Bavaria (Bayern) is Germany's largest and most diverse state, stretching from the Danube lowlands in the north to the soaring peaks of the Alps in the south. Home to Munich, one of Europe's most livable cities, Bavaria enchants visitors with fairy-tale castles, pristine Alpine lakes, ancient beer halls, and UNESCO World Heritage towns. The state blends rich Catholic traditions, a proud regional identity, and world-class cultural institutions with stunning natural scenery.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Bavaria.
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Starnberger See (Lake Starnberg) — Strandbad Starnberg
Starnberger See is Bavaria's most prestigious lake, nestled in the Alpine foothills 30 km south of Munich. The Strandbad Starnberg offers a sandy lido beach with swimming platform, deck chairs, and a kiosk. The lake's western shore has several more formal swimming areas. Water is clean and clear, reaching 22–26°C in July and August.
Editor’s tip. The promenade along the east shore from Starnberg to Possenhofen is free and offers multiple swimming spots
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Chiemsee — Fraueninsel Ufer / Gstadt Beach
Bavaria's largest lake (80 km²), nicknamed the Bayerisches Meer (Bavarian Sea), offers several excellent swimming spots along its shores. The Gstadt lido on the west shore is the most popular, with views of Herreninsel and the Alps in the distance. The water is clear blue-green with a sandy lakebed.
Editor’s tip. Cycle the entire lake circuit (60 km) for a full-day adventure
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Tegernsee — Strandbad Wiessee
The Tegernsee is one of Bavaria's most glamorous lakes, framed by steep wooded mountains. The Strandbad in Bad Wiessee on the west shore offers a well-maintained lido with a pier, shallow paddling area, and stunning views of the surrounding Alps. The Tegernsee region is a favourite of wealthy Munich residents.
Editor’s tip. The lakeside path from Tegernsee town to Bad Wiessee (4 km) is a beautiful walk
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Ammersee — Strandbad Herrsching
A large and popular lake southwest of Munich (47 km²) reached by the S-Bahn S8 in under an hour. The Strandbad Herrsching in the village of Herrsching at the lake's eastern end is well-equipped and accessible by direct S-Bahn. The Andechs monastery brewery hilltop is a 4 km walk away for a post-swim beer.
Editor’s tip. After swimming, walk or take a taxi up to Andechs Monastery for a cold beer with panoramic views
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Königssee — Natural Swimming
Königssee is widely considered Germany's most beautiful lake — a deep fjord-like lake carved by glaciers in the Berchtesgaden National Park, surrounded by vertical cliffs rising 2,700m. The water is exceptionally clean and cold (10–15°C even in summer). Swimming is permitted in the southern sections of the lake near Obersee and along the shoreline near Salet.
Editor’s tip. The water is extremely cold — do not attempt open water swimming without cold water experience
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Schliersee — Strandbad Schliersee
A smaller Alpine lake east of Munich (2.2 km²) in the Schliersee valley, quieter than the famous Tegernsee but equally beautiful. The Strandbad in the town of Schliersee is popular with Munich families and offers clean swimming with mountain views. A good alternative to busier lakes.
Editor’s tip. Far less crowded than Tegernsee despite being equally beautiful
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Walchensee
One of Bavaria's most spectacularly scenic Alpine lakes at an altitude of 802m, with intensely turquoise water and views of the Bavarian Alps on all sides. At 16 km², Walchensee is Bavaria's deepest and one of its most beautiful lakes. Wind conditions make it popular for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Cold (12–18°C) but gloriously scenic.
Editor’s tip. Windsurf and kitesurf hire available at several points around the lake
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Isar River Beaches — Flaucher and Thalkirchen, Munich
The Isar River flowing through Munich has gravel and sand banks perfect for sunbathing and casual dipping in summer. The most popular spots are Flaucher (a large gravel island with beer garden) and Thalkirchen between Sendling and the zoo. Popular with Munich locals for summer afternoons. Warning: Isar current can be dangerous — swim only in calm conditions.
Editor’s tip. Only swim in the Isar when water levels are low and calm — after rain, currents are extremely dangerous
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.