To escape the summer heat in the city, many Munich residents like to head to Lake Starnberg, where they take a dip in the cool water. But precisely because Starnberg is so close and so beautiful, it’s always crowded there—especially on weekends. If you’d rather avoid the crowds without having to drive too far, then Lake Weßling is just right for you.
The “Blue Heart” of the Five Lakes Region
Lake Weßling is located in the heart of the municipality of Weßling, from which it takes its name. Because of its shape, it’s also called the “blue heart” of the municipality, which makes it a particularly romantic spot. The lake is a landlocked body of water fed solely by underground springs. As a result, Lake Weßling has low oxygen levels, a condition further exacerbated by external factors.
To prevent the water from stagnating, a pump was installed in the 1970s that shoots water into the air as a fountain. There’s also a dragon sculpture in the lake nicknamed “Wessy,” a reference to the Loch Ness Monster. Combined with the fountain, this is especially exciting for kids, who can be led to believe that a monster lives in the lake. So despite its small size of just 17 hectares, there’s plenty to discover at Lake Weßling.
A Trip to Lake Weßling
Lake Weßling may be the smallest body of water in the Five Lakes Region, but that’s precisely what makes it so charming. You can walk around it in an hour and enjoy an idyllic stroll. The town of Weßling, with the two-towered church, provides a beautiful panoramic backdrop. In addition, there are several swimming spots along the shore as well as boat docks, allowing you to explore the lake without getting your feet wet.
You’ll also find a kiosk and a beer garden at Lake Weßling where you can grab a bite to eat. For children, there’s a lovely playground with a zip line. It’s also worth visiting in winter, when you can go ice skating on the lake—provided the ice is thick enough. From Munich, you can reach Lake Weßling in about half an hour by S-Bahn toward Herrsching am Ammersee, or in 40 minutes by car.
