A person swimming in a natural lake in the Tauber Valley near Freudenberg on a sunny summer day.

Natural Lakes in Southwest Germany

Open Water Swimming

22.5.20265 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.

Where Southwest Germany meets the Water

9 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:

#respectfornature

How We Respectfully Encounter Our Nature Together in Baden-Württemberg

Explore the Outdoor Etiquette

1# Kraichgau-Stromberg

Ehmetsklinge 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.

Ehmetsklinge Reservoir

Summer bliss by the water

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

2# Black Forest

Lake 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.

3# Kraichgau-Stromberg

Lake 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.

4# Upper Swabia

Lake 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.

5# Hohenlohe

Lake Tiroler. Pure Nature.

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.

6# Black Forest

Lake 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.

7# Lake Constance

Lake 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.

8# Swabian Alb

Schömberg 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.

9# Ortenau

Lake 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.