The Best and Most Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Bavaria
Bavaria is home to some of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Germany, each offering breathtaking views and unique experiences. While many associate Bavaria with Oktoberfest, beer gardens, and charming mountain villages, its natural beauty offers so much more to explore. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, Bavaria boasts over 200 lakes, ideal for hiking, relaxing, or capturing stunning photographs.
Having called Munich home for three and a half years, I’ve been lucky enough to explore many of these beautiful lakes firsthand. If you’re looking for the best lakes in Bavaria to add to your travel itinerary, this guide is everything you need to plan your visit.
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Best Lakes in Bavaria, Germany
Lake Eibsee
Lake Eibsee is not only my favorite lake in Bavaria but also one of my favorite nature places in Germany. The lake is located around 100 km southwest of Munich and lies at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain (Zugspitze).
You can walk around the lake on a simple loop trail which takes around 1,5 – 2 hours. The trail leads you through a beautiful alpine forest along bays with crystal clear turquoise water where you can stop and dip into the refreshing water. We had a whole bay completely to ourselves when we were there.
In case you are looking for fun water-related activities at Lake Eibsee: You can rent a boat or a stand-up paddleboard right at the lake to enjoy the mountain view from the water. We already did both and it was such an amazing experience. This way, you can even reach the small beautiful islands within the lake.
If you visit Lake Eibsee for a full day trip, the lake is also a good starting point to take a cable car to Zugspitze. The view over the lake and the surrounding areas is simply breathtaking.
Travel tip: If you want to avoid the crowds at the lake, especially on weekends, plan to arrive early in the morning, visit on a weekday, or stay at this beautiful lakeside hotel so you can enjoy the scenery before the day-trippers arrive.
Lake Königssee
My second favorite lake in Bavaria is Lake Königssee. Lake Königssee is situated in the Bertechsgarden Alps (in the Berchtesgarden National Park) around 150 km southeast of Munich and is Germany’s third deepest lake. The lake is known for its picturesque setting in-between the mountains, spectacular viewpoints and its popular boat tours around the lake.
Visiting Königssee feels like being in the fjords of Norway. The boat tours at the lake are carried out by silent electric boats with a vintage look. Make sure to arrive early to avoid cueing at the boat dock. A full round-trip will take approximately 2 hours (without getting off at the stops).
During the boat trip, you can enjoy amazing views of this crystal clear alpine lake, waterfalls along the way, and the beautiful mountain scenery. We spent a full day at Lake Königssee and got off at both stops. The first stop is the beautiful St. Bartholomä church, a charming church from the 12th century. The second stop is Salet where you will find Lake Obersee (which you can see in the pictures below).
Moreover, there are many hiking trails around Lake Königssee. Spectacular views are guaranteed. The Malerwinkel (“painter’s corner”) offers the best-known view onto the lake and can be reached by an easy trail. The viewpoint got its name from the painters coming there to paint the lake.
However, one of the most stunning views you have from Rabenwand. It takes around 40 minutes to walk there from Schönau at Lake Königssee but it’s definitely worth the hike as you can see below.
💡 Planning a visit to Lake Königssee? You can join this top-rated full-day tour to Lake Königssee from Munich for an easy, organized experience, or stay overnight and explore the lake at your own pace by choosing one of the charming hotels in Schönau am Königssee.
Lake Hintersee
Lake Hintersee in Ramsau is just around the corner of Lake Königssee. It only takes a 15-minute drive by car to get there. I immediately fell in love with the emerald water of Lake Hintersee. The crystal clear waters of the lake are perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, while the surrounding forests provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploring.
In addition, the mountain scenery behind the lake is simply stunning. With its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Lake Hintersee is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds.
Ramsau is not only famous for its lake but also for its idyllic and picturesque church St. Sebastian. St. Sebastian Church is a magnificent Baroque-style church built in the 18th century. It features ornate ceiling frescoes, intricate stucco work, and beautiful statues, making it a must-see attraction in Bavaria. It’s also one of the most photographed churches in Bavaria. So, you should definitely stop here for taking some beautiful postcard pictures. For me, it’s one of the dreamiest photography spots in Bavaria.
Looking for accommodation in Ramsau? Click here!
From Lake Hintersee we hiked to a suspension bridge in Klausbachtal. It takes a 1-hour hike to reach the bridge. Along the trail, you pass through beautiful nature next to a small creek. We visited in the middle of the day, and no one else was around. The only companion we encountered was a chamois.
Lake Chiemsee
Lake Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria and the third-largest lake in Germany, with an area of approximately 80 square kilometers. It’s located around 80 kilometers from Munich and a popular tourist destination.
One of the best things to do at Lake Chiemsee is to take a boat trip to the Herrenchiemsee Palace, located on the Herreninsel Island. This palace was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and is modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France. You can explore the opulent interior, stroll through the palace gardens, and enjoy the picturesque views of the lake from the palace terrace.
Another popular attraction at Lake Chiemsee is the Fraueninsel Island. It is a tranquil island with a Benedictine monastery, a few shops, and a museum. Here you can take a leisurely walk around the island, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, or simply relax and soak up the stunning scenery.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Chiemsee offers numerous opportunities for water sports, such as swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. There are also several cycling and hiking trails around the lake that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. I can highly recommend visiting Lake Chiemsee on your next Bavaria trip.
Travel tip: If you have the time, consider staying overnight and booking one of the hotels at Lake Chiemsee so you can explore the area at a relaxed pace and fully enjoy everything the lake has to offer.
Lakes Near Neuschwanstein Castle
There are four beautiful alpine lakes near the famous Neuschwanstein Castle: Alpsee, Schwansee, Forggensee, and Bannwaldsee. I highly recommend stopping by these lakes if you’re planning to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
Lake Alpsee is situated at the foot of the castle and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s also an excellent spot for swimming and kayaking.
Lake Schwansee is also located near the castle and is an idyllic location for a peaceful stroll. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and has a serene atmosphere to relax and unwind.
Lake Forggensee, is the largest of the four and is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and swimming in the lake’s pristine waters, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps.
The fourth lake, Bannwaldsee, is a smaller lake but boasts some of the most scenic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s located a few kilometers away from the castle. At Bannwaldsee, you can do a variety of activities, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming in the lake’s calm waters.
Make sure to also visit the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle itself. The castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bavaria and one of the most beautiful fairytale castles in Germany. It is said to be the inspiration for the Disney castle. We already visited Neuschwanstein castle twice and would go back anytime. It’s such a magical place!
If you are looking for a full-day organized trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, make sure to check out the following top-rated tours:
- 🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Premium VIP Tour (⭐4.8 )
- 🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip (⭐4.7)
Alternatively, consider staying overnight in Schwangau near Neuschwanstein Castle so you can explore the castle and surrounding lakes without rushing back to Munich the same day.
Lake Starnberg
Lake Starnberg (Starnberger See) is a breathtakingly beautiful lake very close to Munich, Bavaria’s capital. It’s only around a 30-minute drive, so you can easily visit Lake Starnberg when staying in Munich.
The lake is a popular tourist destination known for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes. It’s surrounded by charming towns and villages that offer a variety of activities.
One of the best things to do at Lake Starnberg is to take a boat ride around the lake, starting in the town of Starnberg. On the boat ride, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
I also highly recommend renting a small electric boat and cruising around the lake yourself. It was one of our favorite weekend activities when we lived in Munich and would escape to the lake for a slow, sunny afternoon on the water. We always rented from Sebald, a small boat rental in Münsing at Lake Starnberg, and had great experiences every time. If you’re looking for a relaxed, self-drive boat day with beautiful Alpine views, Lake Starnberg is easily one of the best lakes in Bavaria for it.
Other things to do at Lake Starnberg include swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic on the shore. If you enjoy hiking and cycling, there are numerous trails and paths that wind through the countryside.
Looking for a hotel at Starnberger See? Click here.
Lakes Kochelsee & Walchensee
Lake Kochelsee is still a hidden gem compared to the other alpine lakes mentioned before. As a consequence, there are not as many tourists around. The lake covers an area of approximately 6.3 square kilometers and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. It’s located around 70km south of Munich on the edge of the Bavarian Alps. The mountain lake offers incredibly blue water and scenic views of the surrounding area. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking.
In addition to Kochelsee, you should make sure that you also visit Walchensee, the neighboring lake (also known as the Caribbean of Bavaria), which is as beautiful as Kochelsee and the drive through the winding mountain road is a lot of fun.
Around these two lakes, there are a lot of beautiful hiking trails. One of them will lead you to an amazing viewpoint above Kochelsee and Walchensee. The easiest trail leading there starts close to Walchensee and leads up to Herzogenstand for the best view.
Lake Tegernsee
Lake Tegernsee is a stunning alpine lake around 50 kilometers (50 minutes) from Munich. Surrounded by the majestic Alps, this picturesque lake offers a range of activities to enjoy. We absolutely loved renting a boat and enjoyed a fun ride across the deep blue waters of the lake, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
You can also hike along the lakeshore or stay in one of the charming towns that surround the lake. Make sure to stop at Aran Café for a delicious cake or lunch. It’s one of our favorite cafes there.
I hope this guide to the best and most beautiful lakes in Bavaria has inspired you to explore a few of them for yourself. With more than 200 lakes across the region, there’s always another hidden gem waiting to be discovered. I’ll continue updating this post over time and adding more of Bavaria’s stunning lakes to the list, especially as I discover new favorites worth sharing with you.
FAQ – Best Lakes in Bavaria
For me, Lake Eibsee and Lake Königssee are the most beautiful lakes not only in Bavaria but also in all of Germany due to their crystal-clear waters and breathtaking alpine scenery.
The nicest lake near Munich is Lake Starnberg. Just a short drive or train ride away, it offers serene waters, stunning views, and a relaxing escape from the city.
In my opinion, Bavaria is the most beautiful part of Germany. Its combination of impressive mountains, charming villages, and beautiful alpine lakes makes it truly unique.
The largest lake in Bavaria is Lake Chiemsee. Known as the “Bavarian Sea”, it’s famous for its size, scenic beauty, and historic islands.
Yes, many lakes in Bavaria are safe and incredibly clean, especially during the summer months. Lakes like Lake Eibsee, Lake Walchensee, and Lake Starnberg are popular for swimming, though water temperatures can remain quite cool even in July and August.
Some of the best lakes in Germany for dramatic alpine scenery are located in Bavaria, including Lake Königssee, Lake Eibsee, and Lake Hintersee. Their turquoise waters set against mountain backdrops make them stand out nationwide.
The best time to visit Bavaria’s lakes is between late May and September when the weather is warmer and perfect for swimming, hiking, and boat trips. Early mornings and weekdays are ideal if you want to avoid larger crowds.
Yes, visiting Bavaria’s lakes in winter can be just as magical as in summer. Snow-covered mountains, frozen shorelines, and quiet walking trails create a completely different atmosphere. If you’re visiting in December, you can easily combine a peaceful lake walk with a stop at one of Germany’s beautiful Christmas markets, which makes for a truly festive winter day trip.
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Love the landscapes, have to visit it again in more depth 🙂
If you have only 3 days in Bavaria which destination would you suggest (not Munich)? 😉
Bavaria is such a beautiful region! I would recommend staying somewhere close to the Alps and the beautiful alpine lakes like Garmisch or Berchtesgaden. 🙂