Anyone taking a trip from Munich to a lake in the Allgäu will likely end up at Lake Forggensee. After all, it is not only the fifth-largest lake in Bavaria but also the largest reservoir in the country, offering plenty of space. However, with Lake Hopfensee, it has a neighbor that, while much smaller, is at least as attractive for a swimming trip. The water here reaches pleasant temperatures as early as the end of May, making it perfect for swimming even before summer begins.
The Swabian Riviera
Lake Hopfensee is a remnant of the former Lake Füssen, in whose basin Lake Forggensee is located today. Since it reaches a maximum depth of just 10.4 meters, it warms up quite quickly and already reaches higher temperatures than other pre-Alpine lakes by the end of May. In summer , the water temperature rises to as high as 25°C, so you can cool off without having to go for an ice-cold swim. The shallow depth also ensures gentle entry points, making the lake particularly attractive for families with children.
It’s not just the water temperature, but also the view of the surrounding mountain panorama that gives Lake Hopfensee its nickname as the “Swabian Riviera” or the “Riviera of the Allgäu.” Here you can wonderfully unwind and enjoy the day by the water. To the northwest lies the spa town of Hopfen, whose promenade, lined with cafés, invites you to take a stroll and enhances that vacation feeling even more.
Swimming with a View
While swimming in Lake Hopfensee, you’ll not only have a view of the Allgäu Alps but also of the two castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. These are best seen from the northeastern shore. To the south, you’ll find the beach area, which offers plenty of amenities. If you’d rather walk than swim, you can simply walk around Lake Hopfensee. The tranquil 6.8-kilometer path leads you around the lake, offering a picturesque landscape that you’ll never tire of looking at.
The panorama of Lake Hopfensee is so picturesque that it was even one of the selectable background images for the Windows 7 operating system in Germany. If you want to see the beauty of the “Riviera of the Allgäu” for yourself, then stop by Lake Hopfensee and spend some summer days by the water here. Here, you can not only swim or take a walk, but also rent boats or even go fishing.
