Bavarian Lake Landscapes: The Regions at a Glance

Most of Bavaria’s large lakes owe their shape to Ice Age glaciers, which carved basins that later filled with meltwater. Others were created only in the 20th century.

Alps and foothills

To the south lie deep, cool lakes between the Allgäu and Berchtesgaden Land, with mountains close by and clear turquoise water.

Munich’s lake country

The Five Lakes Region has Starnberger See and Ammersee, both shaped by glaciers and easily reached by S-Bahn.

Young lakes in the north

The Franconian and Upper Palatinate lakes are young, built as reservoirs or from old mines. They are shallow, warm and very family-friendly.

Cirque lakes in the Bavarian Forest

To the east lie small, dark lakes such as Arbersee and Rachelsee in Ice Age cirques. They are hiking goals rather than swimming spots.