Best lakes around Schongau, located in the Weilheim-Schongau district of Bavaria, Germany, offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Alpine foothills, providing a scenic backdrop to its numerous water bodies. Visitors can find a variety of lakes, from large natural expanses to smaller, tranquil moor lakes and reservoirs. This area provides opportunities for recreation amidst varied natural landscapes.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
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Lechstaustufe 6, also known as the Dornau Dam or Dornauer Talsperre, is a dam on the Lech river near Schongau. It is used for power generation, flood control, low-flow augmentation, and local recreation. It was built between 1958 and 1960 (originally owned by Bayernwerk, now Uniper Kraftwerke GmbH). The dam is a gravel-fill dam with a clay core seal, also called a "bottleneck" because it is only slightly wider than the Lech. The height is 25 m above the valley floor and 30.5 m above the foundation base. The crest height is 698.50 m with a crest length of 423 m and a crest width of 7 m. The power plant capacity is 22.2 MW (annual power generation approx. 101.2 GWh).
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The Lechstausee Urspring is used for recreation, swimming, surfing, and sailing.
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The Lechstausee Urspring (also called Oberer Lechsee) is the third dam of the Lech and is characterized by turquoise, crystal-clear water, which is created by glacial melt and the proportion of gravel.
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The beautifully shaped linden tree is 25 meters high, the trunk has a circumference of about 14 meters, which is the third largest circumference of a linden tree in Bavaria.
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Beautiful area, wonderful view of the lake, makes cycling a great experience.
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Lech dam 6 (Dornau) with a view of Schongau
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The Lechstausee, also known as Lech Lake, is a highly popular destination, offering fantastic views of the Alpine panorama. Visitors also enjoy the unique Engelsrieder Lake, a tranquil moor lake known for its distinctive colored water and a relaxing lawn on its north bank.
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. The Lechstausee (Lech Lake) is particularly family-friendly, featuring a campsite, a playground for children, and rentals for rowing and paddle boats. Engelsrieder Lake also has a lawn for relaxation and is pleasant for bathing, especially for children.
The lakes around Schongau offer diverse natural beauty. You'll find stunning Alpine panoramas, clear waters, pebble beaches, and even unique moor landscapes. Walchensee, for instance, is famous for its striking turquoise water and dramatic mountain backdrop, often called the 'Bavarian Caribbean'.
The region offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy cycling or walking around the Lechstausee. Ammersee is excellent for swimming, stand-up paddling, and sailing. Walchensee is popular for diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and hiking. Kochelsee also provides numerous hiking and biking trails. For more detailed route information, explore the easy hikes around Schongau, cycling routes, or gravel biking tours.
Absolutely. Many lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. The circumnavigation of the Lechstausee by foot is a special highlight. Walchensee has trails with panoramic views of both Walchensee and Kochelsee. Kochelsee also boasts numerous hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels, including family-friendly options. You can find more hiking ideas in the easy hikes around Schongau guide.
Ammersee is known for its clear waters and pebble beaches, making it a great spot for swimming. Walchensee's clear, turquoise waters are also very inviting for a swim. Engelsrieder Lake, a moor lake, offers a pleasant bathing experience in its distinctively colored water.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and watersports. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with stunning natural colors. Some lakes, like Kochelsee, even offer winter activities like ice skating.
Yes, Starnberger See is particularly rich in history, with sites like Schloss Berg, where King Ludwig II met his end, and Schloss Possenhofen, once home to Empress Elisabeth ('Sisi') of Austria. Rose Island, with its historic villa, is also accessible by ferry. Near Kochelsee, you can visit the Franz Marc Museum.
Visitors frequently praise the fantastic views of the Alpine panorama, especially from spots like the View of Lake Lech and the Allgäu Mountains. The serene environment, opportunities for cycling and walking around the lakes, and the clear, inviting waters for swimming are also highly appreciated. The unique character of moor lakes like Engelsrieder Lake also draws many visitors.
Yes, for example, the Seehäusl at Engelsrieder See is a popular excursion restaurant offering Greek cuisine right by the lake. Many lakeside towns, such as Herrsching on Ammersee, also offer various cafes and restaurants.
Walchensee is often called the 'Bavarian Caribbean' due to its stunning turquoise water. Additionally, Engelsrieder Lake, being a moor lake, has a distinctive deep brown color typical of such lakes, offering a unique visual experience.
Yes, at Lechstausee (Lech Lake), you can find rentals for rowing and paddle boats, making it easy to enjoy the water from a different perspective.


Still not found your perfect lake around Schongau? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.