Best lakes around Spatzenhausen are found in the "Blue Land" region of Bavaria, Germany, situated between Staffelsee and Riegsee. This location provides access to several bodies of water, offering a variety of leisure activities and natural landscapes. The lakes in this region are known for being among the warmest bathing lakes in Upper Bavaria and boast excellent water quality.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
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It's a great tour, unfortunately the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
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A great route through the forest directly along the lake, very pleasant to cycle or walk.
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Crossing the Moos in late winter is a wonderful hike that can be undertaken anytime and in any weather, as the trails are beautiful and easy to walk. A wonderful tour in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps with the delightful beer garden at the Ramsach Church. Highly recommended for anyone seeking quieter trails (except in spring and midsummer).
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A lovely, relaxed hike around the Murnauer Moos, possible in (almost) any weather without any significant elevation gain. The "boardwalk" is sensational!
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Ideal for switching off, no matter what time of year.
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Beautiful path along the southern side of the Staffelsee
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The Osterseen are a group of bodies of water south of Lake Starnberg in the Weilheim-Schongau district in Upper Bavaria. The southern and central Osterseen with the Großer Ostersee belong to the municipality of Iffeldorf, the northern Osterseen from the Stechsee and the Frechensee to the municipality of Seeshaupt. Iffeldorf is around five kilometers by road northwest of Penzberg, 20 km southeast of the district town of Weilheim and 50 km south-southwest of Munich city centre. The 20 larger individual lakes have a total area of around 225 hectares and an average depth of a good nine metres. The Kleiner Gröbensee and about 15 unnamed smaller lakes, each with an area of only a few hundred square meters, are not included here, seven of which are already heavily silted up. The Osterseen and the silting-up zone bordering to the west are located in the landscape protection area "Protection of the Osterseen and their surroundings in the communities of Frauenrain, Iffeldorf and Seeshaupt". The area received this protection status as early as 1955. Since 1981 there has also been the Osterseen nature reserve with an area of 1,083 hectares. About a third of this is on the surface of the water bodies, 494 hectares are high, low and intermediate moors, 172 hectares consist of semi-natural mixed forest. Around five percent of the Osterseen landscape consists of riparian regions, silted-up areas and meadows. The nature reserve is divided into three parts, which are separated from each other by the train line of the Kochelseebahn and the state road 2063: Südliche Osterseen, Nordliche Osterseen and Frechensee. In May 1997, the Osterseen were reported to Brussels as a SPA (European bird sanctuary) and FFH area according to the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive. In addition to the Eggstätt-Hemhofer lake district and the Seeoner lakes, the area is the largest and most structured icefall landscape in the Bavarian Alpine foothills. The complex of boggy and nutrient-poor lakes, low, transitional and raised bogs alongside bog and swamp forests with its extraordinary diversity of species in the networked habitats, biotopes and ecological niches is of Europe-wide importance for basic scientific research. The beauty of this landscape has always attracted artists. The painter Georg Schrimpf in particular, a main representative of the New Objectivity art movement, created several oil paintings of the Osterseen in the 1930s. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osterseen
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The lakes around Spatzenhausen are known for being among the warmest bathing lakes in Upper Bavaria with excellent water quality. The Lake Staffelsee, with its mild, marsh-rich water, warms up quickly and is ideal for swimming, especially at the Seebad Murnau. The Riegsee is also one of Bavaria's warmest and cleanest lakes, popular for swimmers. For a unique experience, the Froschhauser See has the highest moor content, which causes it to warm up the quickest, and its water is believed to be good for the skin. Swimming in the Osterseen is generally restricted due to its protected status, but two specific spots on the Great Ostersee allow it, including a small beach.
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. A roughly 10 km long hiking trail encircles the Riegsee, providing direct access to the shore. The South Shore Trail at Lake Staffelsee is a beautiful, shady, and easy-to-navigate path with nice views. The Osterseen area is fantastic for extensive discovery tours through wide views, glittering waters, quaint swamps, and quiet forests. For more options, you can explore various routes in the region, such as those found in the Mountain Hikes around Spatzenhausen guide.
Cycling is a popular activity around the lakes. The Lake Staffelsee has paths offering beautiful views, and the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve offers a very beautiful path for an enjoyable and easy bike ride with wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. The area around Riegsee also features numerous marked cycling trails. For detailed routes, check out the Cycling around Spatzenhausen guide, which includes routes like the 'View of Riegsee loop'.
Beyond the beautiful lakes, the region boasts significant natural features. The Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve is the largest Alpine moor in Central Europe, offering unique impressions and views. The Osterseen area, with its 24 interconnected small bodies of water, is a protected nature area known for wide views, glittering waters, quaint swamps, and quiet forests. Within the Osterseen, you can also visit the Blue Gumpe Spring, a spring pot with crystal clear water that feeds the lakes.
Yes, many lakes and their surrounding areas are family-friendly. The Seebad Murnau on Lake Staffelsee provides a spacious lawn, beach volleyball, and diving boards. The Great Ostersee has a small beach suitable for families. Easy paths around the Froschhauser See are perfect for walking, and the South Shore Trail at Lake Staffelsee is also noted as family-friendly.
Yes, some trails are dog-friendly. The South Shore Trail at Lake Staffelsee is specifically mentioned as dog-friendly, offering a beautiful shady path for you and your pet to enjoy. When visiting other areas, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves like the Osterseen, to protect wildlife.
The lakes offer a variety of water sports. On Lake Staffelsee, visitors can enjoy swimming, sailing, and rowing, with opportunities for boat trips on the MS Seehausen. The Riegsee is a popular spot for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, including sailing and windsurfing, with a local school offering lessons. Rowing boats can also be rented at the community swimming area on Riegsee.
The lakes are particularly appealing in summer, as they are among the warmest bathing lakes in Upper Bavaria. The Froschhauser See, with its moor content, warms up the quickest, making it an early summer favorite. However, the region offers beauty year-round; spring and autumn are excellent for hiking and cycling with pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while winter can offer unique experiences like ice skating if the lakes freeze over.
While the Staffelsee and Riegsee are popular, the Froschhauser See tends to be a quieter option, offering a more serene swimming experience with its moor-rich waters. The Osterseen, being a protected nature area, has limited swimming spots, primarily two specific locations on the Great Ostersee, which can offer a more natural swimming environment away from larger crowds.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the warm and clean waters perfect for swimming, and the diverse outdoor activities available. The unique landscape of the Osterseen, with its wide views and quiet forests, is highly appreciated for discovery tours. The easy and scenic trails, like the South Shore Trail at Lake Staffelsee, are also very popular, offering magnificent views and a relaxing experience. The region's appeal is reflected in over 1200 upvotes and more than 160 photos shared by the komoot community.
Yes, camping is available directly at the Riegsee, such as at Camping Brugger, offering a convenient way to stay close to the water and enjoy the natural surroundings. For other lakes, various accommodations like hotels, guesthouses, and holiday rentals are available in nearby towns like Murnau and Spatzenhausen, providing easy access to the lake areas.
Yes, boat rental options are available. On the Riegsee, rowing boats can be rented at the community swimming area, allowing visitors to explore the lake at their own pace. Lake Staffelsee also offers opportunities for boat trips, including on the MS Seehausen, and options for sailing and rowing.


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