Germany’s Most Beautiful Lakes

Are you preparing to explore Germany? The country is a fantastic place for road trips due to its spectacular landscapes, including dozens of dreamy lakes.

Whether you want to head to the water or simply capture some beautiful holiday photos, we have the perfect backdrops for you! Here is our selection of the best lakes in Germany.

For those seeking absolute peace, relax at Mummelsee

Do you prefer a quiet holiday without a mass of tourists? Then you should consider Mummelsee, surrounded by pine forests. It is located in the Black Forest National Park and is just a short drive from Strasbourg, which borders western Germany and France.

Mummelsee may be smaller than the other lakes we have selected, but it is a hidden gem! This makes it very popular with those who want some peace and relaxation in an almost untouched natural setting. According to legend, you might even find mermaids and water spirits in the waters of Mummelsee.

Looking for a place for beautiful photos? Then head to Tegernsee

Tegernsee, in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, is definitely worth a visit at any time of the year! In winter, you can see snow-covered mountains on all sides, and in the warmer months, you’ll find numerous colorful boats that can be used as beautiful backgrounds for your photos.

In summer, you can hike from Tegernsee through hilly meadows to the smaller but equally beautiful Schliersee, where you might even see a herd of Alpine cows grazing. In winter, the lake freezes over, and the shore is snow-covered like a winter wonderland!

Müritz is the ideal starting point for aspiring sailors

Is the Berlin Wall one of the attractions on your growing wish list? Then take a look at the city and set your GPS towards the shores of Müritz, which is just two hours north of Berlin. The shores are surrounded by beautiful medieval houseboats and villages. If you want to explore places off the beaten path, this is definitely worth a visit.

Boat trips are extremely popular and the only way to see as much of the 117 square kilometer lake as possible! Müritz is also part of the Mecklenburg Lake District, which consists of more than 100 other bodies of water. If you plan to stay in the area for a while, these are ideal for a visit. Additionally, the beautiful Müritz National Park with its magnificent heathlands, marshes, and ancient forests is right on your doorstep.

Enthusiastic hikers looking for a fairytale landscape should not miss Lake Constance

Lake Constance, located at the intersection of three countries—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—is considered the largest body of water in the country! Its large area offers opportunities for many activities along the coast, from walking through beautiful places to testing your balance while windsurfing.

If you enjoy walking along the lake, the shores of Lake Constance are ideal. From there, hiking trails begin, where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful surrounding forest. The lake is also a key stop on the 450 km long German Alpine Road, which is one of our favorite road trip routes in Europe!

Fancy a refreshing swim? Then head to Schluchsee

This glacial lake is located in the heart of the Black Forest and is truly impressive! If you dream of swimming in crystal-clear water, Schluchsee should definitely be on your road trip wish list.

Since Schluchsee is located at an altitude of 900 meters, it offers a magnificent view and some of the cleanest water in Germany. You can swim there at any time, even if the summer is a bit cold! The lake has been popular with vacationers for decades and has some quite luxurious hotels and guesthouses.

For quick access to great cultural heritage, Alpsee is the right place

This large lake lies almost directly on the border between Germany and France and is truly remarkable! Green forests and spectacular mountain peaks provide shade to Alpsee (one of the deepest lakes in the country) from all sides. If you plan a visit in the warmer months, you will likely see one of the resident white swans swimming. Are you more of a winter wanderer? Then expect a lot of snow to frolic in!

For groups traveling with children, the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle is just a short distance away. This served as the real inspiration for the Disney castle! With its tower and throne room, this is the perfect place for aspiring knights and ambitious princesses to let their imagination run wild. If you can’t get enough of castles, you’ll find Hohenschwangau Castle, the noble summer palace of King Ludwig II, right on the shores of Alpsee.

Visiting the beautiful lakes in Germany by car

Thanks to the high permissible speeds on the highways, Germany is easy to explore by car! You can rent a vehicle at any airport, city, or large town and drive to one of the incredible lakes in the country. If you are vacationing in winter, remember that many lakes in Germany are located in the mountains. Therefore, you might want to treat yourself to a four-wheel drive.

Looking for even more options for your vacation by car in beautiful Germany? Then head to Bavaria’s Romantic Road, learn about art and history at Frankfurt’s Museumsufer, or make your way to the beaches of Sylt.