Best lakes around Bodenmais are found within the Bavarian Forest, a region characterized by its natural landscape and glacial formations. The area is known for its cirque lakes, which are relics from the last ice age, offering unique geological features. These lakes provide opportunities for exploration and connection with nature, set against a backdrop of ancient forests and impressive rock faces. Visitors can experience diverse aquatic environments, from large glacial lakes to smaller, tranquil swimming spots.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Bodenmais.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bodenmais
Hiking tips for the Bavarian Forest
Six wonderful hikes around Bavaria’s Großer Arber
Classic Dahoam in the Bavarian Forest
Active relaxation in the forests of Bavaria
Flow trails in ski areas
Erster Bierfernwanderweg Deutschlands - unterwegs auf bierigen Pfaden
Bodenmaiser Trailrunning-Paradies - TOP 7!
Bodenmaiser Hüttentouren - Unsere TOP Wanderungen mit Einkehr
Gipfelglück - die TOP 5 Bodenmaiser Gipfelziele
Goldener Hebst: TOP 10 Herbst-Wanderungen in Bodenmais
It was formerly used for 🪵transport by opening the weir and allowing the water flow down the valley.
16
0
On the Arbersee Rundweg there is always a beautiful view over the lake and the Seehäusl.
3
0
Here at the Arbersee it is simply wonderfully beautiful, whether in summer or in winter. Always worth a visit 👌 From here there are numerous great opportunities for hiking and biking 👍
32
0
A visit to Gr. Arbersee is always something beautiful. Here you can just relax or go hiking and biking 😉
31
0
A beautiful mountain lake that can be comfortably circled.
14
0
Very beautiful mountain lake. It is worth walking a round.
20
0
Nature conservation is very important on the Arber.
17
0
A cozy beer garden with a view over the pond, a rustic dining room and "Beer from Stoa" make the Schwellhäusl Trifterklause the perfect place to stop. Delicious food 🥘👍
17
0
Yes, several lakes around Bodenmais are ideal for families. The Great Arber Lake is particularly family-friendly, featuring the Arberseehaus with an adventure playground and baby changing facilities. The Trifter Inn Schwellhäusl, located by a lake, also offers a cozy beer garden and rustic dining, making it a great stop for families.
The Great Arber Lake is notably accessible, offering a barrier-free 1.5-kilometer circular trail around its picturesque shoreline. This allows visitors in wheelchairs to enjoy the scenic views and ancient forest.
The Großer Arbersee and Kleiner Arbersee are famous for their unique "floating islands" or "swinging lawns," which are moor blankets that detached from the lake floor. The Great Arber Lake also features the impressive 400-meter-high Arberseewand, a steeply rising rock face, and is surrounded by primeval forest-like flora.
Absolutely. Both the Großer Arbersee and Kleiner Arbersee offer leisurely 1.5-kilometer circular trails, perfect for exploring their unique nature. For more extensive hikes, you can find routes like the "Great Arber Lake – Arber Chapel loop from Bretterschachten" or the "Rißloch Waterfalls – Kleiner Arber Summit loop from Bodenmais" in the Mountain Hikes around Bodenmais guide.
At the Great Arber Lake, the Arberseehaus provides a cozy spot with panoramic windows and a large sun terrace. The Kleiner Arbersee has the Seehäusl directly on its shore for refreshments. Additionally, the Trifter Inn Schwellhäusl is an idyllic inn with a beer garden by a lake, offering delicious food and drinks.
The Kleiner Arbersee is a natural treasure known for its rare animal and plant species. Otters and beavers have re-established themselves in and around this lake, offering opportunities for wildlife observation in its wonderfully wild forest surroundings.
Yes, Bodenmais offers a variety of other natural swimming spots for water activities. These include the Badesee, Freizeitsee, Badeweiher, and Baggersee. The Ebenreuther See, located about 32.2 km away, is also a tranquil option with a large sunbathing lawn.
Beyond hiking, the region around Bodenmais's lakes offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore various road cycling routes, such as the "Great Arber Lake – Ascent to the Scheiben loop," detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Bodenmais guide. There are also numerous mountain hikes and waterfall hikes available.
The lakes are beautiful year-round. In warmer months, they are perfect for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the outdoor cafes. The Great Arber Lake is described as wonderfully beautiful whether in summer or winter, offering great opportunities for hiking and biking.
Yes, both the Großer Arbersee and Kleiner Arbersee are cirque lakes formed by glacial movements approximately 10,000 years ago, making them significant relics of the last ice age. The Great Arber Lake, in particular, was carved out by glaciers, offering a picturesque mountain lake experience.
Yes, Čertovo Jezero (Devil's Lake) is a glacial lake located on Czech territory in the Bohemian Forest, just below the 1343-meter-high sea wall. It's a beautiful area, though biking is forbidden on the last part of the trail to the lake.


Still not found your perfect lake around Bodenmais? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.