Between Isar,
the market street and the mountains.

Tegernsee, one of Germany's most beautiful lakes, has long been one of Bavaria's most popular destinations, uniting five picturesque towns along its shore: Tegernsee, Rottach-Egern, Kreuth, Bad Wiessee and Gmund. At the heart of the town that gives the lake its name stands the imposing Tegernsee Abbey with its two distinctive towers, right next to the traditional Herzoglich Bayerisches Brauhaus with its well-known Bräustüberl. A steamboat trip across the lake is a real highlight, linking the loveliest lakeside towns in a relaxed way with picturesque mountain views. In summer, several bathing spots and beaches invite you to swim, while sailing, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and, with a fishing licence, angling are also possible. The family-friendly lake path is ideal for cycling all the way around the lake, or for walking; those who prefer something more active can choose a route up into the surrounding mountains. The 1,722 m Wallberg shapes the valley's landscape; the local mountain of Rottach-Egern is a popular hiking destination with a wonderful view of the lake, and can also be combined with a fast ride down the natural toboggan run. Several saunas and spas right on the shore also provide relaxation, including the unusual Irmingard sauna boat. In winter, when it's cold enough, the lake freezes over and turns into a surface for ice skating and walking, while the surrounding mountains invite skiing and cross-country skiing.

Walchensee, often called the "Bavarian Caribbean", is one of Bavaria's deepest lakes, with turquoise-green, crystal-clear water set against a spectacular Alpine backdrop. Because the shoreline is largely undeveloped, natural bathing spots can be found almost everywhere; among the most popular are the Surferwiese meadow, the Maibaum beach and the pebble beach near Einsiedl. Thanks to reliable thermal winds, the lake is also considered one of Bavaria's best spots for watersports, ideal for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, while divers can explore an exceptional visibility of up to 40 metres and sunken car, boat and even aircraft wrecks. Hikers are also well catered for at Walchensee: to the north, the Herzogstand and Jochberg beckon with their famous panoramic trails, while to the south the view opens up towards the Karwendel range. The family-friendly shoreline path is well suited to relaxed walks and cycling tours around the lake, while in winter the surrounding mountains invite ski touring. Culture lovers can visit the St. Anna chapel with its Baroque high altar by Cosmas Damian Asam, which can be visited on Sundays in summer. The Kochelsee is just 650 metres away.

Kogler Lack (also known as Koglerweiher) near Abrain, close to Bad Tölz, is a picturesque ice-age kettle pond and a popular local destination, whether for swimming in summer or ice skating in winter. The small lake lies idyllically at the edge of the forest and offers an easy, uncomplicated dip without a long walk, right next to the car park. The surrounding area also offers visitors the protected Kirchseemoos with its species-rich moorland, as well as the nearby Kirchsee with its own bathing jetty.

Kirchsee, between Sachsenkam and Kirchbichl, is an idyllic moorland lake in the Tölzer Land region and a popular destination for those seeking peace and quiet, and for swimmers. The highlight is the bathing jetty not far from Reutberg Abbey, which offers a particularly beautiful view of the abbey and invites you to swim in summer. After a swim, it's well worth stopping at the nearby Klosterbräustüberl Reutberg, a traditional Bavarian inn with one of the loveliest beer gardens in the Oberland region. Under old chestnut trees and with a view of the mountain panorama, you'll find Bavarian specialities as well as the house's own Reutberger Klosterbier, brewed on the Reutberg since 1677. On the opposite shore lies the protected Kirchseemoos, a valuable habitat for rare plants and animals, while the dense reed belt gives the lake its natural, tranquil character.

Sylvensteinsee, south of Lenggries, is a fjord-like reservoir nestled among the mountains of the Karwendel range and, with its turquoise-blue to green shimmering mountain water, is considered one of the loveliest destinations in Upper Bavaria. Several natural bathing spots invite you to swim, including on the north shore near the distinctive Sylvenstein bridge, as well as a bathing meadow supervised by the water rescue service near the village of Fall, the only settlement directly on the lake. There's deliberately no organised lido with kiosk here, which means the shore is noticeably quieter than at the neighbouring Walchensee or Achensee. Besides swimming, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and, with a fishing licence, angling are also possible, while the Isar cycle path runs right alongside the lake and is ideal for a break with a view of the water. When water levels are low, the foundations of the old village of Fall, flooded to build the reservoir, come back into view - a special piece of history amid the impressive mountain scenery.

Kochelsee, framed by the Herzogstand, Heimgarten and Jochberg, is a popular destination in the Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills, with deep-blue water and an impressive mountain backdrop. Several pebble and natural beaches invite you to swim, such as the bathing spot at Finckberg near the Franz Marc Museum, or the mouth of the Lainbach stream with its wide pebble delta, which is especially good for children to play on. Those who prefer somewhere quieter will find idyllic pasture meadows at the start of the Felsenweg near Altjoch, which blend almost seamlessly into the beach and lake. Besides swimming, Kochelsee also offers a boat trip on the lake, the popular Felsensteig trail with its picturesque views along the rock face, and good conditions for cycling and fishing. Combined with the nearby Walchensee, the region offers twice the recreational opportunities for a successful day trip.