Germany: The 20 most beautiful lakes near you + tips for excursions [with map].

Our interactive lake map gives you a handy overview of Germany's 20 most beautiful lakes:

1. Schluchsee (Baden-Württemberg)

As the largest (bathing) lake in the Black Forest, Schluchsee in southern Germany, with its length of 7.5 kilometres, has definitely earned a place in our best list. The reservoir is surrounded by a sensational mountain backdrop covered with dark coniferous forests. A 63.5-metre-high dam was built between 1929 and 1932, giving the sapphire-blue bathing lake a depth of up to 61 metres.

However, there are many fine and coarse beaches at Schluchsee, which offer pleasantly shallow water for bathing in the most beautiful scenery. So the fantastically beautiful Schluchsee is also an ideal destination for a holiday.

Psssssst: By the way, here you can find the most beautiful lakes in Baden-Württemberg.

Excursion tips:

• Due to the construction of the dam, the village of Schluchsee had to be resettled. Today, divers can explore the mysterious sunken ruins of the village or take a diving course at the diving centre in Seebrugg.

• A hike around Schluchsee with a snack at Unterkrummenhof, a rustic restaurant in a former farmhouse with a magnificent view of the lake, is well worth the effort.

• A visit to the AquaFun swimming pool at Schluchsee is a great idea if you like to alternate between the reservoir and the pool or if you want to give your children a treat during the holidays.

2. lake Eibsee (Bavaria)

Near Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies the fairytale-like Eibsee. The mountain lake at the foot of the Zugspitze, incidentally Germany's highest mountain, in Bavaria is surrounded by rugged and absolutely impressive mountain ranges and is therefore a hotspot for hikers, (amateur) photographers, cyclists and nature lovers who want to cool off in the midst of this natural wonder.

In summer, it is also pleasantly fresh in the mountains and the magnificent landscape of gigantic rocks and forests makes bathing a real experience. Small overgrown islands dot the Eibsee and provide turquoise-blue oases in the crystal-clear mountain lake. And best of all, the lake is close to Munich - why not combine the two when you visit the Bavarian capital?

Tip: Here you can find the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria. You'll be amazed at what great lakes there are to discover here in the south of Germany.

Excursion tips:

• Take the cable car up to the Zugspitze and admire the Eibsee and the overwhelming view.

• Hire a boat for a tour of the lake and then stop off at the Eibsee restaurant.

• Outdoor enthusiasts take note: Here we reveal the most beautiful hikes in and around Garmisch.

3 Müritz (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)

Müritz comes from the Slavic language and means "small sea". At 17.8 kilometres long and 9.9 kilometres wide, the popular bathing lake, which is part of the Mecklenburg Lake District in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, does indeed resemble a small sea. Fine sandy beaches, unspoilt nature and fishermen's cottages, which provide a Scandinavian charm, line the lake. You'll definitely feel like you're on holiday here in summer, because the Müritz offers everything you have at the seaside.

You can do water sports, swim, dive, soak up the sun, stroll, hike and go shopping in the surrounding towns.

Excursion tips:

• Hikes in the Müritz National Park will leave you in awe thanks to the wonderful flora and fauna.

• The magnificent Klink Castle is located directly on the Müritz, where a fine sandy beach, restaurants and boat hire await you.

Learn how to take photos properly

With our online landscape photography course - suitable for beginners and advanced photographers - you'll dive deep into the secrets of landscape photography.

We'll show you how to take stunning landscape photos with your camera and wow family, friends and even professionals with your images.

Get our online photography course here.

Lake Plön (Schleswig-Holstein)

Nestled in the midst of lakes for swimming, the enchanting Großer Plöner See is located between Kiel and Lübeck in Schleswig-Holstein, far in the north of Germany. The 3,000-hectare water paradise attracts visitors with its sandy beaches up to 100 metres wide, calendar-ready jetties and lush nature, from which a village or a church tower rises now and then. The leisure activities and cultural opportunities around Lake Großer Plön make the region a fantastic holiday destination for a wide range of needs and age groups.

Excursion tips:

• Visit the Prinzeninsel and enjoy the velvet-soft, white sandy beach at the Prinzenbad.

• Surf or sail on the lake and feel the wind in your hair.

The Große Plöner See is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Germany - Photo: Depositphotos by pahham 5. Wannsee (Berlin)

Do you know what I love most about Berlin? The many canals and beautiful lakes in and around the city area. And did you know that the famous Wannsee , despite its name, is actually not a lake but a large bay of the Havel river? Due to its size, however, the bay looks like a large bathing lake surrounded by magnificent villas, splendid parks and the romantic Peacock Island. A sophisticated flair, dense nature and picture-postcard beaches make Wannsee a popular destination even outside Berlin.

Excursion tips:

• Explore Berlin's sights and cool off in the Wannsee afterwards.

• Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg, is almost an insider tip.

• Treat yourself to a nice dinner at sunset on a unique boat trip across the Wannsee.

Wannsee is the big bathtub for Berliners. A popular destination at the weekend is the famous lido Steinhuder Meer (Lower Saxony)

Are you ready for the island? In the Steinhuder Meer in Lower Saxony, a bathing island awaits your visit. The island rewards your short walk across the bridge with great sandy beaches and a wonderful view of the bathing lake and the mainland. The Steinhuder Meer is the largest bathing lake in Lower Saxony, which is why the epithet "sea" is no coincidence. Maritime flair at least comes quickly on the beaches and with the crystal clear and deep blue water.

Excursion tips:

• Take a cycling tour or hike on the North Hanover Moor Route with the Steinhuder Meer as your destination.

• Visit the fortress on Wilhelmstein Island and be enchanted by the 360-degree panoramic view over the lake.

Lake Steinhude is a real highlight in Germany not only for day trippers but also for photographers. Travel guide for your holiday in Germany

We can recommend the following travel guides for your holiday in Germany:

*advertising link / images from the Amazon Product Advertising API

7. lake Cospuden (Saxony)

You'll find the longest beach in Saxony at Lake Cospuden near Leipzig in Saxony. So it's no wonder that the lake is a popular destination in the region. The steel-blue bathing lake was once an open-cast mine that was flooded at the beginning of the 21st century. Around it you will find a magnificent natural landscape and an approximately 11-kilometre-long hiking and cycling trail with wide, species-rich nature.

Excursion tips:

• In Markkleeberg, one village further on, you will find a canoe park. If you feel like an adrenaline kick, you can try the white-water rafting facility.

• A hike to the lookout tower on Bistumshöhe is worthwhile, because at the top you can enjoy a fabulous view over the region's bathing lakes.

Lake Laach (Rhineland-Palatinate)

In the local recreation area of the Volcanic Eifel, you can explore the largest bathing lake in Rhineland-Palatinate, the Laacher See. Because it has volcanic origins, it is round and particularly rich in minerals. This special feature has created a fantastic flora and fauna in and around the water. So a holiday in the region offers the perfect mix for everyone: hikes in the Volcanic Eifel, swimming, sailing, a city trip to Cologne and much more.

Excursion tips:

• Be sure to visit the nearby Benedictine abbey of Maria Laach. The monastery, situated almost directly on the lake, is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful Romanesque buildings in Germany.

• A walk around the volcanic lake in autumn is particularly romantic. In summer, a picnic on the shore is wonderful.

Lake Laach is definitely one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Germany. In general, the Volcanic Eifel is perfect for a holiday Doesn't it look great? Our tip: pack your light hiking boots and hike around the beautiful lake. 9. Bleilochtalsperre (Thuringia)

The Bleilochtalsperre in Thuringia is a whole 28 kilometres long. The reservoir, which dams the Saale, is the largest in all of Germany and its narrow, winding shape is reminiscent of the fjords of Scandinavia. So if you want to feel like you're on holiday abroad, but don't want to drive or fly too far, why not travel to Thuringia next time?

At the Bleichloch reservoir you'll find everything you need for a nature and swimming holiday. The forests are dense, lush and unspoiled, the water is crystal clear and royal blue, the beaches are picturesque.

Excursion tips:

• An unforgettable experience is a canoe tour through the fjord-like passages.

• If you prefer to travel on land, then take a bike tour along the reservoir. Many a steep cliff offers you a magnificent view with a goosebump feeling.

The Bleilochtalsperre is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Germany. 10. six-lake plateau (North Rhine-Westphalia)

The Six-Lake Plateau (consisting of Wambachsee, Masurensee, Böllertsee, Wolfssee, Wildförstersee and Haubachsee) near South Duisburg in North Rhine-Westphalia was created by flooded gravel pits. The collection of quarry ponds is a true recreation area for bathers, dog owners, nudists and nature lovers. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with a fine sandy beach at Wolfsee . All of the six quarry ponds are surrounded by forest and have a paradisiacal setting.

Excursion Tip:

• Climb the Wolfsberg tower and enjoy the breathtaking bird's eye view over the bathing lakes.

Lake Haubach is part of the Six Lakes Plateau, a popular destination for excursions - Photo: iStock/BerndBrueggemann 11 Boberger See (Hamburg)

Boberger See near Hamburg is also perfect for holidays at home. The quarry pond is surrounded by greenery and has a small but idyllic beach that is ideal for swimming and picnicking. If you feel like an exciting evening programme or a city trip afterwards, you can drive to the centre of Hamburg, which is only a few kilometres away.

Excursion tip:

• Take a trip to the nearby Boberger Dünen with its wonderful moorland.

Lake Hohennauen (Brandenburg)

You can barbecue, swim and soak up the sun at Hohennauen Lake, which lies on the edge of the Westhavelland Nature Park in Brandenburg. If you make yourself comfortable on the meadow, you have a great view of the natural lake. If you're in the mood for some exercise, a volleyball court awaits you for a round of team sports with your friends or family.

Tip for an excursion:

• Take a walk along the dyke and experience the rich flora and fauna of the lakeshore.

Lake Raßnitz (Saxony-Anhalt)

The mining industry created Lake Rassnitz, a dreamy bathing oasis in Saxony-Anhalt very close to Leipzig. With its dark blue, clear water, its size and its numerous bathing banks, it is a popular destination for Leipzig residents and holidaymakers spending their holidays with their children in the region. There are sandy beaches and natural, wilder beaches, depending on what you prefer.

Excursion Tip:

• There is an observation tower on the Hirschhügel near Raßnitz, which rewards you with a wonderful view after climbing the stairs.

Lake Werdersee (Bremen)

Lake Werdersee is actually a tributary of the Weser. However, this makes it a great recreation area for swimmers, joggers, cyclists, hikers and dog owners. If you are a canoeist, you will also love the Werdersee in Bremen, as it has a pleasant current and leads through a varied natural and urban scenery.

Excursion tips:

• Organise a cosy little barbecue on the shores of the Werdersee.

• It's not far to the centre of Bremen - visit the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians and go out to eat in one of the many good restaurants after a sightseeing tour of the old town.

15 Bostalsee (Saarland)

The Bostalsee lake in Saarland is an all-rounder: here you can swim, play volleyball and football, sunbathe, barbecue, hike and take a bike tour. Playgrounds make Bostalsee family-friendly, forests and beautiful sandy beaches invite you to experience, move and relax. The water quality of the reservoir is good and, together with the snack bars, rounds off the bathing fun.

Excursion tip:

• Just 20 minutes away by car, you can take a ride on the summer toboggan run at the Peterberg leisure centre in Braunshausen.

Lake Bostal is a popular recreational destination in the Saarland. The beautiful reservoir is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. 16 Edersee (Hesse)

Lake Edersee is the largest reservoir in Hesse. Whether you prefer to swim alone or have company - the Edersee has the right place for you. If you like to swim undisturbed, then look for one of the secluded beaches along the 70-kilometre-long shoreline.

If you want to be among people, then visit the lido in Waldeck. The surrounding mountain landscape and the wonderfully blue water give the reservoir a real holiday feeling.

Excursion tips:

• Experience the sunset over the lake from the terrace of Waldeck Castle. You will be thrilled.

• Do you want to go high up? Then prove your skills in the climbing forest at Lake Edersee.

There, in the distance, you can see Schloss Waldeck, enthroned high above the wonderful Edersee. Wicked, isn't it? We were certainly thrilled Lake Constance (Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria)

With its Mediterranean flair, size and beautiful islands and towns, Lake Constance (to the top sights on Lake Constance) is a perfect destination for those who want a holiday by the water but want to stay in Germany.

Here you'll experience vineyards, villages with a southern atmosphere, medieval towns and sandy beaches surrounded by mountains and magnificent nature. The warmth of southern Germany provides that extra portion of Italian feeling and makes you want to cool off in the gentle waves of the 536 km² Lake Constance.

Excursion tips:

• It is not only women's hearts that beat faster on the flower island of Mainau. A visit there is like a short holiday.

• If you are interested in culture and literature, visit the Hesse Museum in Gaienhofen on the Höri peninsula.

Meersburg Castle is one of the top sights on beautiful Lake Constance. The flower peacock is one of the most famous works of art on the island of Mainau 18. Königssee (Bavaria)

If you've ever been there, you'll agree that Königssee in Bavaria's Berchtesgadener Land region belongs on our list of top lakes in Germany. The waters of the breathtaking mountain lake range from turquoise to dark blue and invite you to swim, boat and sunbathe. The wild and romantic mountain scenery framing the Königssee is movie-worthy and a hiker's paradise with panoramic views.

Excursion tips:

• Take a cable car ride up the Jenner and have a meal with a magnificent view.

• Paddle to St. Bartholomä by boat or canoe.

• Here you will find beautiful hikes in Berchtesgaden.

The view from the Jenner mountain to the beautiful Königssee lake. 19. lake Schwerin (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)

Thanks to a wide beach, wonderfully clear water and beautiful villages with castles, Lake Schwerin is the perfect mix of Baltic Sea flair and city lake.

Here you can swim, unwind, stroll, experience culture and nature and do water sports. The surrounding region is also ideal for extensive cycling tours in almost untouched nature or for an active holiday with hikes.

Excursion Tip:

• How about a sightseeing tour of Schwerin with a visit to Schwerin Castle? The magnificent building is definitely a worthwhile destination!

20 Schmarmützelsee (Brandenburg)

Shallow entrances and fine beaches make Lake Scharmützelsee in eastern Germany near Berlin a popular bathing paradise for families throughout Brandenburg. But adrenaline junkies and passionate sports enthusiasts also get their money's worth. Kite surfing, diving and sailing are just a few of the possibilities. The blue idyll lies in the midst of magnificent nature and lets you forget everything around you on holiday.

Excursion Tip:

• The Scharmützelsee promenade is perfect for a stroll. The picturesque landscape will enchant you!

The Schmarmützelsee is a popular destination in Brandenburg Photo: Tourismusverein Scharmützelsee e.V., www.scharmuetzelsee.de

So that's it, our top 20 lakes in Germany. But of course our tips are just a few ideas for your next holiday nearby or for a wonderful weekend trip. After all, there are around 12,000 lakes in the whole of Germany. So you see: Germany has a lot to offer. So what are you waiting for, why not join us on an adventure :-)