Two children run into a lake. The water splashes. There are reeds at the edge and trees in the background.

Open Water SwimmingNatural Lakes in Southwest Germany

19.5.20225 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif

On hot summer days, the perfect way to cool off is to go swimming, stand-up paddling or canoeing in the beautiful natural lakes of Baden-Württemberg.

BW-Story - Hirsch & Greif9 Beautiful Lakes to Cool off on Hot Summer Days!

At last, summer is here! Time to be outdoors. And when the sun is hot, cool off in the water. Whether you call it open water swimming, wild swimming or just swimming outside, SouthWest Germany’s clean, clear lakes are perfect for this natural way to enjoy the water. And the surrounding woods, meadows and greenery are all part of the experience. So, relax and recharge your batteries. Just be sure to watch where you are diving; even better, go in feet first! Just as the hashtag #respectfornature suggests .Here are 9 of our favorite lakes for open water swimming in SouthWest Germany:

#respectfornatureHow We Respectfully Encounter Our Nature Together in Baden-Württemberg

Explore the Outdoor Etiquette

1# Kraichgau-StrombergEhmetsklinge Reservoir. Magical!

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, the 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.More on the Ehmetsklinge Reservoir

View of the Ehmetsklinge reservoir in Kraichgau, with the wooded hills in the background.

In the Kraichgau Region, the Ehmetsklinge Reservoir is great for swimming and water sports.

2# Black ForestLake Titisee. What a Treat!

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 Lake Titisee ticks all the boxes. It’s what summer is all about.
40 minutes southeast of Freiburg.More on Lake Titisee

In the foreground is a red park bench on a lawn. Behind it lies a lake in the mist. The lakeshore is sandy and fenced off. The sun is shining.

At Lake Titiee, guests find beach bars, cafés, changing rooms and toilets for the perfect swimming experience.

3# Kraichgau-StrombergLake Tiefer See in the Maulbronn UNESCO World Heritage Area

Here's a real insider's tip. Close to the historic Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is Lake Tiefer See. 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.More on Lake Tiefer See

View of a natural lake where people are swimming. The shore is partly wooded.

For visitors to Maulbronn Monastery, Lake Tiefer See is a real insider tip.

4# Upper SwabiaLake Obersee. Fun for All Ages.

There is something for everyone at Lake 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.More on Lake Obersee

A woman and three children run from the lake to the nearby shore.

Near Kisslegg, Lake Obersee provides fun for all ages.

5# HohenloheLake Tiroler See in Hohenlohe.

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.More on Lake Tiroler See

Panoramic view of the lake in the middle of the forest. The banks are green.

A bird's eye view of Lake Tiroler See near Forchtenberg in Hohenlohe.

6# Black ForestLake Windgfällweiher. Southwest Germany’s Highest Swimming Lake.

Southwest Germany's highest swimming lake is awy from it all, set between its bigger and better known neighbors, Lake Titisee and Lake Schluchsee. Lake 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.More on Lake Windgfällweiher

Panoramic view of a lake with a blooming shore in the foreground. On the other side of the lake is a wooden hut on the shore. Behind it stretches a coniferous forest.

In the Black Forest, Lake Windgfällweiher is surrounded by trees.

7# Lake ConstanceLake Degersee. A Hidden Gem.

When only the big and brave are swimming in Lake Constance, Lake 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.More on Lake Degersee

View from above of a lake into which a wooden jetty leads. Bathers lie on the green areas on the shore and swim in the water. A small rowing boat can also be seen.

Near Tettnang, Lake Degersee is warm enough for swimming in early summer.

8# Swabian AlbSchömberg Reservoir. One of a Kind.

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.More on the Schömberg Reservoir

View over a lake with a beach. Behind it you can see the silhouette of a settlement with a church tower. The sky is blue with small clouds. Trees frame the view.

In the Swabian Alb, the Schömberg Reservoir is a lovely spot to relax.

9# OrtenauLake Gifizsee. Magnificent!

Here's a novel triathlon challenge for this summer. First discipline: jog three kilometers around Lake Gifizsee. 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.More on Lake Gifizsee