Lakes of Upper Bavaria from Königsdorf: Tegernsee, Schliersee, Staffelsee & more

*Approximate driving times from Königsdorf. On summer weekends the car parks at all the lakes fill up early – set off in good time.

1. Osterseen – the quiet chain of lakes on our doorstep

South of Lake Starnberg, near Iffeldorf, lies a chain of around 20 small and larger lakes amid moor and forest – a nature reserve with flat, well-signposted paths. Ideal for a walk or bike ride, for families and for dogs on a lead. In summer there are swimming spots with clear water. Just 20 minutes away – perfect for your arrival day or an evening stroll.

2. Tegernsee – mountains, beer and promenades

The Tegernsee is the classic among Upper Bavaria's lakes. Boats of the Bavarian lake shipping company link Gmund, Tegernsee, Bad Wiessee, Rottach-Egern and Kaltenbrunn. For views, take the Wallberg cable car: from the Wallberghaus (1,512 m) it's only about 20 minutes to the summit, overlooking the whole lake. The traditional place to eat is the Herzogliches Bräustüberl brewery inn in Tegernsee Castle. An insider tip is the Malerwinkel on the Egern bay: from May to October a rowing boat ferries you across to St Laurentius church – you ring a bell to call the ferryman.

3. Schliersee – museum village and whisky

Just one hill beyond the Tegernsee lies the smaller, very unspoilt Schliersee. On its southern shore in Neuhaus, ski legend Markus Wasmeier has built an entire old Bavarian village of more than ten historic buildings – the Markus Wasmeier Open-Air Museum, with a show brewery, farm animals, an inn and a beer garden (according to the museum open April to November, Tuesday to Sunday; children up to 15 go free). Close by, the SLYRS distillery makes Bavaria's best-known single malt whisky from Bavarian barley and mountain spring water. Tours with tastings, a shop and a café with a large terrace make it worth a visit even for non-whisky drinkers. Remember to bring a designated driver!

4. Spitzingsee – mountain lake above the Schliersee

A winding mountain road climbs from the Schliersee to the Spitzingsee at over 1,000 metres. Around it rise the Stümpfling, Taubenstein and Roßkopf; a footpath leads all the way round the lake. In summer it's a great starting point for hikes and alpine huts, in winter one of the prettiest small ski areas in Upper Bavaria – more in our guide Ski areas near Königsdorf.

5. Staffelsee – swimming in the Blue Land

The Staffelsee near Murnau, Uffing and Seehausen is a shallow, partly moorland lake with seven islands. Its water warms up quickly in summer, which makes it one of the region's most popular swimming lakes – for example at the Strandbad Murnau. Afterwards, take a stroll through Murnau with its colourful pedestrian zone and the Münter House, where the painters of the “Blue Rider” group were guests. Drive via the A95 towards Garmisch.

6. Ammersee – paddle steamers and Andechs Abbey

At around 47 square kilometres, the Ammersee is Bavaria's third-largest lake. From Easter to October, historic paddle steamers run between the lakeside villages. From Herrsching an easy path leads up through the woods to Andechs Abbey with its pilgrimage church, brewery inn and beer garden. On the western shore, Dießen boasts its magnificent Marienmünster church. From June the water is usually over 20 °C, with free lawns and jetties in many places.

Eating by the water: Kleines Seehaus with beach bar

On the eastern shore of Lake Starnberg near Münsing lies the Kleines Seehaus with its beach bar – sand between your toes, mountain views and a sundowner by the water. According to the operator it is currently closed; whether and when it reopens can be found on the Kleines Seehaus website. More tips for the lake in our Lake Starnberg guide.

Good to know

• Many lakeside car parks charge a fee – have some change or a parking app ready.
• Boats, cable cars and museums have seasonal opening times; check the official websites beforehand.
• With a dog: dogs are usually not allowed at lidos – tips in our guide to holidays with dogs.