Now that summer has brought warmth and beautiful weather to Munich, many of us can think of nothing else but finally escaping the city: getting some fresh air, going for a swim, andrelaxing at one of the manylakes in Upper Bavaria. And if they’re not overcrowded, so much the better. Well, if you’re willing to go the extra mile—in this case, drive—these eight lakes offer a peaceful atmosphere that’s definitely worth a day trip.
Bibisee
Lake Bibisee in the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district is simply ideal for families. Surrounded by meadows and forests that make up its beautiful landscape, it invites you to relax. But there’s no shortage of action, with a water slide, a floating dock, and sandboxes where your kids can let off steam. There are even designated barbecue areas waiting for you, so you can round off the day with a meal together while enjoying the lake view.
Fohnsee
Locatedin the heart of the Osterseen Nature Reserve and very close to Iffeldorf, Lake Fohnsee combines the beauty of wild nature with the comforts of a vacation resort, such as a charming restaurant. Here you’ll find white sand, turquoise water, and forests teeming with plants and animals. It’s one of more than 20 lakes that stretch across this truly unique area.
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to cool off in the summer away from the big public beaches, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Waldschwaigsee in the Dachauer Moos between Karlsfeld and Dachau: This quiet quarry lake boasts a sheltered goose island, a small swimming platform, and excellent water quality. With a depth of up to 14.6 meters, the water warms up slowly and offers refreshing relief from the heat—especially on hot days—without the crowds.
Suffice it to say that painters such as Gabriele Münter and Wassily Kandinsky frequently visited the Staffelsee near Murnau in search of relaxation. And judging by the idyllic atmosphere, not much has changed since their time. Whether you’re swimming in its crystal-clear waters, exploring the surrounding nature, renting a boat, or visiting one of the charming neighboring villages: it’s really hard not to relax here.
Weßlinger See
Weßlinger See is a small, quiet lake in the Fünfseenland region that warms up quickly and is surrounded by old trees. Perfect for relaxing days of swimming away from the big crowds! There’s a picturesque walking trail here and a swimming island in the middle of the lake. From Munich Central Station, you can easily reach the lake in just under half an hour by taking the S8 .
Kochelsee
Less visited than its bigger brother, Walchensee, Kochelsee is particularly popular with photographers—and hikers, too. Several trails and paths wind around it, climbing up to the peaks of the Pre-Alps and offering beautiful photo opportunities. The Lainbachfall waterfall is also worth a detour; its pool is even deep enough for you to swim in. However, if you don’t feel like hiking, you can check out the thermal baths and the sunbathing area in Kochel.
Kirchsee
Kirchsee near Sachsenkam is located right between Lake Starnberg and Lake Tegernsee. It attracts significantly fewer visitors, making it a true hidden gem for relaxing days at the beach. There are two swimming areas with piers here: on the north shore or on the south shore toward Reutberg Abbey. The lake is especially magical at dusk.
The Simssee offers quiet swimming spots, diverse moorland landscapes, and a roughly 20-km loop for hiking and biking. If you’re looking for a relaxing lake on hot summer days, you’ll find it here: At 6.5 km², it’s the largest lake in the Rosenheim district and the last remnant of the former Rosenheimer See. Surrounded by moorland and nature reserves, it features family-friendly swimming spots. Here, you can not only hike or swim, but also take a boat out on the water.
