Discovering the Top Swimming Locations in Bavaria
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Explore the crystal-clear waters of Bavaria's outdoor pools and stunning alpine lakes, perfect for a refreshing summer escape.
In the heart of Munich, the English Garden plays host to the Eisbach, a two-kilometer-long canal fed by the Isar river, which flows down from the Alps. The Eisbach is best known for its stationary wave, the Eisbachwelle, a popular spot for river surfing. However, swimming in the Eisbach is officially illegal due to the strong current, which can be dangerous.
For a more traditional swimming experience, the city offers several outdoor pools. The Dante-Winter-Warmfreibad, for instance, boasts a heated outdoor pool and is open for winter swimming. Another popular choice is the Westbad, which features an outdoor pool and is a great option within Bavaria's capital.
Beyond Munich, Bavaria offers a wealth of day trip options. Starnbergersee, reachable by S-Bahn train, is a picturesque lake perfect for a relaxing day out. For those seeking a more adventurous excursion, a two-and-a-half-hour rafting tour on the Isar river is recommended by Deutsche Bahn.
If you're looking for a change of scenery, consider the less crowded options of Tegernsee and Kochelsee, both boasting pristine bathing areas, stunning scenery, and nearby hikes.
For a comprehensive list of Bavaria's best outdoor pools, or Freibäder, turn to regional and local sources. Infranken.de offers a ranking of the top outdoor pools in Franconia, a part of Bavaria, with highlights including the Waldbad in Neustadt an der Aisch and Aquarena in Zapfendorf. TripAdvisor also provides a list of the best water and amusement parks in Bavaria, featuring places like Europa Therme in Bad Füssing.
Social media platforms like TikTok can provide informal suggestions and visuals, such as about Vilseck Freibad, a popular outdoor pool in Bavaria suitable for families.
As you venture further into the region, you'll find some of Bavaria's most beautiful alpine lakes. Walchensee, a gondola ride away from Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, is a popular choice. Königssee offers a boat ride across the lake and a hike to Die Eiskapelle, a large cave in a glacier.
This summer, Brombachsee made national news due to a two-meter catfish that allegedly bit several swimmers. South-west of Nuremberg in the Franconian Lake District, Brombachsee is a massive lake popular for sailing. However, it's important to note that swimming in Brombachsee is also discouraged due to the strong current.
With these options, you're sure to find the perfect swimming spot to suit your preferences and enjoy a refreshing summer in Bavaria.
Embracing a mix of urban and outdoor experiences, your lifestyle in Bavaria could include a day spent river surfing at the Eisbach in Munich, followed by unwinding at the Westbad outdoor pool in the same city. Alternatively, if you prefer a home-and-garden atmosphere, you might enjoy a relaxing day by the pristine bathing areas of Tegernsee or Kochelsee, both offering scenic surroundings and nearby hiking trails. During your travels in Bavaria, you might also decide to visit some of its stunning alpine lakes, such as Walchensee or Königssee.
