Water, water everywhere! 7 tips for hot sunny days

When the mercury rises, the only thing that can help is a cool dip. From lakes and outdoor swimming pools to more active options like surfing and stand-up paddling, Bavaria has something to help everyone cool down.

Bookmark

Rock Pool Pottenstein

If you are looking for the perfect combination of bathing lake and outdoor swimming pool, the rock pool at Pottenstein in the Fränkische Schweiz region is the place to go. Sitting between idyllic cliffs, this natural bath has been welcoming guests since 1926. Arguably  the oldest outdoor pool in Bavaria, it is the perfect place to cool down after a strenuous walk from the train station at Pegnitz through the region's characteristic landscape of caves, hills and mountains. Bathers can also discover the nearby summer sled run and the "devil's cave" in Pottenstein.  

Lake Ammersee 

From Bavaria's oldest outdoor swimming pool, we now go to its third-largest lake. The Ammersee is located around 40 kilometres south-west of Munich. As well as attracting bathers, the lake is also a mecca for windsurfers. In the windsurfing school at Herrsching, visitors can go on courses and rent the necessary equipment right away. Best of all, the school is just five minutes' walk from the station in Herrsching.

The Wöhrder See in Nuremberg

If you are looking for a place to cool down on a hot day in Nuremberg, you don't even have to leave the city centre. The Wöhrder See lake is located centrally between Nuremberg Tech and the Nuremberg College of Music. Here in the centre of the Franconian metropolis, students, locals and visitors alike can relax, enjoy the beauty of nature, swim, ride a pedalo or try out stand-up paddling. Swimming is only allowed in the official bathing area on the southern bank of the lake, however. For children, there is also a large water playground.

Canyoning in Reutte

Canyoning is all about crossing waterfalls, jumping into natural pools, exploring narrow gorges, abseiling down cliffs and pushing your own boundaries. If you're looking for heart-pounding, team-based action on the water with an incredible view of the Lechtal Alps, why not try out rafting in Reutte. Here, visitors can enjoy a seven-hour raft tour through the roaring rapids of the river Lech.

Rowing on the Pegnitz

If you prefer your rivers a bit more tranquil, you will enjoy rowing on the Pegnitz. The river offers several kilometres of canoe tours through the unspoiled nature of Franconia. Novices can get support on guided tours and courses. Please note that all canoe tours require registration. The contact details can be found here. Please mention if you would like to start the tour directly beneath the train station in Rupprechtstegen, as this is only possible upon request. 

The Lido at Feldafing

The lido at Feldafing also offers plenty of relaxation. Even after 90 years, this traditional lido is still a secret tip for fans of Lake Starnberger. As well as bathing in the lake, visitors can also try out activities like stand-up paddling and volleyball. For the youngsters, there is a sandbox and supervised non-swimmer area with a water slide.

Lake Brombachsee

Located near the town of Pleinfeld in Middle Franconia, the Brombachsee offers extensive bathing areas and is a one-hour walk from the train station. Alongside its rolling coves and meadows, the lake also allows visitors to try out windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddling.

The "Felsenbad" lido in Pottenstein

Possibly the most picturesque lido in Bavaria.
Nächstgelegener Bahnhof:
Pegnitz

Surfing and stand-up paddling on Lake Ammer

If at heart you've always been a cool surfer girl or brawny beach boy, you can let it shine in Herrsching am Ammersee.
Nächstgelegener Bahnhof:
Herrsching

Lake Wöhrder in Nuremberg

This artificial lake has become an exciting recreation hub.
Nächstgelegener Bahnhof:
Nürnberg Hbf (Nuremberg main station)

On an adventure tour in Tyrol's wild water

Just a few minutes from Reutte train station, off you go on a wet adventure you won't soon forget.
Nächstgelegener Bahnhof:
Reutte in Tirol

Paddling down the Pegnitz is for the mind and soul

Paddle down the Pegnitz in a canoe or kayak. On the Pegnitz you can paddle for miles and miles through undisturbed nature.
Nächstgelegener Bahnhof:
Rupprechtstegen

Lido steeped in tradition in Feldafing

The historic lido in Feldafing on Lake Starnberg has been around since 1927. Whereas the changing rooms are still the same, the lawn and restaurant are modern additions.
Nächstgelegener Bahnhof:
Possenhofen

Watersports on Lake Brombach

Whether you're windsurfing or kiting, the force of the wind will see you tear across the largest reservoir in the Franconian Lake District. On the other hand, if you prefer something a little more relaxing, you can explore the region with stand-up paddling (SUP) or a kayak.
Nächstgelegener Bahnhof:
Langlau
1 / 7
VDWS Surfschule Langlau
Nearest station: Langlau Seestraße 30
91738 Langlau-Pfofeld
Learn more
There are more than 1,000 caves in Franconian Switzerland. The most well-known and most accessible... Are jeans American? No, sirree, this popular garment has its roots in Upper Franconia. From Burghausen, head south along the Salzach valley to Tittmoning. Here, not only a picturesque... Take part in a murder mystery dinner at the "Wirtshaus Riegele" restaurant in Augsburg, where you... The castle is situated on the edge of the medieval old town in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and looks... Attention nature lovers! Discover the impressive moorland landscape of Murnau by bike. Experience... Schlittschuhlaufen, Eisbaden oder ein winterlicher Spaziergang: Auch im Winter warten in Bayern über 400 darauf, von Ihnen entdeckt zu werden. Architectural highlights that feature more than pretty walls and sophisticated floor plans – six trip tips (not just) for architecture aficionados. The small cinemas have a very special ambience On a sunny day, why not have a go at a more wobbly style of yoga and swap your yoga mat for a...