The 7 Most Beautiful Lakes Near Munich You Need to Visit

Munich is one of those lucky cities that has nature right outside its door. The Alps are only about an hour away. If the English Garden and many city parks aren’t enough for you, spend a sunny afternoon by one of these beautiful lakes. Even though some are a little farther away, you can easily get to the shores of many of them right from Marienplatz.

Lakes Near Munich: Starnberg

If you are in the city for more than a few days, do as the locals do and spend the afternoon relaxing by a lake. From Marienplatz, it only takes 36 minutes on the S-Bahn to get to Lake Starnberg, which is Germany’s fifth largest freshwater lake. Even though it is only 25 km from the center, it feels very far from the busy city. The Waste Land, a poem by T. S. Elliot, even talks about Starnberg. If you don’t feel like writing a poem, you can take a walk around the lake, stop for a beer, and look at the view. During the summer, you can also rent boats, pedalos, or just go swimming!

Lakes Near Munich: Ammersee

The smaller town next to Starnberg can be a bit quieter. Hikers, swimmers, and paddle boarders like to go there. Along the Seepromenade, there are several beautiful parks where you can sit and enjoy the view. There is even a small castle, called Kurparkschlosschen, by the lake. Try Strandhaus Ammersee if you’re looking for a place to set up your picnic blanket. This grassy area right by the lake has toilets, a volleyball court, and a small cafe in case your picnic food runs out too quickly.

Lakes Near Munich: Walchensee

One of the deepest Alpine lakes in Germany is just over an hour’s drive from the city center. It has clear water that goes down almost 200 meters, and the lake itself is over 16 km2. From the ground, it can be hard to see everything, so a drive up into the surrounding mountains for a panoramic view is a great idea. In the summer, you can rent boats and pedalos or just jump into the clear waters for a swim. You can also surf, sail, fish, and dive here, so everyone can find something they like to do. Hikers can also walk along the nearby Mittenwald trail, which is full of pine trees and has great views.

Lakes Near Munich: Chiemsee

This lake is filled with fresh water, and it is where three different rivers meet. If you take the S-bahn from the center of Munich, it will take you about 90 minutes to get to Chiemsee. Make sure to bring your swimming gear, because Prienavera is right on the lake. This purpose-built complex has saunas and places to relax, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools with views of the lake. Eat at one of the many restaurants by the lake before heading back to the city.

Lakes Near Munich: Simssee

Even though Simssee is only 15 minutes from Chiemsee, it is usually much less busy, making it a great place to go for a relaxing break. It will take some work to get there, as it is 470 meters above sea level and in the foothills of the Alps. To find a good place to swim, you’ll need to go to one of the three designated bathing zones. The lake is mostly surrounded by forest. Even though it’s in the middle of nowhere, there are still a few places to eat. Try Simsee-Stuben or Seewirt for a snack after swimming.

Lakes Near Munich: Riemersee

If you are staying in the east of Munich, Riemersee is a great way to get a taste of lake life without leaving the city. This man-made lake is only 30 minutes from Marienplatz and was designed by a French landscape architect, Gilles Vexlard. It is 7.7 hectares in size. It is known for having water that looks like the ocean and is popular with families in the area. It is surrounded by a large park. Be aware, though, that there isn’t much natural shade here, so bring lots of sunscreen if it’s hot.

Lakes Near Munich: Königssee

This lake is a must if you have a car and a lot of time to explore. You can find it two hours from Munich in the Berchtesgaden National Park, right on the border with Austria. The water is so clear that only electric boats are allowed on what is known as Germany’s cleanest lake. Around Konigssee are tall mountains that reach up to 2,700 meters above the lake. The result is a unique echo that most boat tour guides are happy to show off with a trumpet or flugelhorn.

Topic: The 7 Most Beautiful Lakes Near Munich You Need to Visit

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By: Travel Pixy