Natural Lakes in SouthWest Germany

Here are 9 of our favorite lakes for open water swimming in SouthWest Germany:

Surrounded by meadows, this is a lovely place to spend a day swimming and sunbathing. Between Stromberg and Heuchelberg, in the heart of the beautiful Kraichgau region, Ehmentsklinge Reservoir is all about fun. The water is super clean, and pedal boats provide extra entertainment for families. The spacious lawns provide plenty of space and the café offers refreshments. What are you waiting for?
One hour northwest of Stuttgart.

The path round this lake in the Black Forest is a favorite for hikers. But, on a hot day, everyone wants to go for a swim in the sparkling, clean, clear water. Only electric boats are allowed, and special areas are set aside for swimming. Add in beach bars and cafés, changing rooms and toilets and Titisee Lake ticks all the boxes. It’s what summer is all about. 
40 minutes southeast of Freiburg.

Here's a real insider's tip. Close to the historic Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is Tiefer See Lake. In German, the name means "deep lake," and it is both clean and clear. In addition to a beer garden and café, there are modern changing rooms, showers and toilets. On weekdays it can be very quiet, especially at dusk: just you, the water, and the surrounding trees. Magic!
50 minutes northwest of Stuttgart.

There is something for everyone at Obersee in Kisslegg in the southern part of Upper Swabia. Think beach volleyball, table tennis and a playground. And, of course, swimming. Take a dip in the lake or do a few laps in the heated 25-meter pool, complete with diving platform. Little ones will love jumping and splashing in the special mud area. Older kids and adults can go rowing, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding.
Two hours southeast of Stuttgart.

Don't be confused by the name. The Tyrolean Lake, the Tiroler See is located in the southern part of the Hohenlohe region. Even in the middle of summer, this unspoiled destination is peaceful. But this natural lake has everything you need for swimming, including a café and beer garden. There's even a special area for non-swimmers, so kids can splash and play in the water safely.
One hour northeast of Stuttgart.

Southwest Germany's highest swimming lake is awy from it all, set between its bigger and better known neighbors, Titisee and Schluchsee. Windgfällweiher scores for its beach, but it also offers windsurfing and paddleboarding. Add the Baywatch Bar and toilets, and you can see why this is an insider's tip for back-to-nature wild swimming!
45 minutes southeast of Freiburg.

When only the big and brave are swimming in Lake Constance, Degersee is already warming up. This sheltered spot in southern Upper Swabia has a shoreline for swimming far from the crowds. Locals say the sun shines longest on the terrace of the Degerseestube, the cheerful beer garden and restaurant overlooking the water. On the other shore are marshes popular with bird watchers.

90 minutes east of Konstanz.

Swimming lakes are rare in the porous limestone hills of the Swabian Alb. But the building of a dam has created a magnificent body of water for summer swimming. And there's more. From pedal boats on the lake to the nearby miniature railway, petting zoo and adventure park, children are kept busy and happy. A great day out!
One hour southwest of Stuttgart.

Here's a novel triathlon challenge for this summer. First discipline: jog three kilometers around Gifizsee Lake. Second discipline: jump into the lake and swim. Third discipline: chill out on the shore for the rest of the day. Rumor has it that there are locals in Offenburg who do this triathlon every day. But even more activities are on offer. Rent a boat, play ping-pong or beach volleyball, barbecue in the special area. Or relax and have a beer in the café.
40 minutes north of Freiburg, 90 minutes southwest of Stuttgart.