Are you sick of staying indoors in the big old city? More and more people found themselves burned out and overworked. With taking care of your house duties on top of all that, there is almost no time for you to take a breath and recharge.
If you are like us, we are sure you feel desperate for some breath-taking views, a wellness break, or a fun day in nature, either with your friends or your family. Well, we’ve got the perfect solution for you!
Did you know that Germany has stunning lakes that can make every person gasp against their beauty? Of course, many of those magnificent lakes lie in the Alpine region, but you can find some gems spread throughout the country.
Whether you are looking for some weekend get-away, water sports, hiking, picnic, or just a mental break from the loud cities, we definitely recommend you to explore those best lakes in Germany.
Have you already checked My Top 5 Destinations in Central Europe?
The Classics of the Best Lakes in Germany
Let’s quickly go over the classic ones, in case you don’t know them all. Those lakes are a must-visit!
1- Lake Eibsee
Lake Eibsee is situated in Bavaria and 9 km southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The lake is close to the border with Austria and roughly 100 km southwest of Munich. It’s 973.28 meters above sea level, and it’s 177.4 hectares wide and up to 32.5 meters deep.
The crystal-clear, deep blue water is in the Zugspitze mountain region. There are eight small islands in the lake. Visitors can explore the lake by boat or by foot along the stunning hiking trails.
The water often reflects the beautiful mountains making it a remarkable spot for taking pictures. During the winter, the entire lake freezes, transforming it into a true paradise for snow lovers and ice skaters.
The name Eibsee means “yew sea.” Yew is a common name used to describe various tree species, and it can be found in a protected forest near the lake.
How to Get to Eibsee Lake
If you are traveling by car from Munich, you’ll be there in about an hour. There is a big parking space you can park your car for 6€ a day. The parking is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm.
However, if you’re traveling using public transport, you need to take the Regional Train RB 6 From Munich to Garmisch Partenkirchen. There is a train each hour and the roundtrip ticket costs about 22€ with the Bayern ticket. Then, take the Eibsee bus which commutes between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grainau, and Eibsee. The bus will stop you 100 m away from the lake.
In general, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is accessible by train from basically anywhere in Germany.
If you want to enjoy the lake from above, there is a great panoramic view from the Zugspitze cable car and from the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway, both of which can take you up to the Zugspitze. That is one among many things to do at Lake Eibsee.
Tip: It is not worth it to go up when it’s cloudy. You will not see anything.
Where to stay near Eibsee?
The Eibsee is not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a great town in southern Germany where you can find nice and affordable stays, like Alpenrose Holidays.
2- Lake Königssee
The Königssee lake is located southeast of the city of Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, Germany, and really close to the Austrian border. The lake is a part of the Berchtesgaden National Park. The Königssee is the third deepest lake in Germany – 188 meters deep in some parts. The literal translation of the name, Königssee, is “king’s lake.”
The lake’s name sets the right expectations. Königssee is one of the cleanest and most magnificent lakes in Germany. The lake is similar to a fjord, being surrounded by rising mountains up to 2,700 m tall.
Read our Full Guide of Königssee Lake
All this makes the lake attractive to visitors who want to experience the hiking trails in the mountain and boat lovers who want to take a ride in the waters. An interesting fact is that only electric-powered ships are permitted to enter the clean waters.
How to get to Königssee
The closest train station to the lake is in the city of Berchtesgaden. Berchtesgaden train station is mainly accessible from Freilassing. From Munich, for example, you need to take the regional train RE 5 to Freilassing. There are trains each hour, and the trip takes about one hour and 30 minutes.
Once in Freilassing, you need to take the local train BLB S4 to Berchtesgaden Main station. The trip takes about 50 minutes. In Berchtesgaden, you just need to take the shuttle bus to Königssee Lake, which takes only 9 minutes.
Honestly, it is more convenient if you can get there by car. The trip will take only 2 hours. You will also find a big parking place there for about 4€ a day where you can leave your car and walk to the lake.
Where to Spend the Night near Königssee?
You can best enjoy the lake when you are one of the first visitors in the early mornings. To do that, you should spend the night nearby. We once tried Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden, and it was great. Like that, we could take stunning photos of the lake without the crowds.
3- Lake Kochelsee
Lake Kochelsee is located 70 km south of Munich, and it’s situated in the Bavarian Alps. The lake is located 600 m above sea level. Two cities are lying on the northern borders of the lake – Schlehdorf and Kochel. The lake is 66 m deep, and the shoreline is 15 km long. The lake’s name comes from the Latin “cocula,” which means a “cone.”
The lake is filled by the Loisach river that flows from two different points – from the city of Kochel and from the city of Schlehdorf. It’s a known fact that the lake was created during the ice age by a glacier that scraped from the mountains. The basin was then filled with water at the end of the ice age.
The shores of the lake are loaded with beautiful trails that attract hikers and sports enthusiasts who want to experience the breathtaking views.
How to get to Kochelsee
The lake can be reached by car via the A95 freeway from Munich to Garmisch. It is a pleasant one-hour drive, and you can directly park the car in Kochel am See (the closest city to the village).
You can reach the lake also by public transport. From Munich Main Station, take the Regional Train RB6 and stop at Kochel am See. From there take the local bus number 9608 to the lake. The total trip from Munich takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where to stay near Kochelsee?
We recommend the irreplaceable Sonnbichel Haus directly at the lake. This hotel is famous for its unique service and antique decoration!
4- Lake Walchensee
Lake Walchensee is one of the largest lakes in Germany, and it is the neighbor of Kochelsee. The lake is located at 800 m above sea level, and it’s 192 m deep with a 27 km long shoreline.
The Walchensee is situated north of the Kochelsee lake. And the river Loisach that flows in Kochelsee actually flows in the Walchensee as well. The lake is 75 km south of Munich. In addition, there is an island inside the lake called Sassau.
The name of the lake comes from Middle High German, and it means “strangers.” The Bavarian Alps surrounding the Walchensee shores are covered with a forest. The lake is located in a valley. That protects it from strong northern winds.
On the shores of the lake, there are tourist housings that attract nature lovers and tourists from around the world. They come to spend their winter or summer vacation, enjoying the views of the Walchensee.
How to get to Walchensee
It’s easy to get to Walchensee, and it is so close to Kochelsee. If you’re in Munich, you can travel by car via the A95 freeway. The trip will take you about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
You can use the Regional Train Service, which provides a direct connection from Munich to Kochel. I described the way in the previous lake. From the Kochel train station, you need to take the same bus number 9608 that goes to Kochelsee. Its last station is Walchensee lake.
Where to spend the night near Walchensee?
Directly at the lake, you’ll find the Grauer Bär Seehotel (Grey Bear Hotel). Its garden has one of the best views of the lake!
5- Alpsee Lake (near Neuschwanstein Castle)
The Alpsee lake is located in Bavaria, Germany, only 4 km southeast of the city of Füssen. The lake is relatively small, located at 814 m above sea level with a 5 km long shoreline and 62 m maximum depths.
Although the lake is not very impressive with its size and views, the Alpsee is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The reason being that the lake is close to two castles – Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. You can enjoy magnificent views of the Alpsee from the walls of the castles.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, and you can also rent a boat. In addition, the Alpsee is a popular location for plenty of water sports such as fishing, sailing, and even surfing.
How to get to Alpsee
You can go to the Alpsee by taking a local bus 73 from Füssen. Then you will find the lake after a short 10 min walk. Füssen is accessible from anywhere in Germany, especially Munich with the Regional Train RB68 (a 2-hour trip).
You can take the A97 freeway from Kempten or the A95 freeway from Munich if you’re traveling by car. You will find a dedicated parking space close to the lake where you can park your car. The trip will take you about 2 hours from Munich.
Where to Stay near the Alpsee?
The whole region is famous for its beautiful lakes and medieval castles! We recommend that you stay in the city center so that you can reach all attractions (including the Alpsee) with a few-minute drive.
6- Schwansee Lake (also near Neuschwanstein Castle)
Schwansee is in Swabia, Bavaria, and it’s a smaller lake situated north of the Alpsee lake. It’s 3 km away from Füssen and 789 m above sea level. Schwansee means “swan lake,” and it has beautiful landscapes at the foot of the Hohenschwangau castle.
The lake is a part of the Schwansee park with more than 60 km of hiking trails. Anyone who visits the park nowadays walks on history tracks as most roads were designed over 160 years ago.
How to get to Schwansee
You can get to Schwansee the same way you can get to Alpsee (neighboring lakes). You could park your car in the previously mentioned parking lot or in this one too. The Schwansee lake is a 700 m walk from the second parking space and about 1.5 km from the first one.
Schwansee Lake is also accessible by the same bus that goes to Alpsee Lake (number 73, remember?). Once there, the lake is within a short walking distance.
Read my First Solo Camping Experience Ever
Where to Stay near Schwansee?
This lake is a neighbor of the Alpsee, you could stay at the same hotel you are staying at. A great recommendation is Dreimäderlhaus.
The Hidden Gems of the Best Lakes in Germany
Now let’s talk about the uncommon lakes that fewer people know about 😉
7- Lake Titisee
Titisee lake is located in the southern Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg. The lake is relatively small- it covers an area of 1.3km2, it’s around 20 m deep, and it’s situated 845 m above sea level.
On the north shore of the lake lies a small fairy tale and spa town also called Titisee. There are lots of wellness and spa hotels there. The lake is a desired traveling destination for tourists that want to unwind and relax in the middle of а scenic mountain.
The lake is among the cleanest in Germany and gives a mysterious mood, especially at dawn or sunset.
How to get to Titisee
You can reach the lake traveling by car, bus or train to Titisee (city). If you decide to take the train, the journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. However, you need to commute at least 2 times. But the trip is so scenic and worth it!
If you would rather drive, the way is about 160 km from Stuttgart and takes 2 hours. You will find a lot of parking possibilities by the lake Titisee.
Where to Stay near Titisee?
Titisee is quite a famous lake in Germany. We recommend that you don’t book a hotel right at the lake as it might be a little costly. Have a look at the whole region, and you will find great and more affordable stays:
8- Lake Hintersee
Hintersee is located near Antenbichl and Ramsau, and it’s close to the border of the Berchtesgaden National Park. The lake is 16 hectares big, and it’s situated at 746 m above sea level.
The Hintersee lake is surrounded by high mountains and is located below the steep walls of mountains Reiteralm and Hochkalter. The beautiful views and the mountain’s reflection in the water make the lake a magnet to tourists worldwide.
Lots of painters and photographers are drawn to this inspiring location as well. The area is also so attractive to hikers from all skill levels. There are lots of well-connected and breathtaking hiking trails around the lake.
There are cool hotels and restaurants along the western shore of the lake. You can take part in fun attractions there, including boat trips and paddle boating.
How to get to Hintersee
If you don’t have a car at your disposal, the best way to reach Hintersee is to take a local bus number 846 for 30 minutes from Berchtesgaden to Hintersee (Check how to get to Berchtesgaden in the Königssee section). Berchtesgaden is accessible by train and buses from anywhere in Germany.
Where to spend the night near Hintersee?
The lake has so many nice and neighboring hotels. We were on a road trip when we visited this lake. However, we could recommend Berghotel Rehlegg. It is in the mountains and offers a unique nature experience.
9- Lake Seealpsee
The Seealpsee is a lake situated high in the mountain at an altitude of 1622 m. It’s one of the most exceptional lakes that are located in Bavaria, Germany. The lake is in the heart of the mountains and can give you amazing views, especially during the summer.
It’s about 170 km from Munich, and it is a popular choice for sports enthusiasts and hikers.
How to get to Seealpsee
To get to the Seealpsee, you first need to arrive at the Nebelhorn Talstation cable car station. It is located in the famous skiing town of Oberstdorf. You can reach Oberstdorf by train, bus or car.
The Regio Train from Munich offers hourly trips to Oberstdorf, and the journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. The trip by car takes about 2 hours, and there are plenty of parking spaces in the village.
Once you are there, take the cable car to Höfatsblick mountain station. Next, you are only a 1-hour hike to the lake Seealpsee!
Fit adventure seekers can hike to Seealpsee directly from Oberstdorf. The hike is about 10 km long, but the trail get’s challenging by the time, with an altitude gain of about 900 meters.
Find out about my Camping Tips for Beginners and download the complete Checklist!
10- Lake Obersee (near Königssee)
Obersee lake is located southeast of the Berchtesgadener Land district of Bavaria, Germany, close to the Austrian border. It’s situated southeast of the larger lake Königssee, and it’s 613 m above sea level.
Obersee is actually connected to Königssee. They’re separated by a moraine – a glacial till and rocks. Some scientists consider that the two lakes got separated by a massive rockfall in 1172. Others think that they were never connected.
The lake is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and amazing restaurants to grab a delicious meal or a drink. Most of the visitors choose to take the scenic boat trip from Königssee to Obersee.
How to get to Obersee
To get to the Obersee, you need first to arrive at the Königssee. (Check the section about Königssee above). Then take the boat to its final stop (Obersee). The boats depart every 15 minutes depending on the season and on the day.
11- Lake Christlessee (Oberstdorf)
The Christlessee lake is located 5 km south of Oberstdorf at an altitude of 916 meters. It’s a relatively small lake with a length of 320 m. Despite that fact, it’s still a desired destination for many people. The watercolors vary from emerald green to turquoise, and the water is fresh and clean.
The lake is a desirable location for Instagram, wedding, and engagement photoshoots. In addition, some restaurants offer dining options right on the lake’s shores.
How to get to Christlessee
You can reach the lake by taking a train to the city of Oberstdorf from Munich (Check the section of Seealpsee above). Then, take the hiking trail in the valley, which is about 6 km long and easy.
Alternatively, you could take the bus 9763 from Oberstdorf main station. But the bus only operates during the high season. Check here the bus schedule.
Alpine Lakes (The Best Ones!)
Honestly? Those are the best ones! But they are challenging to reach. That is why they probably stayed so clean and wild.
Discover my 15 Wild Camping Essentials for first timers
12- Lake Gaisalpsee (and Oberer Gaisalpsee)
The Gaisalpsee is located in the Allgäu Alps at 1509 m altitude. However, the region also hides another hidden gem, the Oberer Gaisalpsee, another lake situated 400 m above the Gaisalpssee. Both lakes are also reachable from the city of Oberstdorf, Bavaria.
The water is crystal clear, and the scenic views attract people of all ages. The hike to the lake is relatively easy and even suitable for children!
It will take you approximately 2 hours to get to the Gaisalpsee. However, to get to the Oberer Gaisalpee, you will need more calories to climb the altitude difference, but you will be rewarded with a mind-blowing view!
How to get to Gaisalp See
After arriving in Oberstdorf, you can directly start the trail. It will take you about 2 to 3 hours to hike the 7,5 km to the lake. The path is really affordable.
If you want even better views, you could take the cable car to the Nebelhorn and hike down about 1 hour and 30 minutes to the lake. In this case, you need to walk to the Nebelhorn Talstation from Oberstdorf Main Station. It is only 1 km away.
13- Lake Stuibensee
Stuibensee is a small alpine lake located in the Wetterstein Mountains in the area of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The lake has no above-ground inflows and outflows, and that makes it so mystical and triggering.
The area around the lake is covered with rocks, giving the feeling that you are on another planet. Near the lake, you can find moraine walls that it’s believed to come from a glacier.
How to get to Stuibensee
You first need to get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The city is accessible from anywhere in Germany, but a direct Regional Train (RB6 or RB60) departs each hour from Munich.
Once you arrive, take Bus number 2 to Alpspitzbahn Station where you need to take the cable cars to Berg Station at 2050 meters. The lake is then only a one-hour hike from there.
If you have a car, just drive to the parking space of the Alpstpitzbahn and take the cable car.
14- Lake Funtensee
Funtensee is a karst lake located in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, Germany, and it is 1633 m above sea level. A karst lake is basically a sinkhole in the ground, and it’s known to be formed due to the collapse of caves of limestone, gypsum, or dolomite.
The shallow lakes are formed from insoluble layers of sediment, which retains the water.
The area is remote and close to the Austrian borders. It is also known to record low temperatures – up to 30 °C lower than the surrounding area. The coldest temperature recorded there is -45.9 °C. This is because the cold air sinks into the sinkhole and gets trapped there – the colder air is heavier than, the hotter one.
The freezing temperature of the area has resulted in a thinning tree line, as no trees can grow around the lake. The strong noise of disappearing water underground has led to local folklore tales and the naming of the outflow point – Devil’s Mill. However, the outflow point is not accessible to humans, so the exact route of it is actually a mystery.
The Funtensee is a popular hiking area for experienced outdoor enthusiasts during the summer, with a beautiful hut on the shores of the lake. Unfortunately, people are drowned in the mysterious creation of the lake. The lake valley is surrounded by the mountains Viehkogel, Glunkerer, and Stuhljoch, which are also great hiking attractions.
How to get to Funtensee
To get to the Funtensee, you have to arrive at the Königssee first (check the section about Königssee above). Then take the boat trip to the St. Bartholomä. Once arrived, take trail path number 418. It will take you about 4 hours to reach it. The hike needs a bit of stamina with 1195m altitude gain.
Unless you are spending the night near Königssee, the lake visit isn’t doable in one day. So instead, think about booking a night in the lake hut Kärlingerhaus for a true disconnection experience!
15- Lake Schrecksee
Lake Schrecksee is located in the German Alps and at 1813 m above sea level. The lake is located close to the Austrian border. You can literally walk to Austria from there! Schrecksee literally means “fright lake,” and it’s known as the frightening lake. The lake is often covered in fog and has a beautiful but mystical feel.
Schrecksee has a cute little island in the middle and resides as a lesser-known hiking destination due to the challenging hike leading to it. However, lots of experienced hikers relish the adventure and go on the hike to experience unique views.
How to get to Schrecksee
The closest village to the Schrecksee lake is Hinterstein. That is where you can park your car. Hinterstein is a neighboring village of Oberstdorf, Bavaria.
The trail starts on an asphalt road for about 6 km. Then it becomes a real climbing challenge with about 900 meters of altitude gain. The total Schrecksee hike journey usually takes eight to nine hours round-trip.
16- Lake Rappensee
Rappensee lake is located in the central main ridge of the Allgäu Alps, below the Rappenseekopf. It has crystal clear water and offers breathtaking scenery. Lush green meadows line the shore and lies directly above the gray mountains of the Allgäu tower. The lake is situated at 2,047 m above sea level.
The lake’s water is so clean, and the scenic views reflect into the water on sunny and windless days. The Rappensee is part of a couple of hiking trails with different levels of difficulty.
Close to the lake, you will find the Rappensee Hut. It’s part of the German Alpine Club and has 304 bed spaces. The hut also offers a great scenic view to visitors who decide to spend a night there. (which is really worth it!)
How to get to Rappensee
You need first to arrive to Oberstdorf (check the sections above). From the main station, take Bus number 7, which will take you to the Fellhornbahn, the start of the trail to the lake. (the bus ride takes about 15 minutes)
Getting there by car is a lot simpler. Just drive to Fellhornbahn and park the car in their dedicated parking space. There is a trail that leads directly to the lake. It is about 10 km and needs a bit of energy to climb 1000 m in altitude.
17- Lake Engeratsgundsee
The Engeratsgundsee is in the Allgäu Alps in Bavaria. It is a high mountain lake at 1876 meters and is located on the Great Thumb (Großer Daumen) mountain. The lake has been designated as an important geotope. Geotopes are structures of inanimate nature that provide insights into the earth’s history, including the origin and development of life on earth.
The Engeratsgundsee is among the wildest lakes I have ever seen. The views are mind-blowing on a great sunny day. Its location offers to its visitors a beautiful panorama and a great resting point.
How to get to Engeratsgundsee
The closest village to Engeratsgundesee is Hinterstein. That is where you need to park your car.
The normal trail to the lake leads over the uncultivated hut called Käseralpe (1401 m), which can be reached from the Giebelhaus. The trail from Bad Hindelang to the Giebelhaus is easy and asphalted (9 km long). Then it becomes a little challenging with a mountain trail that goes 800 meters in altitude. Nevertheless, the whole hike will take about 5 hours (one-way).
The direct (and adventurous) trail also starts from Hinterstein. Still, it goes via Möslealpe (1133 m) past the abandoned lower, middle, and upper Hengstalpe over the so-called Türle, a pass between the Hengst and the Thumb Mountain Group (Daumen Gruppe), is rarely used.
How to Work and Travel at the Same Time in Germany?
If you are really into slow travel and looking for long travel journeys in Germany, you should look for great work and travel experiences. From teaching English to being an Au Pair in a German family, there are several opportunities in the country, with which you can travel and make money at the same time.
Getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things will reveal a new version of yourself! Every new travel experience starts with a first step.
Final Thoughts About Germany’s Best Lakes
Okay, let’s be honest, Germany’s best lakes are mostly located in the South and mainly in Bavaria, close to the Austrian borders. As a matter of fact, you usually find the most beautiful lakes in the mountains. The secret formula also is: the higher the lake, the greater it is.
Wondering How to Choose The Best Hiking Camera?
My favorites have always been the alpine lakes. They are cleanest, wildest, and most scenic. That is one of the few places on earth where I find my inner peace and spend unique moments.
