Our Four Favourite Lakes in Munich’s Mountainscapes

Nestled between Haimhausen and Amperpettenbach, Heiglweiher is a real insider’s tip. Nature lovers feel right at home amidst these rolling fields and the majestic oak forest. A large lawn for sunbathing welcomes visitors to relax on the lake’s northern shore. If at any point during the day you need a break from the sun’s sweltering rays, simply move your towel into the shaded area over by the line of large trees. Dive headfirst into the water from the wooden pier or slowly let yourself into the lake’s embrace via the little ladder. You’ll also find a bathing spot—a narrow grassy area and sandy beach at a slight incline—on the southern side of Heiglweiher’s western shore. If you’re looking for a place that’s a little quieter, we recommend heading to the wooden pier on the lake’s southern shore. With a little bit of luck, you might even be able to spot great white egrets building their nests between the water lilies.

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Steinsee, a relic from the last glacial period, is a sought-after destination amongst bathing enthusiasts. Thanks to its idyllic location in Ebersberg County, this lake also attracts city dwellers for scenic Sunday strolls. The family-friendly public beach on the lake’s northern shore is equipped with a series of large, partially shaded lawns, a designated shallow area for children, and a fun playground. Bear in mind that it can get a bit packed here on weekends and during high season. If you want to avoid the crowds, you’ll find a shaded bathing spot with a small pier and swing tucked away in the forest on Steinsee’s eastern shore.

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Walchensee is one of Germany’s largest and deepest lakes in the Alps. Its unique panorama is characterised by glistening turquoise-green waters and the Bavarian Alps’ enchanting foothills. Visibility in this pristine mountain lake reaches up to 10 metres. Though the temperature of the water rarely surpasses 22 degrees Celsius, it’s hard to resist the temptation to go for a swim. With diving, sailing, fishing, and surfing all on the agenda, Walchensee’s waters attract active holiday-goers. You’ll find an especially lovely lawn and boat rental over in Einsiedl, a little village on the southern part of the lake’s western shore. Kitesurfers set out onto the water from a designated beach nearby. If you set out to explore the lake’s southern shore, you’ll come across a series of pristine bathing spots, which are only accessible via a private road for a small fee. Walchensee’s eastern shore features bathing spots that also serve as starting points for windsurfers and kitesurfers. For the best views of the lake, we recommend hiking up Jochberg (ca. 3.5 hours) or Herzogstand (ca. 4 hours). The latter’s peak is also accessible via the mountain train.

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Large sections of Pilsensee are inaccessible to the public due to the high number of protected nature conservation areas and private properties. Nevertheless, if you know where to go, you’ll still find a series of public bathing spots around this former branch of Ammersee’s shorelines. At the public beach on the lake’s western shore you can relax on the lawn and enter the water via a pier. The campsite on the lake’s eastern shore leads you to a restaurant, called Seehaus, where you’ll come across a large lawn with a series of wooden piers. Thanks to Pilsensee’s thriving fish population, it is an especially popular destination amongst anglers. Surfing or SUP courses are also great ways to explore more of these waters. Further south, you’ll find two smaller but cosier sunbathing lawns. It’s easy to get back to Munich from here via Seefeld-Hechendorf S-Bahn station.

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