A mere 50 kilometers from the Bavarian capital of Munich lies Tegernsee, a spectacular body of water with an unruffled surface that reflects the myriad stars – in this case, the human stars of German culture, business, sports and entertainment. It pays to keep your eyes open as you slip into the temperate (up to 20C) water, as you might just spot a real VIP: German sporting legends Uli Hoeness, Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm all own properties in the Tegernsee valley, likewise entrepreneurs such as Willy Bogner junior. It’s not difficult to see what has drawn them to this particular place: the majestic lake glitters in the summer sun and large stretches of the shoreline are seamed with a soft border of gently swaying reeds. The peaks of the surrounding mountains provide an imposing backdrop.

German idyll: the good life, relaxation and an authentic Bavarian lifestyle are celebrated around Lake Tegernsee. © Dietmar Denger

The Ringsee bay in the southwest corner, with its flat, sandy shore and beautifully designed children’s play area, is a popular swimming beach for families. On the opposite side, in the southeast, is Egerner bay; here, you’ll find a viewpoint called Malerwinkel, which is enduringly popular with artists who come here to paint the view of the picturesque church on the opposite shore. If you find yourself yearning for a sandy beach, then the Strandbad Point has exactly what you’re looking for. The Strandbad Kaltenbrunn lido close to the town of Gmund has a rustic beer garden, a pebble beach and a separate bathing area for dogs. Should your tastes run more to fun on instead of in the water, there’s a vast choice of lake cruises and sailing trips. The mountains surrounding Lake Tegernsee boast over 650 kilometres of hiking paths, some of which take you high up to sublime lookouts with a panoramic vista of the lake and the valley.

The lake about 50 km south of Munich in the Bavarian Alps is a popular destination for a relaxing time out by the water. © Illustration: Blagovesta Bakardjieva/carolineseidler.com

For other enjoyable high points, look no further than the restaurants and beer gardens around the “Tegarinseo”, as the lake was called in the 8th century. As well as the star-crowned cuisine served at Restaurant Überfahrt, hearty snacks with the traditional obatzten cheese, freshly baked bread and beer (from the Ducal Brewery of Tegernsee) are abundantly available to keep your strength up. Or recharge your batteries at the Monte Mare lake sauna with the sauna ship Irmingard. Sweat out those toxins as you gently bob on the waters of the lake and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. And who knows, there could be a celebrity sitting next to you ...

Lake Tegernsee offers a joyful spectacle of colors: hopeful green meadows, the azure lake and in the background the white-peaked mountains. © Dietmar Denger

Good to Know

• A sandy beach and Mediterranean mood await guests here. The lake, a Jacuzzi, a large sports pool and a paddling pool promise many happy hours of watery fun.
• Enjoy the easy-going mood at Fährhütte 14 bistro with its sunbeds and jetty.
• The natural cheese dairy Tegernseer Land produces delicious soft and hard cheeses as well as creamy yoghurt using regional hay milk.
• One of the most beautiful hikes is up to the spectacular Tegernsee Hütte at a height of 1,650 meters.

Back to the overview:  The Most Beautiful Lakes of the Summer