Travel
Germany’s top five Lakes
By
Stars and Stripes July 27, 2023
Kristi Adams and Mary Del Rosario
Stars and Stripes July 27, 2023
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Germany in the summer is not only for eating all the eis (ice cream) to your heart’s content but is also filled with sunny, lazy days lounging near stunning nature. To get you in the summer mood, spend the day swimming and catching rays at these five pristine lakes.
1. Köningsee
Located in Berchtesgaden National Park, Köningsee is often cited as one of Germany’s most beautiful lakes and it’s easy to see why. With its crystal-clear waters reflecting the peaks of the Bavarian Alps, Köningsee offers peaceful, natural beauty that’s hard to beat. Having a reputation as being Germany’s deepest and cleanest lakes, nature-lovers can relish in water activities such as kayaking, cruising the lake via an electric boat and, of course, swimming. Be sure to also take a look inside Bartholomew’s Church which is located on the Hirschau peninsula.
2. Bodensee
Four countries surrounding one lake makes the Bodensee (also called Lake Konstanz) an unlimited summer adventure. Visit the quaint downtowns of Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Meerburg, Wasserburg, and Lindau. Activities at the Bodensee include various types of water sports and activities such as swimming, sailing, stand up paddling (SUP), wind sailing, canoeing and more. However, aside from the marine pastimes, highlights include strolling the island of Mainau, touring the Zeppelin Museum, traveling to Liechtenstein, taking the children to Affenberg Salem where they can feed monkeys, hiking and visiting beautiful sites such as the Abbey of St. Gall and Reichenau.
3. Chiemsee
Situated in a picturesque alpine landscape is the largest lake in Bavaria — and third largest in Germany. Known as the “Bavarian Sea”, Chiemsee was also a favorite of King Ludwig II. It is here that he built the Herrenchiemsee Castle, modeled after the Palace of Versailles. Women can also take pleasure in strolling through an island named after them in Fraueninsel — women island. If marveling at historic buildings is an itinerary during your travels, head to Wasserburg, a picturesque medieval town which is close to Chiemsee.
4. Lake Schwerin
This sparkling lake next to a fairytale castle, calls visitors to come back every summer with its romantic and charming vibes. Catch a sunrise on the Marstall peninsula, climb an observation tower — the Kaninchenwerder — or check out the magnificent Schwerin Castle, which is on its own pristine island in the lake. Seeing bodies of water all around you won’t be hard as the city of Schwerin is enveloped by 12 lakes and is heaven on Earth for water sports enthusiasts to include activities such as surfing and sailing.
5. Walchensee
Clear waters with visibility up to 40 meters make Walchensee particularly interesting for scuba divers. Along the lake bottom is a series of wrecks to explore — including three aircraft, several boats, and even a Volkswagen Beetle. But you don’t have to be a diver to enjoy the wrecks. Catch a glimpse from the Herzogstandbahn, a gondola lift that runs over the lake. Because of its optimal thermal winds, Walchensee is a paradise for windsurfers during the summer. If you want to explore this area by foot, take a bus to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and hike up the Zugspitze.
Tip: Walchensee may be the perfect summer destination, but there are also various activities to enjoy during the winter to include hiking and cross-country skiing in the neighboring mountains.