There’s all sorts of wildlife to discover at the Bavarian lakes. Fish and amphibians frolic in the water, while ducks and swans glide across the surface. The Ismaninger Speichersee is a true paradise for waterfowl, and Waldschwaigsee features an island reserved exclusively for wild geese. Reptiles, on the other hand, are a rather rare sight and , if seen at all, are usually limited to a few cute turtles. But rumor has it that a crocodile once escaped from Karlsfelder Lake and hasn’t been seen since. Today, you can spend varied summer days here without having to worry about a crocodile attack.
Emil, the Crocodile
The Austrians had Emil the moose; Bavaria had Emil the crocodile. In the 1960s, Karl Hager from Dachau—then a student —is said to have discovered and purchased the animal at a pet store. He named it Emil and initially kept it in his bathtub. But the crocodile quickly outgrew the tub, so Hager began walking it on a leash and taking it everywhere with him. He would sit with the animal in his university lectures or take it for walks in the English Garden. He also enjoyed taking Emil out to Lake Karlsfeld, driving there in his Volkswagen Beetle. Most of the time, the crocodile stayed on a leash, but since it didn’t move around much, Hager would occasionally let it off the leash.
That’s how it happened that it slipped away during a trip to the lake in 1967. Karl Hager got out of his “Duck” to put on his swim trunks when something startled the crocodile. It fled into Lake Karlsfeld, where it sank. Presumably, the water—which is only about 10°C at the bottom—was too cold for Emil, so he ultimately drowned. Nevertheless, a search was launched at first, but without success. Hager had to pay a 35 DM fine and never saw his crocodile—which was, more precisely, a caiman—again. No one knows for sure how much of the story is true. However, Emil really did exist, as photos from that time prove.
Fun and Games at Lake Karlsfeld
Since the story about Emil took place nearly 60 years ago and the poor animal presumably drowned, you can swim in Lake Karlsfeld today without any worries. The water is of high quality and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. On the 17-hectare sunbathing lawn, you can find a nice spot and relax. If you’re looking for more action, you’ll find a wide range of recreational activities around the lake. Kids will love the several playgrounds, including an adventure playground, and a mini-golf course. For something even more active , try beach volleyball or table tennis. There are also bocce courts and even a skate park available. So there really is something for everyone at Lake Karlsfeld.
You can also walk or bike around the lake; the route is about 3 kilometers long. Along the way, you ’ll pass the wetland habitat and the Schallweiher , where you might spot frogs and even turtles—but no caimans. The dining options at Karlsfelder Lake are just as diverse. “Shato am See” serves Turkish cuisine, “Fifty Seven” offers burgers and bowls, and of course there’s a classic beer garden with Bavarian delicacies. You can also prepare your own food at one of the barbecue areas.
