The most beautiful lakes in the region – part 2

Famous for its beautiful lakes, the region to the southwest of Munich is a popular destination on hot summer days. The varied free-time activities on offer at the bathing resorts are ideal for both families and singles, as well as anyone looking for action or for relaxation. In this article we would like to tell you about some of the best bathing lakes that can be easily reached from the west of Munich and the surrounding region.

Kochelsee

The Kochelsee is particularly well-suited to hiking. Many hiking trails, as well as mountain tours for beginners and experienced hikers alike, are just waiting to be discovered here. Climbing offers a little more action – the cliffs in Altjoch in particular are popular training areas for climbers. Cyclists, too, will find many cycle routes with different levels of difficulty in the region around the Kochelsee.

The motor ship ‘Herzogstand’ is an especially comfortable way to enjoy the landscape around the Kochelsee. Rowing and pedal boats can also be rented out along the lake promenade. Keen swimmers have a choice between several bathing areas for both swimming and soaking up the sun at the Kochelsee.

The nearby Walchensee can also be easily reached by car from the Kochelsee. Here you can find the Walchensee Power Station, a protected industrial monument that is among the largest high-pressure storage power stations in Germany. Visitors can learn about the topic of energy and discover interesting facts about hydropower.

Highlight: Spanning 1300 m², the crystal thermal spa “Kristal trimini” boasts an outdoor pool, a thermal bath and a sauna complex, plus a fantastic view of the Herzogstand.

Starnberger See

The Starnberger See has an array of bathing options and water sports to choose from, including sailing, pedal boats, surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding. Visitors can cross the lake on ships of the ‘White-and-Blue Fleet’ while enjoying the wonderful views.

Cyclists can either go round the entire lake, or complete different cycling tours along the lakeside. The beautiful Starnberger See is also ideal for relaxed walks with short breaks to enjoy the views, as well as hikes in the Starnberg district. Culture lovers, too, will find some well-known sights worth a visit around the Starnberger See, such as the votive chapel in memory of King Ludwig II.

Highlight: If you are already near the Starnberger See, you should definitely pay a visit to the Roseninsel (‘Rose Island’). Visitors can take a ferry from Feldafing to this romantic island with its small museum and the gardens of the summer house ‘Casino’.

Ammersee

Tourists, day-trippers and locals alike all love the free-time activities that the Ammersee offers. In particular the possibilities to exercise and play sports here are almost endless. The wonderful landscape around the Ammersee can be enjoyed from the paddle steamer ‘RMS Dießen’ or the ‘RMS Herrsching’. Various boats and individual canoes can also be rented out around the lake in order to explore it. Sailing and Canadian canoe courses are available for both beginners and the more advanced. Experienced stand-up paddle-boarders can rent out the necessary equipment on-site. The Ammersee's pleasantly warm water is also appealing for bathing at one of the many lidos around the lake. Those who prefer an indoor swimming pool, or also want to freshen up when the weather is not so good, can pay a visit to the Lechtalbad in Kaufering.

There are plenty of activities to do on land, too. Golfers can practice their passion on the golf course or alongside their children on the minigolf course. Those who prefer to let their children play golf alone can also visit the cozy Andechs beer garden in the complex, or use the time to visit Andechs Monastery. In Utting am Ammersee, climbing enthusiasts have the opportunity to go wild in the Ammersee-Hochseil-Klettergarten climbing park.

Highlight: Unforgettable views are provided by the helicopter sightseeing flight above the Ammersee. The biplane “Tante Anna” also offers sightseeing flights from Bad Wörishofen over the Ammersee region, the Five Lake Country or Neuschwanstein.

Wörthsee

The Wörthsee is located near the Ammersee. Thanks to the shallowness of the lake and its pleasant water temperature, it is especially apt for bathing. Several bathing areas and lidos give visitors the option to relax on grassed areas and bathing jetties, to enjoy the Wörthsee’s water, and to refuel with snacks and light meals from a kiosk or beer garden. Naturally, boats can also be rented out here for a pleasant boat ride. Up to the end of October, the Wörthsee is also a popular meeting point for anglers thanks to the good quality of its water. Hikers can go round the lake in around three hours, or alternatively use one of the other hiking trails on the Wörthsee and the surrounding region.

Highlight: The ‘Gondola Viaggiante’ gives you an Italian feeling in Bavaria. The Venetian gondola has graced Bachern am Wörthsee since 2005, and can booked for a romantic ferry ride over the lake in comfort.