Top 19 Lakes in Ammergebirge

The Ammergebirge region offers a variety of popular lakes. Visitors frequently enjoy Bockstallsee, known for its quiet setting and as a refreshing spot on warm days. Lobentalbach Reservoir is appreciated for its tranquility, especially in autumn. Other notable lakes include Forggensee, Germany's largest reservoir by surface area, and Plansee in Austria, known for its fjord-like appearance.

For swimming, Soier See is a great choice as Bavaria's smallest and warmest moor bathing lake, with water gentle on the body. Plansee offers crystal-clear, clean water with summer temperatures averaging 17 to 21°C. Schwansee also provides equipped entrances for swimming, and Forggensee has various designated bathing spots.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Soier See features a 2.5 km natural educational trail with a barefoot path, perfect for families. Pflegersee is a beautiful mountain lake with restaurants and a small swimming pool. Many lakes, like Forggensee and Alpsee, also offer boat rentals and easy walking paths suitable for all ages.

The lakes in Ammergebirge boast unique natural features. Alatsee is known for its distinct ecosystem, where a layer of purple sulfur bacteria gives the water a reddish-violet hue at certain depths. Soier See is a moor lake, meaning its water is rich in humic substances, giving it a brown color and therapeutic properties. Forggensee, an artificial lake, has its water level significantly lowered in winter, revealing parts of the ancient Via Claudia Augusta.

Alpsee is beautifully nestled below the famous Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, offering magnificent views from its surrounding hiking trail. Schwansee also provides peaceful surroundings with views of Hohenschwangau Castle. Additionally, View of Bannwaldsee and Forggensee from Buchenberg offers panoramic views of the valley and multiple lakes, including Forggensee, with Neuschwanstein Castle often visible in the distance.

Forggensee is a paradise for water sports, offering sailing, surfing, swimming, boating (including passenger boat tours), kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Plansee also provides a wide range of activities such as swimming, sailing, surfing, and diving in its clear waters. Rowing boats can be rented at Soier See and Alpsee.

Yes, the region offers extensive hiking and cycling opportunities. A 40-kilometer cycle path encircles Forggensee. Alpsee features a picturesque 5 km hiking trail around its shores. Soier See has a 2.5 km natural educational trail. For more extensive cycling, you can explore routes like the 'View of the Plansee – Plansee loop' for road cycling or 'South Shore of Heiterwanger See – Plansee loop' for gravel biking. You can find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Ammergebirge, Cycling in Ammergebirge, and Gravel biking in Ammergebirge guides.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, summer (June to mid-October) is ideal, as lakes like Forggensee reach their full reservoir level and Soier See warms up quickly. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter provides a unique landscape, especially around Forggensee when its water level is lowered.

Many lakes have facilities for dining and relaxation. Pflegersee Mountain Inn is a popular spot right by the water, offering food and a great atmosphere. Plansee has several designated camping areas and refreshment stops along its shores. Forggensee is near the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein, which hosts cultural events, and there are various cafes and restaurants in nearby towns.

For a quieter experience, Schwansee is an excellent choice. It's a smaller, serene lake where motorized boats are not permitted, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere for walks and picnics. Soier See, while popular for swimming, is generally not overcrowded, offering a peaceful moor bathing experience.

Visitors frequently highlight the tranquility and natural beauty of the lakes. Many appreciate the opportunity to cool down on warm days, as noted for Bockstallsee. The stunning panoramas, especially views of the valley and multiple lakes from viewpoints like Buchenberg, are also highly praised. The clear waters and peaceful surroundings make them ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.