Bavaria's Top 10
Lakes
Bavaria has some of Europe's most beautiful lakes. Turquoise alpine waters that look like the Caribbean, Germany's "Bavarian Sea," and hidden gems where locals escape the tourist crowds.
Here are the 10 essential lakes—with honest intel on water temperatures, the best swimming spots, and how to avoid the parking chaos on summer weekends.
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10Best Season
June - September
Main Risk
Cold Water & Parking
Strategy
Arrive Before 9 AM
Ranked by Overall Experience
The Top 10
Königssee→
Germany's deepest lake (190m), carved by glaciers into a fjord-like valley. Silent electric boats glide past 2,000-meter cliffs to St. Bartholomä chapel. The echo demonstration and the hidden Obersee behind the main lake make this Bavaria's most dramatic water experience.
The Real Deal
Go to the End: Most tourists get off at St. Bartholomä. Stay on to Salet, hike to the Obersee while it's empty, then see the church on the way back.
Don't Miss the Boat: If you miss the last boat from Salet, you're stranded in wilderness with no cell service. Check the timetable obsessively.
Eibsee→
The Caribbean dropped into the Alps. Crystal-clear turquoise water reflects the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. The 7km circumnavigation trail and rental boats to small islands make this Bavaria's most photogenic lake.
The Real Deal
Grainau Gap: The Deutschland Ticket stops being valid at Grainau. If you stay on the train to the lake without paying extra, you're fare dodging.
Parking Chaos: The barrier machines are slow. Traffic backs up for kilometers by 10 AM on sunny weekends. Arrive by 8:30 or take the train.
Walchensee→
Another "Bavarian Caribbean" contender with turquoise water caused by limestone calcite particles. Famous for windsurfing and the "two lakes view" from Herzogstand summit showing both Walchensee and Kochelsee below.
The Real Deal
Viking Village Gone: The "Flake" film set you see on Instagram was permanently dismantled in 2024. Don't go looking for it.
Einsiedl Bay: The shallowest, warmest spot—best for families with small children. The Zwergern Peninsula has the brightest colors.
Chiemsee→
The "Bavarian Sea"—Bavaria's largest lake with Herrenchiemsee Palace on an island and a medieval convent on another. Ferry connections, beaches, and enough space that it rarely feels crowded even in peak summer.
The Real Deal
1.8km Gap: "Prien am Chiemsee" station is NOT at the lake. The harbor is 2km away. Walk or take the historic Chiemsee-Bahn steam tram.
Free Beach: Skip the paid Prienavera Lido. "Badeplatz Schraml" is free entry with a kiosk—where locals actually go.
Starnberger See→
The "Munich Hamptons"—Bavaria's second-largest lake by volume, 25 minutes from the city by S-Bahn. Historic connection to King Ludwig II's mysterious death. "Paradies" park at Possenhofen is the locals' beach secret.
The Real Deal
Skip Starnberg Station: The beaches near Starnberg main station are crowded and overpriced. Continue to Possenhofen for "Paradies".
Maisinger Schlucht: A hidden gorge walk from the lake ending at a rustic beer garden. Most tourists never find it.
Ammersee→
The "Bavarian Riviera"—less famous than Starnberg but locals prefer it. Ferry rides across the lake, shallow family beaches at St. Alban (Diessen), and Andechs Monastery with its legendary beer just a hike away.
The Real Deal
Ferry Discount: Additional children (6-17) are just €1 each when with a paying adult. Bayern-Ticket gives 5% off (not free).
Breitbrunner Dorfstrand: The "gemütliche Badewiese" (cozy bathing meadow) where locals go to avoid the Herrsching crowds.
Tegernsee→
Warmer than most alpine lakes (20-22°C in August), with a historic monastery brewery and upscale spa towns. The Wallberg cable car offers panoramic views. It's more "polished resort" than "wild nature."
The Real Deal
Pricey Area: Tegernsee is wealthy Bavaria. Expect higher prices for parking, food, and accommodation than at comparable lakes.
Monastery Brewery: The Herzogliches Bräuhaus in the monastery is a must. The beer has been brewed here since 746.
Schliersee→
Warmer pre-alpine lake with Monte Mare thermal spa, the Markus Wasmeier open-air museum, and access to Josefsthaler Waterfalls. Less famous than nearby Tegernsee but more relaxed and affordable.
The Real Deal
Spitzingsee Extension: Bus 362 connects to Spitzingsee, a smaller alpine lake at higher elevation with different character. Do both in one day.
Waterfall Hike: The Josefsthaler Waterfalls are an easy 30-minute hike from town—a perfect add-on to a lake day.
Wörthsee→
One of Bavaria's warmest lakes due to its shallow depth. A popular "relief valve" when Munich's closer lakes get crowded. The Fleischmann Strandbad has proper facilities; Il Kiosko on the promenade is the social scene.
The Real Deal
Warmest Option: If you want actually warm water (not "refreshing"), Wörthsee is your best bet. It's shallow and heats up fast.
Crowded Weekends: Being close to Munich and warm, it gets slammed on summer weekends. Weekday visits are dramatically better.
Geroldsee→
Instagram-famous for its perfect Karwendel Alps reflections. A tiny lake that's more about photography than swimming. The nearby Barmsee offers better actual swimming in a less-photographed setting.
The Real Deal
No Parking in Village: Gerold village has no visitor parking. Access via Klais station with a 35-45 minute walk, or park on the road (limited spots).
Meadow Ban: April to September, you can't walk through the meadows to the famous viewpoint—crop protection. Use designated paths only.