The best lakes around Munich make it easy to plan a swim, a family day outdoors, a dog walk or a relaxed cycling trip without leaving the region. Feldmochinger See, Hollerner See and Riemer See are useful starting points for comparing different kinds of lakeside time.
Choose by the activity you want, how far you are happy to travel and whether the facilities or access arrangements suit your plans. In summer, check current conditions and reserve ahead when a booking is required.
We chose these places in Munich based on what visitors say about them, the information available on each and how easy they are to reach.
Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.
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#1Langwieder See is a large recreational lake area west of Munich, made up of three connected lakes: Langwieder See, Lußsee and Birkensee. Wide lawns and clean facilities create plenty of space for swimming, picnics and family days outdoors.
The setting is especially practical for visitors with children, while paid day parking adds convenience for longer stays.
#2Olchinger See offers a spacious, well-kept lakeside setting in Olching, making it a natural choice for warm-weather swimming, small picnics or simply sitting by the water. The relaxed atmosphere suits solo downtime, outings with friends and time as a couple, while nearby toilet facilities add practical convenience for a longer stay.
#3Feldmochinger See is a swimming lake in northern Munich at Karlsfelder Str. 81, combining clear water, generous green space and a relaxed recreational setting. It is well suited to summer swimming, family days, lakeside walks and informal grilling, with play areas adding another reason to stay for the day.
The surrounding landscape includes wildlife and tidy paths, while the lake’s respectful, easy-going atmosphere makes it comfortable for groups, children and dog walks. On-site services are available, and parking is offered in paid lots or on the street.
#4clean surroundings, attractive scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere
Set in Unterschleißheim near Munich, Unterschleißheimer See offers a simple lakeside escape defined by clean surroundings, attractive scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a fitting place to slow the pace and spend time beside the water.
Rather than calling for a packed itinerary, this lake suits an unhurried pause outdoors, whether as the focus of a relaxed outing or a calm addition to a day in the Munich area.
#5Just north of Munich in Eching, Hollerner See combines open-water swimming with an easygoing lakeside outing. A dip can be followed by time on the shore, giving the destination a simple, unhurried rhythm.
The lake also works well as a cycling destination. A leisurely ride around the water offers a quieter alternative to an urban route, though the somewhat isolated setting makes it sensible for cyclists to carry a compact repair kit and be self-sufficient. Lakeside cafés serving burgers and beer provide an easy refreshment stop between activities. Hollerner See is particularly appealing for a day that pairs swimming with a relaxed circuit of the lake, whether the ride is the main plan or simply part of a broader outdoor break north of Munich.
#6Set within a spacious park in Munich’s 81829 district, Riemer See combines a swimming lake with an easygoing green-space setting. Its notably blue water and broad park surroundings make it well suited to swimming, relaxing by the shore, or spending an unhurried afternoon outdoors.
A café nearby adds a convenient option for refreshments during a longer visit.
#7At Heimstettener See in Kirchheim bei München, this recreation area combines open-water swimming with an easy day-out setting. The pleasantly cool water can take on a turquoise shimmer, while trees along the shore provide shade for relaxing.
Walking, grilling and a children’s play area broaden its appeal beyond bathing, and the nearby water patrol adds a reassuring presence. Its largely local feel makes it a relaxed alternative around Munich.
#8In the heart of Munich’s English Garden, Kleinhesseloher See brings together scenic waterside paths, paddle boating and an easygoing atmosphere. The lake works particularly well for a gentle walk or an unhurried break surrounded by greenery, with Seehaus providing a convenient place to stop for a beer.
Its blend of nature, leisure and local character makes it a natural pause during a day in Munich.
#9Hinterbrühler See offers a calm setting in Munich for a long walk and time outdoors. Its appeal lies in the surrounding nature and the chance to slow down beside the water rather than in a packed programme of organised facilities.
The approach can be confusing, so following the correct route is worthwhile when planning a first visit.
#10Public access is concentrated in limited sections
Pilsensee is a lake in Seefeld, near Munich, at 82229 Seefeld, Germany. Its shoreline includes substantial private areas, so public access is concentrated in limited sections rather than extending freely around the water.
A small public children’s play area can be reached after a walk of roughly 10–15 minutes from the train station. The lake is best approached with realistic expectations about access and the condition of the water.
#11On Erlbachstraße in Unterföhring, Lake Feringasee combines open-water swimming with enough variety for an active day near Munich. Its leisure setup suits groups particularly well, with space for picnics and grilling alongside volleyball and table tennis.
A key planning detail for dog owners is the seasonal restriction: pets are not allowed anywhere in the area from May through October.
#12The three lakes have distinct roles: one is reserved for animals, another for watersports and another serves as the swimming lake.
That clear separation makes the area easier to understand than a single-purpose bathing spot, while the smaller scale and tidy surroundings suit visitors seeking a quieter day outdoors.
#13compact swimming lake with a relaxed setting
Near Munich, Poschinger Weiher is a compact swimming lake with a relaxed setting that also lends itself to walking and cycling. Weekdays tend to feel quieter, while weekends can become livelier around the beer garden.
Its smaller scale suits an easy waterside outing, especially for visitors seeking a close-to-city escape.
#14Germeringer See is a relaxed outdoor destination in Germering near Munich, combining the lake with maintained grass areas, a calisthenics park, a children’s play area and a pub. It works well for walks, boating and an easy day out with family or friends.
Swimming is a less dependable draw, particularly when the lake is crowded or the water looks less inviting. Its broader appeal lies in the range of activities around the shore.
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Langwieder See | 4,6 | 407 | — |
| #2 | Olchinger See | 4,6 | 292 | — |
| #3 | Feldmochinger See | 4,5 | 2.441 | Family days by the water |
| #4 | Unterschleißheimer See | 4,6 | 187 | — |
| #5 | Hollerner See | 4,5 | 2.302 | Open-water swimming near Munich |
| #6 | Riemer See | 4,5 | 1.316 | — |
| #7 | Recreation area Heimstettener Lake | 4,5 | 1.006 | — |
| #8 | Kleinhesseloher See | 4,6 | 107 | — |
| #9 | Hinterbrühler See | 4,6 | 72 | — |
| #10 | Pilsensee | 4,5 | 257 | — |
| #11 | Lake Feringasee | 4,5 | 160 | — |
| #12 | Neufahrner Mühlseen | 4,6 | 59 | — |
| #13 | Poschinger Weiher | 4,4 | 624 | — |
| #14 | Germeringer See | 4,4 | 341 | — |
The selection covers swimming lakes and recreation areas around Munich, from Feldmochinger See and Riemer See to Hollerner See, Heimstettener Lake, Langwieder See, Olchinger See and Unterschleißheimer See. Their locations make the map useful for comparing different directions from the city. Use the map to weigh travel time against the kind of outing you want. A nearby lake may suit a spontaneous swim, while a more distant option can be worthwhile for cycling, longer walks or a fuller day by the water.
Feldmochinger See, Hollerner See, Riemer See and Heimstettener Lake are among the swimming-lake options in this guide. The best choice depends on whether you want a family outing, open-water swimming or a shorter visit. Check current swimming conditions and local rules before setting out, as access and permitted activities can change seasonally.
Feldmochinger See is a practical starting point for a family day by the water, particularly when swimming, relaxing outdoors and spending time around the shore are all part of the plan. Compare the map and check the current facilities before travelling, especially during busy summer periods.
Feldmochinger See is highlighted for lakeside walks with a dog. Before visiting, confirm the current rules for dogs around swimming areas and follow any leash requirements. If your dog needs a longer outing, compare the surrounding paths and travel time rather than choosing only by proximity.
Hollerner See is one of the clearest options in this selection for open-water swimming near Munich. It may suit swimmers who want a more purposeful session rather than a general lakeside stop. Check water conditions, permitted swimming areas and seasonal access before you go, and plan an alternative if conditions are unsuitable.
Reserve ahead when the specific lake, facility or activity requires it, particularly during warm weekends and popular holiday periods. Some visits can be spontaneous, but planning is safer when you are organising a group or a full family day. Confirm the booking requirements and access details shortly before departure so your plans match the current arrangements.
