Best lakes around Eglfing offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities in the Bavarian region. Eglfing, located in the Weilheim-Schongau district of Germany, serves as a starting point for exploring several picturesque bodies of water. The area is characterized by its glacial origins, resulting in unique lake formations and surrounding natural reserves. These lakes provide settings for various outdoor activities and are appreciated for their natural beauty.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
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A great route through the forest directly along the lake, very pleasant to cycle or walk.
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There is a lot to experience at the market in Murnau...
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The Murnauer Moos is the largest Alpine moor in Central Europe and a true natural pearl. Unique impressions and views make the tour an experience. A great bike tour on a great route through the region.
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Beautiful path along the southern side of the Staffelsee
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Great paved cycle path through the Murnauer Moos, with beautiful views over the moor towards the mountains
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The Osterseen are a group of bodies of water south of Lake Starnberg in the Weilheim-Schongau district in Upper Bavaria. The southern and central Osterseen with the Großer Ostersee belong to the municipality of Iffeldorf, the northern Osterseen from the Stechsee and the Frechensee to the municipality of Seeshaupt. Iffeldorf is around five kilometers by road northwest of Penzberg, 20 km southeast of the district town of Weilheim and 50 km south-southwest of Munich city centre. The 20 larger individual lakes have a total area of around 225 hectares and an average depth of a good nine metres. The Kleiner Gröbensee and about 15 unnamed smaller lakes, each with an area of only a few hundred square meters, are not included here, seven of which are already heavily silted up. The Osterseen and the silting-up zone bordering to the west are located in the landscape protection area "Protection of the Osterseen and their surroundings in the communities of Frauenrain, Iffeldorf and Seeshaupt". The area received this protection status as early as 1955. Since 1981 there has also been the Osterseen nature reserve with an area of 1,083 hectares. About a third of this is on the surface of the water bodies, 494 hectares are high, low and intermediate moors, 172 hectares consist of semi-natural mixed forest. Around five percent of the Osterseen landscape consists of riparian regions, silted-up areas and meadows. The nature reserve is divided into three parts, which are separated from each other by the train line of the Kochelseebahn and the state road 2063: Südliche Osterseen, Nordliche Osterseen and Frechensee. In May 1997, the Osterseen were reported to Brussels as a SPA (European bird sanctuary) and FFH area according to the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive. In addition to the Eggstätt-Hemhofer lake district and the Seeoner lakes, the area is the largest and most structured icefall landscape in the Bavarian Alpine foothills. The complex of boggy and nutrient-poor lakes, low, transitional and raised bogs alongside bog and swamp forests with its extraordinary diversity of species in the networked habitats, biotopes and ecological niches is of Europe-wide importance for basic scientific research. The beauty of this landscape has always attracted artists. The painter Georg Schrimpf in particular, a main representative of the New Objectivity art movement, created several oil paintings of the Osterseen in the 1930s. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osterseen
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Bavarian State Office for the Environment (Osterseen Icefall Landscape): https://www.lfu.bayern.de/geologie/bayerns_schoenste_geotope/33/index.htm https://www.lfu.bayern.de/geologie/bayerns_schoenste_geotope/33/doc/33_schautafel.pdf “The Blue Pump The Osterseen are mainly fed by groundwater, which emerges in numerous spring funnels. The best known is the Blaue Gumpe south of the Großer Ostersee. The walls of its spring funnel are covered with white deposits of freshwater lime, which is excreted from the lime-rich spring water. Since the groundwater has a relatively constant temperature of 10°C, the water surface does not freeze in winter. Steam hangs over the spring on cold winter days.” Bank 51 is nearby.
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Bavarian State Office for the Environment (Osterseen Icefall Landscape): https://www.lfu.bayern.de/geologie/bayerns_schoenste_geotope/33/index.htm https://www.lfu.bayern.de/geologie/bayerns_schoenste_geotope/33/doc/33_schautafel.pdf “The Blue Pump The Osterseen are mainly fed by groundwater, which emerges in numerous spring funnels. The best known is the Blaue Gumpe south of the Großer Ostersee. The walls of its spring funnel are covered with white deposits of freshwater lime, which is excreted from the lime-rich spring water. Since the groundwater has a relatively constant temperature of 10°C, the water surface does not freeze in winter. Steam hangs over the spring on cold winter days.” Bank 51 is nearby.
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The Osterseen lake district offers fantastic hiking with wide views, glittering waters, quaint swamps, and quiet forests. You can also find easy hiking trails in the nearby Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve. For specific routes, explore the hiking guides around Eglfing.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Great Ostersee has a small beach for swimming, and the Osterseen area generally offers easy-to-access paths. The Maisinger See is known for its family-friendly Maisinger Gorge hiking area and a designated bathing area with a diving tower. The Staffelsee also offers various water sports suitable for families.
The Osterseen lake district is home to the unique Blaue Gumpe, a spring pot where crystal-clear, calcareous groundwater emerges. While you can admire its beauty, it's protected. The Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve, near Staffelsee, is the largest Alpine moor in Central Europe, offering unique natural impressions and views.
Yes, you can swim in several lakes. The Great Ostersee has a small beach, and official bathing spots are available in the turquoise-green lakes of the Osterseen district. The Maisinger See also features a designated bathing area with a diving tower, perfect for warmer months.
The Staffelsee is a hub for water sports, offering activities such as rafting, surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. Boat trips aboard the MS Seehausen are also available from April to October, connecting various landing stages.
Absolutely. The View of the Großer Ostersee and the Alps offers an enchanting panorama, especially with the Alps in the background. The Osterseen area generally provides wide views, and the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve also boasts wonderful views of the surrounding peaks.
In winter, the frozen surface of Maisinger See becomes a popular spot for curling and ice skating. The Blaue Gumpe at Osterseen, with its constant 10 degrees Celsius water temperature, creates fascinating mist formations, offering a unique photographic opportunity.
Many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, the South Shore Trail at Lake Staffelsee is listed as dog-friendly, offering a pleasant walk with your pet along the lake. Always check local regulations for specific areas.
You can find various cycling routes around the lakes. The Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve offers very beautiful paths for enjoyable and easy bike rides. For more options, explore the MTB Trails around Eglfing, which include routes near Staffelsee.
The Staffelsee is notable for its seven islands, with Wörth being the largest and historically significant as the site of a Carolingian monastery. This adds a touch of history to the natural beauty of the lake.
The lakes offer diverse experiences throughout the year. From April to October, you can enjoy boat trips on the Staffelsee and various water sports. Warmer months are ideal for swimming at Maisinger See and Osterseen. In winter, Maisinger See becomes a popular spot for ice skating and curling, and the Blaue Gumpe at Osterseen offers unique mist formations.


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