Walchensee, Bavaria, Germany

Walchensee

Lake Walchen

Walchensee is one of Bavaria’s largest and deepest alpine lakes, with a 28km (17-mile) shoreline — and the best part: it’s all walkable, with bike trails too. So take your time and find your perfect spot for swimming and picnicking. A word on water temperature: the south shore near the Obernach power plant is coldest, fed by meltwater and diverted river water. The western shore is warmer with shallow bays and plenty of picnic spots, though still cooler than the north. For more seclusion, try the eastern shore — reachable only on foot.