Munich is located in the Bavarian region, a place known for its castles, alpine landscapes, and impressive mountains. It truly feels like a fairy tale here. If you are visiting Munich or living in the city, don't miss the chance to discover these incredible lakes scattered throughout the region.
Some of them are very close and easy to reach by public transportation, while another one, which is actually my personal favorite, takes around 3 hours to get there. Even so, don't let the distance discourage you, because it is absolutely worth the effort. Below, I share the 5 most beautiful lakes near Munich, with practical information and personal tips.
What you will find in this post:
Where are the lakes near Munich located?
All lakes in this guide are located in Bavaria and can be visited as day trips from Munich. The closest ones are Tegernsee and Chiemsee, while Eibsee, Walchensee, and Königssee are closer to the Alps and offer some of the most impressive landscapes in Germany.
On the map below, you can see the location of each lake and get a better idea of the distances between them and Munich.
Tip: If you are using the Deutschlandticket, all these destinations can be reached using regional transportation. The only one that requires a little more planning is Königssee, due to the longer travel time.
1. Lake Eibsee
Lake Eibsee is located in the town of Grainau, at the foot of the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany, in the Bavarian Alps. Because of this, it is one of the most famous lakes in the country and also one of the most visited.
Where is it located?
Grainau, Zugspitze region, Bavarian Alps. (However, the main base city to reach the lake by public transportation is usually Garmisch-Partenkirchen.)
How to get there from Munich
From München Hauptbahnhof, take the RE 61 or RB6 train towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The journey takes around 1h20.
Once you arrive in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you have two options to reach Lake Eibsee:
- Option 1: Train — Transfer to the regional train RB 64 (Zugspitzbahn) until the Eibsee station. This section takes approximately 35 minutes.
- Option 2: Bus — From the train station, take bus 323 and get off at Eibsee Bushalt Grainau. The ride takes around 40 minutes.
If you prefer more comfort and don't want to worry about public transportation, a great alternative is taking a day trip from Munich by minivan. The tour includes round-trip transportation, allowing you to enjoy Eibsee with much more convenience. Check the tour here.
What to do there
- Walk the circular trail around the lake (around 7 km), with incredible views throughout the entire route.
- Swim during summer, when the water becomes crystal clear — and yes, very cold.
- Rent a pedal boat or stand-up paddle board to explore the lake from another perspective.
- Photograph the Zugspitze and the surrounding mountains reflected in the water, one of the most beautiful scenes in Bavaria.
This is the official Lake Eibsee website. There you can find useful information before your visit, such as water temperature, weather conditions, updated opening hours, maps of the region, tips on what to do, and even live webcams to check the lake in real time. It is a great tool to better plan your day!
What we loved about it
We really enjoyed walking the trail around the lake. We have visited both in summer and winter. Although it is beautiful in both seasons, I personally prefer summer because I love swimming. During the hike, about 20 minutes after starting, you will find a smaller lake called Frillensee, which is very beautiful and much quieter.
2. Lake Chiemsee
Chiemsee is known as the “Bavarian Sea” because of its impressive size. Located between Munich and Salzburg, the lake has several islands. One of them is home to Herrenchiemsee Palace, a replica inspired by the Palace of Versailles. I only truly understood how impressive it was when I saw it in person — I left completely amazed.
Where is it located?
Prien am Chiemsee, Upper Bavaria.
How to get there from Munich
From München Hauptbahnhof, take the RE 5 train towards Salzburg or Traunstein and get off at Prien am Chiemsee station. The journey takes around 1 hour and is very straightforward.
Once you arrive in Prien am Chiemsee, walk approximately 10 minutes to the pier, where boats depart to the islands of Herreninsel and Fraueninsel.
If you prefer a day trip without worrying about transportation, connections, and tickets, a great option is booking an excursion from Munich that already includes the train journey, the boat ride to the island, and a guided visit to the famous Herrenchiemsee Palace. Check the details of the tour.
What to do there
- Visit Herreninsel and Herrenchiemsee Palace — This is the most famous attraction on the lake. The palace was built by King Ludwig II and was inspired by the Palace of Versailles. The interior is extremely detailed and truly impressive. The ticket costs around €11, and I recommend buying it in advance to guarantee your visit: official palace website .
- Go stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Chiemsee — During warmer days, one of the most fun activities is exploring the lake by stand-up paddle board. The water is crystal clear, the views of the Alps in the background are incredible, and it is a perfect experience for anyone looking for something different. If you want to secure your equipment in advance, you can book your stand-up paddle experience online .
- Explore Fraueninsel — A smaller, charming island that feels completely different from Herreninsel. It has a village atmosphere, with colorful houses, small shops, restaurants, and a Benedictine monastery. It is perfect for a relaxed walk and a nice lunch with a lake view.
- Take a boat trip across the lake — The boat ride is essential to truly understand the size and beauty of Chiemsee. The official website is here (I have to admit, I find it a little confusing!): Chiemsee Schifffahrt. The route we took was the Inseltour West, which costs around €13.40. We bought the ticket on the spot and it was very easy. Basically, you arrive at the ticket counter and say that you want to visit both Herreninsel and Fraueninsel and then return.
- Walk along the lake shore — If you still have time, it is worth walking through the green areas around the lake, sitting on the grass, and simply enjoying the scenery.
What we loved about it
This is a lake where the boat trip is essential. Staying only by the shore does not give you a real sense of how impressive the place is. Visiting the islands completely changes the experience. I recommend buying the boat ticket on-site, because it is usually easy, but I would purchase the Herrenchiemsee Palace ticket in advance, especially during high season, to make sure it does not sell out.
Note: You may have the same question I had, so I will answer it here: only the interior of the palace requires a ticket. The gardens, which are huge and absolutely beautiful, are free and can be visited without an entrance ticket.
3. Lake Tegernsee
Tegernsee is one of the easiest lakes to reach from Munich and is located in a very charming area of Bavaria. Besides its beautiful scenery, the town around the lake is lovely, with cafés, restaurants, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Where is it located?
Tegernsee town, Upper Bavaria.
How to get there from Munich
From München Hauptbahnhof, take the direct RB 57 train to Tegernsee station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and does not require any changes.
What to do there
- Walk along the lake shore — The path around Tegernsee is very pleasant and offers beautiful views of the mountains and the water. There are easy trails and flat walking paths that are perfect for a relaxed day out. (with very little elevation gain!)
- Sit at cafés and restaurants with a view — Along the lake, you will find several cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating, perfect for having a coffee, trying a Bavarian beer, or enjoying lunch with the landscape as your backdrop. We recommend Bräustüberl Tegernsee.
- Rent a pedal boat — During summer, you can enjoy the water in different ways. Pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards are fun options to experience the lake up close. We rented a pedal boat, and I have to warn you: it moves quite a lot!
- Winter sports — In winter, the region transforms into a snowy paradise! You can enjoy activities such as ice skating, snow walks, and typical seasonal experiences.
- Local events and markets — Throughout the year, the lake hosts events, fairs, and seasonal markets (especially during winter and summer), which are worth checking in the event calendar.
I will leave the official website here with complete information, maps, events, and things to do in every season!
What we loved about it
Besides walking along the lake shore, I really like going to a place called Strandbad Point, where the view of the church in the background makes the scenery look like a movie scene. We have already rented a pedal boat there, but it is important to know that it can feel quite unstable, so I do not recommend it if you are afraid of water. Another amazing place is the Italian restaurant Mamma Clara, with excellent pizza and carbonara (you will thank me later!)
4. Lake Walchensee
Walchensee is one of the most impressive lakes in Bavaria because of the color of its water, which varies between shades of blue and green. It is surrounded by mountains and has a more wild and less touristy atmosphere.
Where is it located?
Kochel am See region, Bavarian Alps.
How to get there from Munich
From München Hauptbahnhof, take the RB 66 train to Kochel am See. The journey takes around 1h10. From Kochel am See, you can take the local bus 328, which runs around the lake. Some important stops are: Walchensee Ort, Urfeld, Seehäuser, and Herzogstandbahn. Each stop offers different activities, so choose according to what you would like to do.
What to do there
- Swim and relax by the water: Go to Walchensee Ort, the main stop, which has grassy areas, a pebble beach, and easy access to the crystal-clear water.
- Hiking and walking trails: Get off at Herzogstandbahn to hike up Herzogstand mountain, enjoy challenging trails, and admire panoramic views of the lake and the Bavarian Alps.
- Water sports: At Urfeld, you can rent a stand-up paddle board, practice windsurfing, or simply paddle across the lake. Here is a stand-up paddle experience if you want to try something different!
- Relax and enjoy the scenery: The Seehäuser stop is perfect for photos, enjoying the landscape, and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
- Boat trips: Small boats offer short rides across the lake, perfect for seeing the crystal-clear water and surrounding mountains from another perspective.
- Photography: Every area offers incredible scenery — especially Herzogstandbahn and Walchensee Ort during sunset.
- Local food: Some cafés and restaurants along the lake serve traditional Bavarian dishes, perfect after a day of hiking, swimming, or water activities.
What we loved about it
The color of the water on sunny days is simply surreal. It is the perfect lake for people who enjoy nature, peaceful places (depending on the day and location), and more preserved landscapes. When we were there, we also took the trail up Herzogstand mountain! It is definitely tiring, but the view at the top makes it completely worth it.
5. Lake Königssee
Maybe I saved the most beautiful one, and also the furthest, for last. Königssee is located inside the Berchtesgaden National Park and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany. Despite the distance, it is absolutely worth the effort.
Where is it located?
Berchtesgaden National Park, southeastern Bavaria.
How to get there from Munich
From München Hauptbahnhof, the main train is the RE 5, but be careful: it has two different final destinations depending on the schedule. Here are the options:
-
Option 1 – via Salzburg (Austria):
Take the RE 5 towards Salzburg and get off at Salzburg Hbf station (around 1h50). From there, take bus 840 towards Königssee, which takes approximately 1 hour. -
Option 2 – via Freilassing (within Germany):
Take the RE 5 towards Freilassing (around 1h40). At Freilassing, change to the S4 towards Berchtesgaden (approximately 50 minutes). Finally, take bus 843 towards Königssee, which takes around 11 minutes.
I chose option 2. Although it has more connections, it worked better for me because I have the Deutschlandticket, which allows unlimited use of regional transportation within Germany.
The total journey takes between 2h45 and 3h, depending on connections and waiting times.
If you prefer a more comfortable trip without worrying about train connections, there is also the option of taking a day tour from Munich with transportation included. Check the tour details.
What to do there
-
Take the boat trip across the lake – this is the main experience at Königssee and almost mandatory. The boats are electric (to protect the National Park), and the route passes through absolutely surreal landscapes, with huge mountain cliffs on both sides and incredibly clear water.
During the ride, the boat operator makes a stop to demonstrate the famous natural echo of the lake, which is one of the most memorable moments of the experience.
TICKETS: Tickets start at around €23. You can check updated prices on the official website , but tickets are purchased directly on-site on the day of your visit.
If you prefer visiting Königssee without organizing transportation yourself, there is also a day trip from Munich with transportation and a guide. See the tour details. - Visit St. Bartholomä Church – one of Germany's most iconic views, with its red domes standing right by the lake. The only way to reach it is by boat. There is also a traditional Bavarian restaurant and easy walking trails nearby.
- Walk the trails around the lake – there are well-marked trails with different difficulty levels, perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the busiest areas. However, I should mention that the elevation gain can be significant, and personally, I did not find the views as impressive as expected.
- Photograph the mountains reflected in the water – on sunny days with little wind, the water becomes like a mirror. It is one of the most photogenic places in Bavaria.
I recommend reading the activity description carefully to check exactly what is included before booking.
What we loved about it
The boat trip is simply essential. Königssee is surrounded by enormous mountains and has very limited accessible shoreline, so the boat is what allows you to reach the most beautiful areas of the lake.
The journey takes you through incredible scenery, with rocky cliffs, crystal-clear water, and complete silence, until reaching amazing places such as St. Bartholomä Church, where you can also find a restaurant, easy trails, and areas to explore at your own pace.
Our main tip is to arrive early, especially during high season. This way, you avoid long lines, can take the first boats, and enjoy the area around the church with fewer people, while also getting the best light for photos.
Exploring the lakes of Bavaria is one of the best experiences for anyone visiting Munich or living in the region. Each lake has a different atmosphere, and all of them offer incredible landscapes that show how special this part of Germany is.
Frequently asked questions about lakes near Munich
If you are still unsure which lake to visit, here are some of the most common questions about Bavarian lakes and their answers.
What is the most beautiful lake near Munich?
This is a difficult question because each lake has something unique. For me, Königssee has the most impressive scenery, with huge mountains surrounding the lake and the famous boat ride experience. Eibsee, however, is probably the most famous because of its crystal-clear water and the incredible view of Zugspitze.
Which lake near Munich is the easiest to reach by public transportation?
Tegernsee is one of the easiest options if you do not have a car, as there is a direct train from München Hauptbahnhof and the journey takes around 1 hour. Chiemsee is also very easy to reach by public transportation.
Can I visit these lakes using the Deutschlandticket?
Yes! All lakes on this list can be visited using regional transportation included in the Deutschlandticket. Just keep in mind that some routes require connections and can take longer, especially Königssee.
Which lake near Munich is best for swimming?
During summer, all of these lakes allow swimming, but my favorites are Eibsee and Walchensee. The water is incredibly clear, but be prepared: even during summer, it is usually very cold!
Which lake should I visit in winter?
Bavarian lakes are beautiful in winter, especially when the mountains are covered with snow. Tegernsee is a great option during this season because it is easy to reach and has restaurants and cafés nearby. Eibsee is also stunning with its alpine winter scenery.
Which lake is best for families with children?
Chiemsee is usually an excellent choice for families because it offers boat trips, islands to explore, and plenty of facilities. Tegernsee is also a comfortable option because it is easy to access and has restaurants nearby.
Can I visit these lakes as a day trip from Munich?
Yes! All lakes in this guide can be visited as a day trip. The easiest ones for a one-day visit are Tegernsee, Chiemsee, and Eibsee. Königssee is also possible, but the day becomes longer because of the travel time.
Do I need to book boat tours in advance?
In most cases, no. At lakes like Chiemsee and Königssee, you can usually buy tickets on-site. However, during high season and sunny weekends, arriving early is a good strategy to avoid long queues.
If I only have one day, which lake should I choose?
If it is your first time in Bavaria and you want an unforgettable landscape, I would choose Eibsee or Königssee. Eibsee is closer and has one of the most famous landscapes in Germany, while Königssee requires more travel time but offers a truly unique experience.
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Written by
Feitos para Viajar
We're Fernanda and Vinicius, travel content creators since 2021. As software engineers living in Germany, we share real travel experiences to help you discover both iconic destinations and hidden gems.
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