June 18, 2025, 8:18 am | Read time: 7 minutes

When summer temperatures rise, Munich’s green spaces offer a pleasant escape. For those who prefer to avoid crowded swimming pools, the many lakes around Munich provide a welcome alternative and refreshing coolness. TRAVELBOOK highlights eight of the most beautiful swimming lakes near Munich.

1. Kirchsee – 45 kilometers south of Munich

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Relaxation and peace–that’s what Kirchsee in Sachsenkam, 45 kilometers south of Munich, offers. The lake is known for its good water quality and pleasant swimming temperatures. Idyllically located next to a large forest, it invites you to swim and sunbathe. A perfect place to refresh on a hot day and fully enjoy nature. For us, one of the most beautiful lakes near Munich and almost a hidden gem! The infrastructure at Kirchsee is excellent, with ample parking nearby. Our tip: The Maikiki Café is located between the parking lots and the lake and offers delicious snacks. A small path winds past the café down to a beautiful wooden pier leading into the water.

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2. Karlsfelder See – 15 kilometers northwest of Munich

Green meadows and forests with sparkling water in between–Karlsfelder See is a quarry lake in Karsfeld near Dachau. By car, it is 30 minutes from Munich. Public transport takes almost twice as long, but the lake is still easily accessible by bus and S-Bahn. Besides offering a refreshing dip, Karlsfelder See also provides a variety of recreational activities such as water sports, mini-golf, skating, tennis, and beach volleyball. There are also many playgrounds and sports fields around the lake for the little ones. A popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Our tip: The culinary offerings at Karlsfelder See are extensive, and we were particularly impressed by the Karlsfeld beer garden. In summer, every first Wednesday of the month, they serve traditional Bavarian “Steckerlfisch.”

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3. Schliersee – 50 kilometers southeast of Munich

Majestic mountains, crystal-clear water, and the small island of Wörth–surrounded by a stunning Alpine backdrop, Schliersee (large image above) is not only a bathing paradise but also a hiking haven! Both by car and public transport, the lake near Munich is reachable in about an hour. The slightly more famous Tegernsee is just a few kilometers away and definitely worth a visit. At Schliersee, there is a campsite right by the water and a lovely beach bar on the other side of the lake. Additionally, there is a boat rental between the lake and the main train station. Parking is good, and there’s also delicious food available. Schliersee offers everything needed for a perfect summer day by the lake! Our tip: Café Lauber Beach has a beautiful pier terrace with a view of the lake.

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4. Ammersee – 35 kilometers west of Munich

Gray geese gliding by and charming lakeside villages for which Ammersee is known–here you can let your soul dangle. Ammersee entices with clear water and the best conditions for maximum swimming fun. Whether swimming, sailing, or just relaxing on the shore, everyone is sure to have beautiful days by the lake here. Besides the option to sail, you can also book a boat trip to get a different perspective of the lake. By car, Ammersee is reachable from Munich in just under an hour, but public transport connections are unfortunately not as good. Right next door are the small neighboring lakes Wörthsee and Pilsensee, which are also highly recommended. Our tip: The very popular Restaurant Fischer attracts with a great outdoor area and fantastic cuisine.

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5. Starnberger See – 25 kilometers southwest of Munich

Elegant lakeside promenades and majestic mountain panoramas–Starnberger See makes an impression. It’s not without reason that it’s also known as “Bavaria’s Riviera.” Here, luxury and natural beauty are perfectly combined, inviting you to linger. Picturesquely situated between hills, this lake near Munich is a jewel of the region. By car, it is reachable in just over half an hour, and by public transport, the journey takes just under an hour, but the S-Bahn goes all the way to Starnberg. Our tip: The Strandhotel Berg opens its restaurant doors to those not staying at the hotel. Next to the pretty outdoor terrace is a wooden pier where small boats gently rock. Here, you can wonderfully end your days by the lake.

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6. Waldschwaigsee – 20 kilometers northwest of Munich

Surrounded by fields and forest, the small Waldschwaigsee is somewhat hidden in Karlsfeld near Dachau. This lake near Munich delights with its quiet and secluded ambiance. Ideal for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city! The small quarry lake is about nine hectares in size and up to 15 meters deep. A thoroughly idyllic place to relax in nature and let your soul dangle. The lake is surrounded by small villages, and a golf club is nearby. There is ample parking, and in addition to the neighboring Karlsfelder See, there are two other great lakes nearby: Lußsee and Langwieder See. Our tip: Next door, you can buy freshly caught fish at Fischgut Waldheim or even catch it yourself under their guidance!

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7. Walchensee – 80 kilometers south of Munich

Steep mountain peaks, deep blue water, and untouched nature–framed by the Bavarian Alps, the scenery of Walchensee speaks for itself. This lake near Munich is a paradise for nature lovers. Water sports and hiking enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here. Walchensee is the big brother of Kochelsee, which is also highly recommended. Both are about an hour’s drive from Munich, while the train ride takes almost two hours. The trip is worth it, as the lake’s remarkable color has earned it the nickname “Bavarian Caribbean.” Even Goethe used the lake as a preferred stopover on his travels to Italy. By sharing his fondness for the area, he brought tourism to Walchensee in the early 20th century. Our tip: For a breathtaking view from above, a hike up Jochberg is worthwhile.

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8. Chiemsee – 95 kilometers southeast of Munich

Amidst a breathtaking Alpine backdrop lies one of the most famous lakes near Munich–Chiemsee. Bavaria’s largest lake is surrounded by the Chiemgau mountains and offers plenty of swimming fun on an area of about 80 square kilometers. Its clear water and many beautiful islands make it a highlight of the region. Among the most beautiful islands of the “Bavarian Sea” are Herreninsel and Fraueninsel. The islands owe their names to the monasteries located there. While monks were housed in the Herreninsel monastery, nuns lived in the Fraueninsel monastery. Both islands are now attractions and are easily accessible by regular boat service. A visit is worthwhile! In addition to numerous wide sandy beaches, Chiemsee also offers a wide range of recreational activities, leaving no wish unfulfilled. Our tip: The Gasthof Inselwirt restaurant is located on Fraueninsel and is the crowning glory of any island excursion.