constance (Bodensee)
Source: wikipedia
Lake Constance is a large and beautiful lake that borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Framed by the Alps, its shores host vineyard-laced towns like Meersburg and the garden island of Mainau.
The lake is known for scenic cruises, cycling routes, and historical architecture, making it a top destination for nature and culture lovers alike.
Highlights:
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Borders three countries and spans 536 square kilometers.
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Mainau Island features exotic plants and tropical greenhouses.
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Home to the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen.
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Excellent for windsurfing, yachting, and diving.
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Surrounded by charming medieval towns and wineries.
Location: Border region of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria
Entry Fee: Free (charges apply for boat tours and attractions)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Cycling, sailing, swimming, cruises, wine tasting, visiting botanical gardens
Nearby Restaurants: Seerestaurant Alpenblick, Zeppelin Café & Restaurant, Restaurant Ophelia
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2. Königssee
Source: wikipedia
Königssee is a deep, emerald-green lake nestled in Berchtesgaden National Park. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and pristine forests, it’s often called Germany’s cleanest lake.
The iconic echo of St. Bartholomew’s Church is a popular boat tour highlight, along with hikes to the roaring Röthbach Waterfall.
Highlights:
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Located within a protected national park.
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Famous for echo boat tours to St. Bartholomew’s Church.
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The water is so clean it’s nearly drinkable.
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A gateway to hiking trails like the Watzmann massif.
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Often compared to a fjord due to its steep rock walls.
Location: Bavaria, near the Austrian border
Entry Fee: Free (boat tours cost extra)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Hiking, scenic boat rides, photography, picnicking
Nearby Restaurants: Echostüberl, Fischerei St. Bartholomä, Gasthof Malerwinkel
Suggested Read: Facts About Germany: Exploring a Nation of Heritage
3. Eibsee
Source: wikipedia
Eibsee lies at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze. This glacier-formed lake stuns visitors with its crystal-clear waters and the reflection of surrounding peaks.
It’s a prime location for tranquil walks and picture-perfect views, especially with the Zugspitze cable car hovering above.
Highlights:
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Panoramic views of Zugspitze from the lakeshore.
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Clear turquoise water with small islets.
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Cable car to Germany’s highest peak nearby.
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Ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and rowing.
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Beautiful year-round, with fall and winter especially photogenic.
Location: Grainau, Bavaria
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Walking trails, paddleboarding, swimming, boat rental, photography
Nearby Restaurants: Restaurant Eibsee Pavillon, Seerestaurant Eibsee, Café Max
4. Lake Müritz
Source: wikipedia
Lake Müritz is Germany’s second-largest lake, located in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District.
Known as the “land of a thousand lakes,” this region is ideal for boating and wildlife spotting, especially within Müritz National Park.
Highlights:
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Largest lake entirely within Germany.
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Rich in biodiversity, home to eagles and ospreys.
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Boat-friendly with multiple harbors and rental options.
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Part of the Mecklenburg Lake Plateau with interconnected waterways.
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Nearby towns like Waren offer cultural and culinary experiences.
Location: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Entry Fee: Free (charges for rentals and park entry)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, birdwatching, fishing, camping, canoeing
Nearby Restaurants: Ratskeller Waren, Klabautermann, Dat Tortenhus
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5. Chiemsee
Source: wikipedia
Known as the “Bavarian Sea,” Chiemsee is a large lake with historical allure, home to Herrenchiemsee, King Ludwig II’s Versailles-inspired palace.
With sailboats dotting its waters and the Alps in the background, Chiemsee is both romantic and adventurous.
Highlights:
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The site of Herrenchiemsee Palace is on an island.
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Beautiful sunsets over water and mountain backdrops.
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Popular for sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
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Features both Herreninsel and Fraueninsel islands.
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King Ludwig’s artistic architectural legacy.
Location: Bavaria, near Prien am Chiemsee
Entry Fee: Free (palace visit and ferry tickets extra)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Island hopping, sailing, cultural tours, picnicking
Nearby Restaurants: Schlosswirtschaft Herrenchiemsee, Restaurant Venezia, Westernacher
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6. Lake Starnberg (Starnberger See)
Source: wikipedia
A favorite of Munich locals, Lake Starnberg offers luxury and leisure just 25 km from the city.
This deep lake is surrounded by upscale villas and has a regal history, including connections to King Ludwig II, who mysteriously died here.
Highlights:
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Only 30 minutes from Munich by train.
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Deep Lake is perfect for swimming and diving.
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Strong royal connections and historical intrigue.
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Surrounded by elegant residences and lush greenery.
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Cruise ships and paddle steamers are available.
Location: Bavaria, near Munich
Entry Fee: Free (boat tours have a fee)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Swimming, cycling, sailing, relaxing on the promenade
Nearby Restaurants: Strandhouse Starnberg, Undosa, Restaurant La Villa
7. Walchensee
Source: wikipedia
Walchensee is one of Germany’s deepest and highest Alpine lakes. Its unique turquoise hue and surrounding forested mountains make it a peaceful escape.
Despite its serenity, it’s also a hotspot for windsurfing and paragliding.
Highlights:
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Located at 800 meters above sea level.
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Wind conditions are perfect for sailing and kitesurfing.
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Cable car access to the nearby Herzogstand peak.
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Breathtaking aerial views from the surrounding mountains.
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Known for its unspoiled natural beauty.
Location: Upper Bavaria
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Hiking, windsurfing, swimming, paragliding, photography
Nearby Restaurants: Fischerwirt am Walchensee, Klosterbräu Walchensee
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8. Tegernsee
Tegernsee combines Alpine charm with elegant spas and top-tier cuisine. The lake is known for its clean water and a high-end lakeside lifestyle.
Popular year-round, it transforms from a summer sunspot to a cozy winter retreat.
Highlights:
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Crystal-clear water and strict cleanliness policies.
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Historic Tegernsee Abbey turned brewery.
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Surrounded by chic resorts and wellness centers.
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Year-round hiking and mountain biking trails.
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Excellent regional cuisine and Bavarian hospitality.
Location: Bavaria, south of Munich
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, spa visits, beer tasting, hiking, skiing (in winter)
Nearby Restaurants: Bräustüberl Tegernsee, Freihaus Brenner, Aran Café
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9. Lake Schluchsee
Source: wikipedia
Located in the Black Forest, Schluchsee is the region’s largest lake.
It’s a top spot for freshwater swimming and sunbathing in summer and transforms into a winter hiking hub as the snow settles on surrounding trails.
Highlights:
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The highest reservoir lake in Germany is at 930 m altitude.
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Ideal for swimming, with excellent water quality.
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Scenic walking and biking trails around the shore.
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Popular for diving and camping in the summer months.
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Access to snowshoe trails in winter.
Location: Baden-Württemberg, Black Forest
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Diving, swimming, cycling, hiking, snowshoeing
Nearby Restaurants: Restaurant Seehof, Wochner’s Hotel Sternen, Strandcafé Schluchsee
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10. Lake Altmühlsee
Source: wikipedia
Part of the Franconian Lake District, Altmühlsee is an artificial lake created for flood control, now transformed into a summer haven.
It’s especially suited for families thanks to its calm, shallow waters and birdwatching spots.
Highlights:
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Shallow and warm water is perfect for kids.
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Bird Island Nature Reserve with observation towers.
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Easy cycling loop trails.
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Great location for windsurfing beginners.
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Low crowds and relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Bavaria, near Gunzenhausen
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Birdwatching, swimming, cycling, canoeing, windsurfing
Nearby Restaurants: Seezentrum Wald, Strandhotel Seehof, Restaurant Pavillon
11. Steinhuder Meer
Steinhuder Meer is Northern Germany’s largest inland lake and a popular retreat for the Hanover area.
Known for its shallow depth, it’s ideal for safe swimming and long sunset walks along its wide shores.
Highlights:
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Only 2.9 meters deep, making it very swimmer-friendly.
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Famous for smoked eel dishes served lakeside.
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Home to Wilhelmstein Island with a fortress.
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Great for kite flying and sailing.
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Surrounded by marshland and bird habitats.
Location: Lower Saxony, near Hanover
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Sailing, kite flying, swimming, exploring islands
Nearby Restaurants: Schweer Harms Fischerhus, Restaurant Strandterrassen, Al Mare
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FAQs
1. How many lakes are in Germany?
Germany has thousands of lakes spread across the country. Many are natural, formed by glaciers or rivers, especially in the Alpine and northern regions. There are also numerous man-made lakes created for flood control, recreation, or hydroelectric power.
2. Are the lakes in Germany man-made?
Germany has both natural and man-made lakes. Alpine and glacial lakes like Königssee and Eibsee are naturally formed, while others like Altmühlsee and the lakes in the Franconian Lake District were artificially created for water management or recreation.
3. What is the most beautiful lake in Germany?
Königssee in Bavaria is often considered the most beautiful lake in Germany. Surrounded by steep Alpine cliffs and located within Berchtesgaden National Park, it has emerald-green waters, echo boat rides, and dramatic mountain views that make it a favorite among nature lovers and photographers alike.
4. Can you swim in the lakes in Germany?
Swimming is generally allowed in most German lakes. However, water temperatures can be quite cold, especially in high-altitude or Alpine lakes, so it’s best to check local conditions before swimming.
5. What is the best time to visit Germany’s lakes?
At Germany’s lakes, you can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, cycling around the shores, fishing, and scenic cruises, depending on the lake and season.
6. What activities can you do at the lakes in Germany?
At Germany’s lakes, you can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, cycling around the shores, fishing, and scenic cruises, depending on the lake and season.
7. Is there an entry fee for lakes in Germany?
Most lakes in Germany are free to visit and open all year. However, certain attractions like boat tours, entrance to island palaces, or national parks near the lakes may charge fees.
8. Are pets allowed at Germany’s lakes?
Pets are generally allowed at lakes in Germany, but owners should keep them on a leash and follow local regulations to protect wildlife and other visitors.
