The Most Beautiful Lakes In Germany

Germany has a series of truly stunning lakes showcasing the country’s pristine natural beauty. Whether you’re in search of water sports, a health and wellness break, or you want to check out some exciting sightseeing, you’ll find something to suit in our pick of the 12 most beautiful lakes in Germany.

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Königssee

The Königssee in Berchtesgadener Land is the deepest, cleanest and one of the most spectacular lakes in Germany. This crystal-clear alpine lake offers panorama boat tours in electric boats across its surface, leaving travelers speechless with gorgeous mountain views all around. The boats make a stop at Sankt Bartholomä, a beautiful Roman Catholic pilgrimage church from the 1600s.

Bodensee enjoys an unbeatable location – it perches in the sunniest region in Germany, and is ringed by three countries – Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Bodensee is not only a stunning lake and the biggest in Germany, but offers all the right ingredients and weather for a memorable family holiday any time of the year. It laps the shores of the beautiful towns of Meersburg, Lindau, Bregenz and the Flower Island of Mainau, and offers hiking trails, river cruises, cable car rides and mountain top excursions.

Titisee

Titisee is the largest natural lake in Black Forest and one of the most popular attractions of the region. It sits in the lap of impenetrably dense forests and rolling hills. The view of the lake from the surrounding highlands is as breathtaking as the view of the land from a cruise boat. Titisee is also perfect for rowing and windsurfing.

Chiemsee

Chiemsee, a freshwater lake in Bavaria, is often referred to as the Bavarian Sea because of its sheer size (80 sq.km.) and tides. As with almost any other lake, delving into its heart in a boat is the best way of getting to know it and its three islands, Herreninsel, Frauenchiemsee and Krautinsel. Herreninsel is a magnet for tourists, thanks to the famous Herrenchiemsee Castlefrom the 1800s.

Lake Müritz

Created during the ice age, Lake Müritz is the second largest lake in Germany. The lake kisses the shore of the outstandingly beautiful Müritz National Park that hundreds of rare birds call their home. There is a lot to see and do in the Lake Müritz region, including hiking or biking around the lake or swimming or boating in its calm waters. Travelers also have the option of exploring the fascinating towns of Mirow, Ankershagen, Röbel, Sietow and Waren.

Eibsee

Eibsee is an unbelievably pretty lake with dazzling emerald green water in the rugged Zugspitze mountain region. This privately-owned lake, with its eight islands, is considered to be a hidden jewel of the Bavarian Alps. Travelers are welcome to explore the lake by boat or by foot along its hiking trails. In winter, the entire lake freezes over, transforming it into a magical winter land and a paradise for skiers.

Alpsee

The Alpsee, together with the fairytale castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein and the dense, glorious Allgäu highlands, makes this area one of the most picturesque in Germany. Nestled in the midst of imposing cliffs and dark forests, the lake is a perfect family destination. It offers boating, sailing, surfing, hiking and swimming in summer, and skiing, snow hiking and ice-skating in winter.

Schluchsee

Schluchsee, the largest lake in Black Forest, is perched at a height of 930 meters (3,050 feet) above sea level. Thanks to its stunning panorama, crystal-clear water and the opportunity to engage in a number of water sports as well as swimming, this glacial lake is a tourist hotspot. Hiking along the lake or boating in its calm surface while enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of the Black Forest are also much-loved activities in this region.

Mummelsee

The Mummelsee is a gem of the Black Forest Hochstrasse, nestled at an altitude of 1,036 meters (3,399 feet). The lake is shrouded in myths and legends about water spirits and the King of the Mummelsee residing in its waters, which has considerably increased its attraction and romance among travelers. This pristine lake, ringed by lush green foliage, offers hiking and biking trails, paragliding opportunities or just a chance to break away from the bustle of life and enjoy solitude.

Tegernsee

Tegernsee is a sparkling blue lake in the Bavarian Alps that begs to be photographed. It is one of the most popular lake resorts in the country and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, biking and adventure sports. It is also a great health and wellness region and provides loads of fun activities for the little ones, making it a perfect choice for a family holiday.

Ammersee

Situated close to Starnberg, Ammersee is a serene lake that is perfect for a leisurely holiday as well as an active break. It promises a beautiful vista of blue waters, picture-postcard boat houses and cliffs in the horizon. It is also a great spot for indulging in water sports and hiking. While it’s bright and gorgeous in summer, the region bursts into warm russet, yellow and red hues in autumn. In winter, surrounded by snow and shrouded in mist, the icy lake takes on a surreal beauty.

Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg is a jewel of South Bavaria, only 25 km (15.5 miles) away from the bustling city of Munich. The sparkling blue lake surrounded by dark mountains, and with boats bobbing in the horizon, is straight out of a picture book. To enjoy the beauty of Lake Starnberg to the fullest, take to the water on a cruise. The boats stop at picture-postcard towns along the way, such as Berg, Possenhofen, Tutzing, Bernried and Seeshaupt.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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