Dream scenery: 7 very special lakes in Germany

When we think of stunning natural scenery, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear water, our thoughts often wander to faraway destinations. But wait a minute: Such idyllic places can also be found on our own doorstep. Some German states even boast their own Caribbean.

We present seven lake paradises, all located in Germany, that deserve the label "especially worth seeing!" And if you're keen, you can embark on a journey of discovery to Germany's lesser-known lakes and explore even more of their magical waters.

Lake Walchensee, 75 kilometers south of Munich, is a dream for swimmers, paddlers, and nature lovers. With the almost surreal backdrop of the Karwendel Mountains, this Alpine lake is rightly called Bavaria 's Caribbean. The lake is up to 190 meters deep and is one of the largest Alpine lakes in Germany .

In summer, the turquoise-green Walchensee attracts water sports enthusiasts, but it's also worth a visit in autumn. Then the shores glow in all colors—an Indian summer in Bavaria, so to speak. The lake has also served as a backdrop for the film industry on several occasions. For example, for the film "Wickie and the Strong Men" (2009) and the documentary "Walchensee Forever" (2020).

This view exudes a Caribbean flair: boats on the southern shore of Lake Walchen.

Source: imago images/imagebroker

It's one of the largest lakes in northwest Germany and the largest in Lower Saxony : Lake Steinhude near Hanover . Water sports are also a top priority here, and those who wish can explore and cycle around the lake on a 32-kilometer cycle path.

In the middle of Lake Steinhude lies the picturesque island of Wilhelmstein , accessible by boat. The lake's location also makes a perfect getaway. Surrounded by a 420-square-kilometer nature reserve, not only the shimmering lake is impressive, but the moorlands, dunes, and alder forests are also eye-catching.

At blue hour the lake appears almost mystical.

Source: imago stock&people

Lake Mummelsee is a gem in the Black Forest , located at an altitude of 1,000 meters: 3.7 hectares in area and 18 meters deep. It is one of the Black Forest's cirque lakes. These lakes are quiet, dark lakes surrounded by steep mountain slopes. Cirque lakes are a relic of the last Ice Age.

And the watery delight of Lake Mummelsee is located directly on the Black Forest High Road at the foot of the Hornisgrinde, the highest mountain in the Northern Black Forest. The name Mummelsee derives from white water lilies, popularly known as "Mummeln." The exact meaning behind this is explained in a sad legend about the lake, in which a mermaid (Mümmlein) dies for her love.

No wonder that legends surround it: the mystical Mummelsee in the Black Forest.

Source: PantherMedia / Jürgen Wackenhut

It is the tenth-largest lake in Germany and reaches a depth of 56 meters. The lake has 15 bathing spots, one of the most beautiful being the sandy beach on the promontory of the Princes' Island. On the northern shore of Schleswig-Holstein's largest lake lies the town of Plön, whose castle overlooks the lake majestically.

The Great Plön Lake is characterized by its deep blue color. In 2020, the lake, along with the other lakes of Holstein Switzerland, was recognized as a "Living Lake" by the Global Nature Fund. This award recognizes the impressive natural beauty and efforts toward sustainable tourism.

The Great Plön Lake with Plön Castle in the background is a natural highlight in Schleswig-Holstein.

Source: imago images/Volker Preußer

Just 62 kilometers as the crow flies from Hamburg and 32 kilometers from Schwerin, this stunningly beautiful lake lies amidst a green oasis. The lake is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses a 310-square-kilometer protected area of ​​moors, lakes, fields, and forests. The 24-square-kilometer Schaalsee forms its centerpiece.

Swimming is permitted in selected spots in the lake, which is up to 70 meters deep, and is best explored by boat. In addition to approaching by water, you can also choose to explore with animal assistance: donkey trekking and horseback riding are available in the surrounding area.

The beautiful Schaalsee has been designated a natural cultural landscape.

Source: imago images/Westend61

When you look at Lake Sylvenstein, you quickly think you're in Norway. But you're wrong; it's all about breathtaking nature in Bavaria. The almost completely unspoiled landscape surrounding the lake gives the view a feeling of maximum expanse. Too good to be true? A little bit.

Pure peace and tranquility: A woman paddles on Lake Sylvenstein in Bavaria with a SUP board.

Source: imago images/Westend61

The lake is not a natural product. It is an artificial reservoir created between 1954 and 1959. The lake is composed of crystal-clear mountain water; swimming is permitted, and there are many pebble beaches. The Sylvensteinsee Bridge was built to cross the flooded valley floor. It is one of the most popular photo motifs in the area.

No, we're not in Croatia, even though it looks like it. Steep rock faces frame the turquoise-blue lake, which was formed around 1930 during diabase mining. Filled with groundwater and rainwater, the lake is between seven and nine meters deep, and caution is advised when looking out at the lake in some places, as not all of the cliffs are secured.

Unfortunately, the lake is not open to the public, and swimming is therefore not permitted. Direct access to the water and the rock faces is permitted only to certain individuals: members of the German Alpine Club and IG Klettern are permitted to use the climbing areas.

Nevertheless, a visit to the area is worthwhile for a panoramic view. Those who explore the lake's surroundings on foot or by bike are also thrilled. A user named Mark raves on the route-planning app Komoot : "Incredible... like in the Winnetou movies."

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