These Beautiful Lakes in Germany Are Especially Worth Seeing

When we dream of stunning natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters, our thoughts often drift to faraway destinations. But wait: such idyllic spots can also be found right around the corner. Some states even boast their own piece of the Caribbean.

Lake Walchensee, located 47 miles south of Munich, is a dream for swimmers, paddlers, and nature enthusiasts. The alpine lake, with its nearly surreal mountain backdrop of the Karwendel range, rightfully earns the nickname 'Caribbean of Bavaria.' The lake is up to 623 feet deep and is one of Germany's largest alpine lakes.

In summer, the turquoise-green Walchensee attracts water sports enthusiasts, but it is also worth visiting in the fall when the shoreline glows with all colors. It's Indian Summer in Bavaria, so to speak. The lake has also been used several times as a location for films, such as 'Wickie and the Strong Men' (2009) and the documentary 'Walchensee Forever' (2020).

It's one of the largest lakes in northwestern Germany and the largest in Lower Saxony: the Steinhuder Meer near Hanover. Here, activities like water sports are highly promoted, and those interested can explore and circumnavigate the lake on a 20-mile-long bike path.

In the middle of Steinhuder Meer lies the picturesque Wilhelmstein Island, accessible by boat. Its location makes the lake a perfect getaway. Surrounded by a 162-square-mile nature park, it's not just the sparkling lake that's captivating; the moors, dunes, and alder forests are also eye-catching.

Mummelsee is a gem in the Black Forest at an elevation of 3,281 feet: 9 acres in size and 59 feet deep. It's one of the cirque lakes of the Black Forest, silent, dark lakes surrounded by steep mountain slopes. Cirque lakes are remnants of the last Ice Age.

The watery delight of Mummelsee lies directly on the Black Forest High Road at the foot of Hornisgrinde, the highest peak in the Northern Black Forest. The name Mummelsee is derived from white water lilies, locally called 'Mummeln.' The story behind the name is told in a somber legend about a mermaid (Mümmlein) who dies for her love.

It is Germany's tenth-largest lake and up to 184 feet deep. The lake features 15 bathing areas, one of the most beautiful being the sandy beach on the peninsula of Prinzeninsel. On the north shore of Schleswig-Holstein's largest lake lies the town of Plön, with its castle majestically overlooking the lake.

The deep blue of the Große Plöner See is striking, and in 2020, it was among the Holstein Switzerland lakes recognized as 'Living Lakes' by the Global Nature Fund. This accolade honors the impressive nature and sustainable tourism efforts.

Only 39 miles from Hamburg and 20 miles from Schwerin lies the stunning lake amidst a green oasis. The lake is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a 120-square-mile protected area of moors, lakes, fields, and forests, with the 9-square-mile Schaalsee at its heart.

Swimming is permitted at selected points of the lake, which is up to 230 feet deep, and it's best explored by boat. In addition to exploring by water, animal-assisted journeys such as donkey hikes and horseback rides are available around the area.

Looking at the Sylvensteinsee, one might quickly think they're in Norway. But no, it's still the breathtaking nature of Bavaria. The mostly untouched landscape around the lake gives it a sense of vastness that's almost too beautiful to be true.

However, the lake is not naturally formed. It is an artificial reservoir created between 1954 and 1959. The lake is crystal clear, allowing for swimming, and many pebble beaches invite visitors. The Sylvensteinsee Bridge was built to cross the flooded valley floor and is one of the most popular photo spots in the area.

No, we're not in Croatia, although it may look like it. Steep rock walls frame the turquoise lake, which was created around 1930 during the extraction of diabase. The lake, filled with groundwater and rainwater, is between 23 and 30 feet deep, and caution is advised in some areas where not all cliff edges are secured.

Unfortunately, the lake is not publicly accessible, and swimming is not possible. Direct access to the water and the rock walls is only granted to specific individuals: members of the German Alpine Club and IG Climbing are allowed to use the climbing areas.

Nevertheless, a visit to the area is worthwhile to catch a panoramic view. Those who explore the lake's surroundings by bike or hike are equally impressed. As one user, Mark, raves on the route planning app Komoot: 'Amazing... like in the Winnetou films.'

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