6 of the most beautiful lakes in Germany
Whether Lake Constance, Steinhuder Meer, or Müritz: Germany's lakes are wonderful vacation destinations.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Germany offers thousands of lakes, ranging from crystal-clear mountain lakes to extensive lake districts. Among the best known are Lake Constance and Lake Müritz – the largest inland lake entirely within Germany. Popular swimming lakes such as Königssee, Steinhuder Meer, and Eibsee combine crystal-clear water with impressive natural scenery, while the Mecklenburg Lake District, with over 1,000 lakes, offers a great landscape for water sports and recreation. Whether you are a family, a couple, or a water sports enthusiast, everyone can find the right lake in Germany for a break and exciting leisure activities.
Lake Constance: a swimming paradise right around the corner
Lake Constance is located in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. On the German side, you will find numerous places that are significantly cheaper than those on the Swiss side and offer a wide range of water sports and cultural highlights.
In summer, conditions are ideal for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming.
Directly across from Kreuzlingen, you will find Konstanz with its historic old town, lake promenade, and the flower island of Mainau. Perhaps the most beautiful town on Lake Constance is Meersburg, a terraced town with sweeping views of the Alps, steep alleys, and a lively waterfront promenade.
Interesting fact: despite its size of 536 square kilometers, the lake warms up to 25 degrees Celsius in summer.
Lake Königssee: scenery like in Norway
Königssee in Berchtesgaden, near the Austrian border, is the complete opposite of Lake Constance. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany. The water, which has a maximum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius and is very clean, is located in a nature reserve, surrounded mainly by cliffs, and may only be navigated by electric boats.
The whole ensemble is reminiscent of Norwegian fjords, especially when fog lies over the lake in the colder months. You can reach the world-famous pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomew by boat in half an hour. Alternatively, you can get there by taking a longer hike.
Steinhuder Meer: shallow waters near Hanover
With an area of 32 square kilometers, Steinhuder Meer is the largest lake in Lower Saxony. Despite its considerable size, the average depth of the lake is only 1.35 meters, and ships can only navigate in the deep channel, which is just under three meters deep.
The lake is ideal for children to swim in, as they can splash around safely in the water for meters from the shore. In theory, you can walk right across the lake if you take the right route.
There are bathing areas all around the lake. Among the most popular are the supervised bathing beach "Weisse Düne" on the north shore in Mardorf with an adjacent surfing beach, and the artificial "Badeinsel Steinhude" in the southeast of the lake, which can be reached via a bridge.
Lake Tegernsee: crystal clear water and Alpine panorama
Lake Tegernsee in Bavaria is not only one of the most famous lakes in Germany, but also one of the most beautiful, dignified, and sophisticated. Its crystal clear water invites you to take a dip, the surrounding Alps provide fantastic views, and towns such as Rottach-Egern are picturesque.
Gmund, known as the gateway to Lake Tegernsee, offers what is arguably the most beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. During the day, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing, and winter sports. In the evening, there are numerous places to stop for refreshments, known for their brewing tradition.
Interesting fact: The region around Lake Tegernsee is one of the most expensive in Germany in terms of real estate. In addition to its exquisite location, the low supply of housing also contributes to the high prices.
Müritz: the largest inland lake within Germany's borders
The Mecklenburg Lake District is an extremely popular vacation destination in northeastern Germany, especially in summer. At the heart of this region of more than 1,000 lakes lies Lake Müritz, which, at 117 square kilometers, is the largest inland lake within Germany's borders.
At Lake Müritz and many other bodies of water in the region, you will find beaches, natural swimming areas, and numerous opportunities for water sports. The conditions are ideal for surfing, SUP, and sailing. Plau am See, Malchow, and Waren are all worthwhile destinations for excursions.
Interesting fact: Several providers in the region offer overnight stays on a houseboat.
Which American Express credit card will accompany you to the lakes in Germany?
Schluchsee: a family paradise
The largest lake in the Black Forest is located at an altitude of around 900 meters, which means that swimming here remains refreshing even in the height of summer. However, this has never bothered children, who splash and swim in Schluchsee in droves. There is hardly any other lake in Germany that offers so many activities for families.
Sandy beaches, gently sloping shores, and many dining options ensure that children have a great time on lake days. In the vicinity of Schluchsee, there is also the heated "aqua fun" water park with a giant slide and direct access to the lake, as well as the "Spasspark Hochschwarzwald" amusement park with bouncy cushions and tubing, among other attractions.
Interesting fact: The "Seerundweg" and "Geniesserpfad Jägersteig" trails offer a wide variety of views of Lake Schluchsee while hiking.
Germany's lakes: the right body of water for every need
Germany's lakes and their surrounding landscapes are diverse and charming. You will find delightful regions ranging from crystal-clear mountain lakes to extensive lake districts. Whether you are a water sports enthusiast, a couple, a single person looking for relaxation, or a family with children, almost every federal state has lakes that are perfect for a wonderful break tailored to your needs.
The lakes mentioned here are just a small selection. Lakes such as Chiemsee and Eibsee in Bavaria, Wannsee in Berlin, and Öjendorfer See in Hamburg are also charming.
On all your trips, perhaps even to Germany's most beautiful cities, it's best to always have your American Express credit card with you. Depending on the card model you choose, you can benefit from attractive travel advantages. These include comprehensive insurance coverage, favorable car rental conditions, and dining benefits.
Frequently asked questions and answers
That's a matter of taste, but Königssee is often described as the most beautiful lake in Germany due to its uniqueness.
Lake Constance is located directly on the border, and the beautiful lakes in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, such as Schluchsee, Chiemsee, and Eibsee, are also within easy reach.
The largest lake located entirely within German borders is Lake Müritz in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, covering an area of around 117 square kilometers.
