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Bodenmais

Top 20 Lakes around Bodenmais

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.

Best lakes around Bodenmais

  • The most popular lakes is Trifter Inn Schwellhäusl, a hut and restaurant located by a lake. This idyllic inn offers a cozy beer garden and rustic dining room, making it a perfect place to stop for refreshments.
  • Another must-see spot is Great Arber Lake, a cirque lake and natural monument. It features unique "floating islands" or "swinging lawns" and is surrounded by primeval forest-like flora.
  • Visitors also love Natural shoreline of the Großer Arbersee, a wheelchair-accessible lake and natural monument. This picturesque mountain lake was carved out by glaciers during the last ice age, offering scenic views and a circular hike.
  • Bodenmais is known for its glacial lakes, natural swimming spots, and forest-enclosed waters. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from large, historically significant bodies of water to smaller, tranquil bathing areas.
  • The lakes around Bodenmais are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2900 upvotes and over 1800 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Great Arber Lake

Highlight • Lake

As a cirque lake, the Great Arbersee is a relic from the last ice age. A special feature is the swinging lawn. The oscillating lawns, known as floating islands, are mainly found on the western edge of Lake Arbersee. They cover around two hectares of water and were created in the 19th century when the Arbersee was dammed by more than half a meter for the timber drift. In the process, moor blankets detached from the current lake floor and have been floating on the water surface ever since.

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Trifter Inn Schwellhäusl

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Fantastically located refreshment stops with a charm that you won't find anywhere else. Absolute recommendation. The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no day of rest, in November it is closed for company holidays.

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Little Arber Lake

Highlight • Lake

A beautiful lake 😉. Pure nature. There is a beautiful hiking trail around the lake. Just enjoy!

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During the last ice age, glacier crests formed several times on the summit of the Großer Arber. As the temperature rose, the glaciers began to slide. On their way down into the valley, they carved out the bed of the Großer Arbersee. Thanks to this glacier work, you can now enjoy the picturesque mountain lake on a circular hike.

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Wonderful hike around the lake, which can also be reached with the small Arber Bahn (Bimmelbahn)

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Popular around Bodenmais

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Hiking tips for the Bavarian Forest

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Bayerischer Wald

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Silke on Tour 🏞️
November 1, 2024, Kleiner Arbersee

It was formerly used for 🪵transport by opening the weir and allowing the water flow down the valley.

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On the Arbersee Rundweg there is always a beautiful view over the lake and the Seehäusl.

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Markus
March 19, 2023, Großer Arbersee

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 👍

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Markus
March 19, 2023, Großer Arbersee

A visit to Gr. Arbersee is always something beautiful. Here you can just relax or go hiking and biking 😉

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A beautiful mountain lake that can be comfortably circled.

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Very beautiful mountain lake. It is worth walking a round.

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Nature conservation is very important on the Arber.

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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 🥘👍

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly lakes around Bodenmais?

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.

Which lakes are accessible for wheelchairs near Bodenmais?

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.

What unique natural features can I see at the lakes around Bodenmais?

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.

Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Bodenmais?

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.

Where can I find refreshments or cafes near the lakes?

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.

What kind of wildlife can be observed around the lakes?

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.

Are there other natural swimming spots in the Bodenmais area besides the Arbersee lakes?

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.

What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

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.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Bodenmais?

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.

Can I visit lakes that are relics of the last ice age?

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.

Is there a lake near Bodenmais that is located in the Bohemian Forest?

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.

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

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