Brombachsee (Alexander Rochau-Adobe Stock)
The Brombachsee is a large lake roughly one hour southeast of Ansbach where the goal is a relaxing weekend on the water. In any season, the misty lake is a magical place to unwind.
Savor an expansive Sunday brunch aboard the MS Brombachsee. This weekly three-hour event begins at 9:30 a.m. from Ramsberg port on the south side of the lake and includes boat fare for the circuit around the lake, plus the massive buffet and breakfast drinks.
The brand-new MS Brombachsee is a unique trimaran (three-hulled ship) that was specially designed for the variation in water levels at the lake. Its modern design has two decks of open-concept indoor space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a huge roofed open-air third deck.
For something totally different, try one of the themed Friday night boat parties departing at 7:30 p.m. and pulling back into port around 1:00 a.m. Be sure to book either option on well in advance as they sell out.
The marina in the tiny hamlet of Ramsberg has been converted into a floating hotel. With 19 permanently attached floating holiday homes, the Brombachsee floating village offers guests the chance to stay right on the water. Each luxury holiday home is a large two-bedroom structure with expansive windows, an upscale kitchen and incredible views of the lake from the rear deck. There is even underfloor heating and a gas fireplace. Visit for details and booking.
If camping is more your style, there are plenty of options along the shore. SeeCamping Langlau is almost a village unto itself with restaurants, playgrounds, events and numerous activities like sailing lessons or SUP rentals. You can stay in a camper that is already set up or even sleep in a wine barrel. A second camping option, Zeltwiese Abserg, is geared more toward outdoor adventure sports. With a large meadow dedicated to tent campers, a ropes course and a wakeboarding park, this is an active place.
The Großer Brombachsee around the Ramsberg Lake Centre (Alexander Rochau-Adobe Stock)
The Brombachsee reservoir is the largest lake in Franconia and has one of the largest dams in Germany. It was built in 2000 to help regulate water levels in northern Bavarian rivers, especially in times of drought.
The 27-kilometer paved bike trail around the lake is a pleasant must-do day trip. The route can be peddled in either direction and hugs the shoreline, flowing in and out of forests, along beaches and over the dam. Outdoor cafés dot the circuit meaning you can eat and drink your way around the lake.
As the weather warms, water sports take over. There are numerous swimming beaches dotted all around the Brombachsee, so no matter where you stay there will be one within walking distance. The goal here is outdoor adventure, so park the car and get outside. All kinds of sporting equipment can be rented from vendors near the campgrounds or floating village. They offer lots of options, from pedal boats and kayaks to longboards, bikes and mini golf. The lake is also a favorite for kite surfers. Visit for a great overview of everything available at the lake.
If you are interested in venturing off the water, the walled village of Weißenburg in Bayern is only a 20-minute drive south of the Brombachsee. The Altstadt, which simply means “old town,” at the center of the village is a colorful blend of old buildings and new shops. A medieval city wall still encircles most of the village, complete with parts of a moat, lots of towers and the turreted Ellinger Tor (gate) that continues to stand guard. Just west of town is the Roman castle Biricana, which is part of an archaeological park and museum complex. East of town is the massive star-shaped Hohenzollern fortress which was built in 1588 atop an 11th-century monastery. The grounds are free to explore, and paid tours of the interior are available. Visit for more information.
