Lake Walchensee

What surprises everyone is the colour: on a sunny day Lake Walchensee glows a turquoise you would expect in the Caribbean. Yet it lies at 801 metres in the Bavarian Prealps, about 75 km south of Munich, framed by the Herzogstand, the Jochberg and the Ester Mountains. With an area of 16.4 km² and a depth of up to 190 metres, it is one of Germany's largest and deepest Alpine lakes. Motorboats are largely absent and the shore is barely built up, so it feels calm even in summer.

An old lake that makes electricity

Walchensee fills a tectonic basin, shaped by mountain-building forces rather than glaciers, which makes it one of the oldest lakes in Germany. It was first recorded in the 11th century as "Walhense". The first road over the Kesselberg pass was built in 1492, and Goethe stopped here on his journeys to Italy. Since 1924 the lake has also served as a reservoir: six pipes carry its water to the Walchensee power station on Lake Kochel, around 200 metres lower, an idea of Oskar von Miller, founder of the Deutsches Museum. That is why the water level varies by several metres over the year.

Things to do

• Swimming: All official bathing spots are free, mostly with pebble beaches and gentle entry. The south shore between Einsiedl and Niedernach and the bays between Urfeld and Sachenbach are popular. There are usually no showers or lifeguards.
• Windsurfing and sailing: On fine days a thermal wind usually picks up around noon, starting at Urfeld.
• Herzogstand: A cable car takes you up King Ludwig II's favourite mountain, with the lake below.
• Jochberg and Zwergern: A classic viewpoint hike, or an easy walk around the 140-hectare Zwergern peninsula.
• Diving: Visibility of up to 40 metres and wrecks, including Second World War aircraft.

Good to know

The painter Lovis Corinth spent his holidays in Urfeld from 1919 until his death in 1925 and painted his famous Walchensee series here. A 2.5 km themed trail leads to the Walchensee Museum, which holds a major collection of his graphic work. Sassau island is a nature reserve and off limits all year.

Getting there

Drive via the B 11 and the winding Kesselberg road from Kochel. Parking at the beaches is limited and fills early on summer weekends; RVO buses from Kochel am See serve many bathing spots. Dogs must be kept on a lead and may not go into the water at public beaches. Barbecues, fires and wild camping are banned.

Tripto tip

Come on a weekday or early in the morning. For the best colour, look down from the Herzogstand or Jochberg on a clear morning, and allow a full day for swimming and a short hike.