Which German lakes are worth seeing?
Lakes in Germany are a guarantee of many experiences in the areas of tourism and history. We have selected four of them for you, which we will introduce to you more closely in the article. If you would like to spend a longer time near any of the lakes, you can stay at one of the lake resorts (of which there are many in Germany), at a campsite, or perhaps through Airbnb. But what are the selected lakes characteristic of? We will reveal that in the article.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance in Germany is by far the largest lake (with an area of 305 km² (118 mi2)) and also the third largest lake in Europe (after Lake Balaton and Lake Geneva). When you look at the map of Germany and Lake Constance, you will find that the lake extends to the territory of two other countries: Switzerland and Austria.
Abroad, you will find the lake under the name Bodensee. This largest lake in Germany is visited for its wide range of hiking and cycling opportunities, as well as for sailing and other water sports.
What Not to Miss:
- The Flower Island of Mainau is one of the nine islands in the German part of the lake. The island is known for its huge castle garden (where you can find, for example, an arboretum with 250 rare trees) or the butterfly house.
- Meersburg Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Germany, located on a rocky promontory overlooking the lake.
- The city of Konstanz is known as Kostnice in Czech. It is located on the Swiss side of the lake. And yes, this is where Jan Hus was burned at the stake.
Lake Königssee
Lake Königssee is the third deepest lake in Germany and has exceptionally clean water, which is why only electrically powered boats are allowed here to prevent pollution. Sometimes you can also find the lake referred to as the Royal Lake, but in Germany, its name is not actually derived from the word “king,” but from the male name “Kuno.” The lake is surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps (Berchtesgaden National Park) and steep cliffs, so you sometimes feel like you’re on a trip to the Scandinavian fjords.
What Not to Miss:
- The famous pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomew—a chapel on its site dates back to the 12th century.
- The Ice Chapel Eiskapelle—created in the glacier at Mount Watzmann.
- The Röthbachfall Waterfall—which, at a height of 470 meters, is the highest waterfall in Germany. You can find it 2 to 3 hours from the southern tip of the lake.
If it freezes properly in winter and the ice on the lake is at least 15 cm thick, you can walk, ski, or bike through the lake along the designated route.
Lake Titisee
Lake Titisee is located in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in Germany, where the Danube River originates. The most interesting aspect of this location is the connection between the water surface and the forest itself, which is the oldest protected area in Germany and contains over 20,000 km (12,400 mi) of hiking trails. Due to the vastness of the Black Forest, you can encounter rugged “Nordic” landscapes as well as vineyards with a Mediterranean character. The highest point of the mountain range is Feldberg. If you take a trip to Lake Titisee, don’t forget to taste the famous Black Forest ham, which originated precisely in this region.
Lake Alster
This German lake is located directly in Hamburg. So, if you prefer to explore the water surface in a city rather than in nature, you are in the right place. You can take a boat trip on the lake along one of the circular routes and thus see the city from an unusual perspective. At Town Hall Square, you may feel like you’re in “miniature” Venice for a moment. A local specialty is a beer-based lemonade called Alsterwasser.
At none of the lakes will you manage to see everything
All the lakes and their surroundings offer plenty of activities, and no matter which one you visit, you will have guaranteed experiences. Now all that’s left is to choose the ideal month to visit—the one that interests you the most.
