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Lake Tegernsee: A Beautiful Lake Near Munich
A Crystal-Clear Mountain Lake in the Bavarian Alps
Just about 50 km from the Bavarian capital, you’ll find one of the cleanest mountain lakes in the Alps: Tegernsee. Looking for a swimming lake nearby that’s perfect for both sports and relaxation? Then Lake Tegernsee is exactly what you need. This popular destination near Munich offers plenty of options for the active traveler—explore one of 18 Nordic walking trails, go swimming, sailing, or try your hand at SUP. The many hiking trails also let you discover the Bavarian mountain scenery up close.
Divers will also get their money’s worth on a trip to Tegernsee. In the lake, which reaches depths of up to 72 meters, you can explore an underwater world all your own—either independently or with the diving school in Bad Wiessee. Another great way to explore the area around Tegernsee is by taking the Tegernsee boat cruise, with stops in Rottach-Egern, Gmund, Bad Wiessee, and Tegernsee. From there, you can visit more of the area’s top sights, including the Jodschwefelbad thermal spa and the Olaf Gulbransson Museum. The Tegernsee Palace is also well worth a visit—this former 8th-century Benedictine monastery is now home to a school and a charming traditional brewery restaurant.
And finally, one of Tegernsee’s true insider tips: at an elevation of 1,650 meters, nestled between the Rossstein and Buchstein peaks in the Mangfall Mountains, you’ll find the Tegernsee Hut. A truly unique spot with a breathtaking view!
Lake Altwarmbüchen: A Swimming Lake Near Hanover
A Popular Local Recreation Area on Hanover's Doorstep
After Lake Maschsee, Lake Altwarmbüchen is the second-largest lake near Hanover—which is why many jokingly call it the region’s “second-biggest bathtub.” At 12 meters deep, though, it’s actually the deepest lake around Hanover. In the northeast lies an island, though it remains off-limits to visitors in order to protect the birds nesting there.
Anyone looking to relax will find plenty to enjoy here: alongside two sandy beaches, there are play areas and sunbathing lawns, as well as a boat rental at Altwarmbüchen Lake and a surf school. The 3.5 km circular trail around Altwarmbüchen Lake is a popular spot for hikers and cyclists alike. An important note for dog owners: four-legged friends are welcome too, but dogs must stay on a leash at this lake near Hanover.
The excursion destination near Hanover offers a beer garden for a culinary break. There are also two kiosks and snack bars to choose from.
Lake Baldeney: A Lake for Swimming Near Essen
Nature, Water Sports, and Relaxation at Lake Baldeney
Originally built as a water reservoir in the 1930s, Lake Baldeney in Essen is now a well-known local recreation area. The roughly 27-kilometer Baldeneysteig loop trail lets you explore the natural surroundings of the lake, drawing hikers, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters year-round. Looking for the perfect view of Lake Baldeney? Head to Korte Cliff. Just a few steps from the parking lot, you’re rewarded with a stunning panoramic view stretching from the dam wall all the way to where the Ruhr river flows in. A few meters further on lies the ruins of Neue Isenburg, a castle built by 13th-century knights—and later destroyed.
This lake for swimming near Essen is also a haven for sports lovers: rowing, sailing, surfing, or swimming—at Lake Baldeney, the choice is yours. Once a year, the lake also plays host to a very special event: Essen Sailing Week, home to Germany’s largest inland lake regatta. Another wonderful experience is the Lake Baldeney boat cruise. Between April and October, the White Fleet lets you explore the area from the water, sailing all the way to Duisburg—and you can even extend your trip with a longer cruise along the Ruhr.
In the warmer months, one major attraction is Seaside Beach Baldeney. Looking for a nearby lake that combines the perfect mix of activities and relaxation? Then Lake Baldeney is exactly what you’re looking for. On the grounds of the former public outdoor pool, you’ll find a fantastic beach with a wide range of leisure and dining options, plus regular events. At Baldeney Beach, there’s something for everyone—from mini golf and beach volleyball to canoe tours, stand-up paddling, and even Segway tours.
And another excursion destination towers high above the lake: Villa Hügel. The former residence of the Krupp industrialist family is now an impressive art history museum.
Lake Wannsee: A Beautiful Lake Near Berlin
Swimming, Boat Tours, and History at Lake Wannsee
Who doesn’t know it? Lake Wannsee near Berlin. The Großer Wannsee is the largest part of an entire chain of beautiful nearby lakes, and it lends its name to the surrounding district of Berlin. Covering around three square kilometers, the lake offers plenty of room for swimmers, sailors, and stand-up paddlers alike. Scenic walking paths and numerous restaurants make it one of Berlin’s most popular getaway spots.
The famous Wannsee lido is one of the largest open-air pools on an inland body of water in Europe and is correspondingly popular. No wonder, because the Wannsee beach is a wonderful place to relax. If you want to explore the lake from the water, the lake Wannsee Bridges steamboat landing stage in south-west Berlin is the perfect starting point. The Wannsee boat trip is very popular, for example the trip to Peacock Island, which has been a nature reserve since 1924. Here you will find a picturesque castle and impressive romantic surroundings with free-roaming peacocks.
You can also take a boat trip from the famous lake around Berlin to Potsdam. You can admire the magnificent Prussian buildings along the Havel. You will also find other historical buildings worth seeing not far from Berlin’s Wannsee terraces: Glienicke Palace is a World Heritage Site. The Grunewald hunting lodge and the villa of the painter Max Liebermann are also located on the western shore of the lake. These historic buildings are all located near Berlin.
The House of the Wannsee Conference is another historic site on the lake near Berlin. The historic building now houses a memorial and educational centre.
Nordstrand Erfurt: A Swimming Lake Near Erfurt
Relaxation and Water Sports at Nordstrand Erfurt
If you’re out and about in Thuringia’s state capital and searching for a swimming lake nearby, you’d never guess that the idyllic lake near Erfurt was once an old gravel pit. Today, North Beach Erfurt is one of the region’s most popular destinations. The sprawling recreation area was created in the early 1970s and has been drawing crowds of visitors, especially in summer, ever since.
This popular destination in Erfurt offers a wide range of activities: swimming, beach volleyball, fishing, water skiing, and beach soccer are all big draws here. Beginner divers can book a course with the lake’s own diving school. And if you’re traveling by RV or tent, you can also camp right at Nordstrand Erfurt.
The well-kept lawns are also perfect for picnicking and unwinding, and you can explore the surrounding area via a dedicated nature trail. In summer, there are regular events too, like music festivals and night swimming. So if you’re looking for a lake near Erfurt, North Beach is easy to reach—whether by public transport or by bike.
Langen Forest Lake: A Former Gravel Pit Lake Near Frankfurt
The Largest Swimming Lake in the Rhine-Main Region
Vacation vibes in the Rhine-Main region? You’ll find them at Beach Resort Langen Forest Lake. With about 750,000 square meters of water surface and 900 meters of sunbathing lawn and sandy beach, it’s the largest recreation and leisure center in the region. This swimming lake near Frankfurt is perfect for swimming, splashing around, surfing, and sailing—and it really comes alive between mid-May and mid-September.
This lake near Frankfurt has plenty to offer kids too. Many visitors love the swimming islands out on the lake, and the large pirate ship is a hit for climbing and playing. It’s no wonder up to 20,000 visitors flock each year to one of Frankfurt’s top day-trip destinations. Alongside a large beach volleyball court and food and drink stands, you’ll also find the Langen Forest Lake campground here. This former gravel pit lake near Frankfurt is well worth a visit for cyclists, joggers, hikers, and birdwatchers too.
And for naturist visitors, there’s a dedicated area on the north shore of Frankfurt’s most beautiful lake. One thing to note: dogs aren’t allowed either at the campground or at the beach. This former gravel pit lake near Frankfurt Airport also draws international attention each year thanks to the Ironman European Championships, with a 3.8-kilometer swimming leg held here every July.
lake Wöhrder See: A Reservoir Near Nuremberg
Relaxation on the Water in the Heart of Nuremberg
Living in Nuremberg and feeling the summer heat of the city? Then we have the perfect recommendation for you: Lake Wöhrder See. This reservoir sits right in the heart of the city, practically next door to Nuremberg’s top sights and shopping. It’s less than 2 kilometers on foot from Nuremberg’s main market square, so you can reach the lake in about 20 minutes. The route takes you across Island Schütt, mostly along the Pegnitz river, and through the Wöhrder Meadow meadow—making for a pleasant walk in itself. So even if you’re in Nuremberg’s old town for sightseeing, it’s easy to make a detour to Lake Wöhrder See and find some peace and quiet.
The lake Wöhrder See is nearly 3 kilometers long—2,600 meters, to be exact—and between 100 and 200 meters wide. It’s an artificial reservoir near Nuremberg’s old town, originally built for flood control, and today it offers all kinds of ways to relax and unwind. You can walk the loop trail around the lake in about an hour, a route especially popular with joggers, cyclists, and walkers alike.
On the southern shore of Wöhrder See, you’ll find the “Bucht am Norikus.” This artificial bay, separated by a dam, offers excellent swimming conditions, framed by a lovely sandy beach. The shallow water makes it easy to wade in, and for relaxing afterward, you can stretch out on one of the wooden decks or settle into a lounge chair.
Across from the Norikus bay, on the north side of Wöhrder See, you’ll find another sandy beach, where the “Café Strandgut” invites you to stop in for an ice cream sundae or a cup of coffee.
Tip: Large parts of Wöhrder See are protected nature areas and off-limits for swimming, providing a haven for rare birds and plant species. A particularly special experience is the Wöhrder Talauen boardwalk, a wooden walkway leading across wet meadows into the biotope, where you can spot wildlife and get a fascinating glimpse into the local flora and fauna. In summer, you can also rent various boats on Wöhrder See and take in the view from the water.
Bleiloch dam: Germany's Largest Reservoir
A Natural Paradise and One of the Most Beautiful Reservoirs Nearby
Thuringia is home to the Bleilochtalsperre (Bleiloch dam), a reservoir with a long history. Construction crews built it between 1926 and 1932, and the imposing dam wall—65 meters high and 205 meters long—holds back the Saale river. The result is Germany’s largest reservoir, holding a volume of more than 200 million cubic meters of water. The lake itself stretches 28 kilometers in length and reaches depths of up to 60 meters—impressive numbers, indeed. By the way: the name Bleilochtalsperre traces back to former lead mining pits (“Blei” meaning lead), which later disappeared beneath the waters of the reservoir.
But what really matters are all the possibilities this lake offers. Thanks to its sheer size, it’s earned the nickname “Thuringian Sea,” and it’s regarded as one of the most impressive reservoirs in the region. A fjord-like landscape of meadows, forests, and stunning nature surrounds it. If you love hiking, you’ll have a wide choice of trails to pick from—scenic viewpoints, secluded coves, dramatic gorges, and deep forests all make Bleilochtalsperre a favorite destination for nature lovers. Its green, forested shores are part of a European bird sanctuary, providing a home for rare bird species. And if you’ve got enough time on your hands, you can even circle the entire reservoir in six stages.
Cyclists get their fair share too. The Saale Cycle Path ranks among the most beautiful cycling routes in Germany. For long stretches, it runs right along the shores of the Bleilochtalsperre and forms part of a river cycling route spanning more than 400 kilometers. Things get more challenging on the roughly 65-kilometer loop trail, which often runs above the lake and demands good fitness with its steep climbs. A special experience for cyclists is crossing the Bleilochtalsperre aboard the historic Saalburg bicycle ferry. Be sure to check the Saale Cycle Path website or the Thuringian tourism information office in advance for details on the various routes.
For swimming, you can choose from numerous freely accessible bathing coves as well as five official swimming spots. Particularly popular is Strandbad Saalburg, with its man-made sandy beach, where you can rent a pedal boat, kayak, sail, try your hand at stand-up paddling, or hire a motorboat—plus find plenty of food and drink options right on site. For a quieter atmosphere, head to the bathing coves near Zoppoten or Remptendorf Bay, both offering peace and quiet along with a beautiful natural setting.
If you’d like to stay for several days, you’ll find a number of campgrounds right on the water around the Bleilochtalsperre. It’s worth checking in advance which one best suits what you’re looking for.
Looking for more ideas for lakes nearby?
Here you can find our tips for lakes in Bavaria: Lakes in Bavaria: The most beautiful excursion destinations in winter
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