Idyllic swimming lakes are a dime a dozen in Bavaria; the selection of warmer bodies of water, however, is significantly smaller. The Steinsee, with its 26°C, is an absolute exception, and when it comes to mountain lakes, the options become even scarcer. So if you’d rather not take a dip in ice-cold water even in the height of summer, you should definitely make a detour to Geroldsee. Thanks to its shallow depth, this moor lake warms up quite quickly and reaches pleasant swimming temperatures in the summer.
The warm moor lake
Geroldsee is located between Mittenwald and Garmisch-Patenkirchen, about 2 kilometers from the municipality of Krün. It owes its name to the Gerold district, to which it belongs and which consists of only a few farms. Since the lake is located in the Wagenbrüch area, it is sometimes also referred to as Wagenbrüchsee. It is a moor lake situated at an elevation of 927 meters in the Karwendel Mountains.
Due to its shallow depth of no more than six meters , it warms up quite quickly and reaches temperatures suitable for swimming as early as May. In summer , it warms up to 24°C, making it one of the warmest lakes in the Karwendel—and an ideal destination for anyone who tends to get cold in the water too quickly.
Activities at Geroldsee
Of course, the main attraction at Geroldsee is swimming. Since it’s a fairly shallow lake, it’s ideal for families with children. There are swimming areas on the west, south, and east shores, though the farmers from Gerold charge a small entrance fee here. Instead of cooling off in the water, you can also go for a hike. The Three-Lakes Hiking Trail takes you from Wagenbrüchsee via Barmsee to Grubsee.
Here, you can enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings and the panoramic view of the Karwendel, Zugspitze, and Soirenspitze. Depending on the season, crocuses or gentians bloom here, transforming the meadows into a sea of flowers. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing in the area, as trails are groomed nearby. That’s why a trip to the beautiful Geroldsee is worthwhile all year round.
