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Fascinating water worlds.

There are more than 12,000 lakes in Germany. We introduce you to the unique diversity of lakes - from Lake Constance to the Mecklenburg Lake District. 

Clara KrugClara Krug , 11.01.2024
Natural beauty from the south to the north: There are more than 12,000 lakes in Germany.
Natural beauty from the south to the north: There are more than 12,000 lakes in Germany. © picture alliance / Zoonar

Lakes are popular places for hiking, bike tours and swimming, and also offer a haven of relaxation and tranquility. Numerous animal and plant species live close to lakes. According to the German Environment Agency, there are more than 12,000 natural lakes in Germany. Each is unique, and many are to be found in spectacular landscapes that have evolved naturally. Clear mountain lakes, expansive, reedy waterways, manmade dams – the diversity of German lakes is impressive and their size considerable: Around 750 of Germany’s natural lakes cover an area of more than 50 hectares. Most lakes in Germany were formed during the last ice age and are less than 20,000 years old; they are to be found mainly in the North German Plain, in the foothills of the Alps and in the Alps themselves.  

Discover some of these lakes - from the south to the north of Germany:  

Meersburg at Lake Constance: Germany’s largest lake extends along three countries - besides Germany, Lake Constance also borders Austria and Switzerland. As well as Meersburg, many other picturesque German towns such as Konstanz, Lindau and Radolfzell are to be found on the shores of Lake Constance.
Meersburg at Lake Constance: Germany’s largest lake extends along three countries - besides Germany, Lake Constance also borders Austria and Switzerland. As well as Meersburg, many other picturesque German towns such as Konstanz, Lindau and Radolfzell are to be found on the shores of Lake Constance. © picture alliance / imageBROKER
Paradise for nature lovers: Boasting more than 1,000 lakes, among them the imposing Müritz, the Mecklenburg Lake District is the largest area of interconnected lakes and rivers in Germany.
Paradise for nature lovers: Boasting more than 1,000 lakes, among them the imposing Müritz, the Mecklenburg Lake District is the largest area of interconnected lakes and rivers in Germany. © picture alliance / Rico Ködder/Shotshop
Sustainable destination: Silbersee in North Rhine-Westphalia is an artificial swimming lake. In 2022, Germany’s largest floating solar power plant was opened on the lake.
Sustainable destination: Silbersee in North Rhine-Westphalia is an artificial swimming lake. In 2022, Germany’s largest floating solar power plant was opened on the lake. © picture alliance / blickwinkel/M. Woike
Water as a source of energy: Edersee in Hesse is one of Germany’s largest reservoirs. It plays a key role in supplying the region with water and in generating energy. The lake is also important for tourism in the region: it is embedded in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Water as a source of energy: Edersee in Hesse is one of Germany’s largest reservoirs. It plays a key role in supplying the region with water and in generating energy. The lake is also important for tourism in the region: it is embedded in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. © picture alliance / blickwinkel/Luftbild Bertram
Former glacial lake: Schluchsee in southern Germany is the largest lake in the Black Forest. This former glacial lake was dammed around 90 years ago and has been Germany’s highest dam ever since.
Former glacial lake: Schluchsee in southern Germany is the largest lake in the Black Forest. This former glacial lake was dammed around 90 years ago and has been Germany’s highest dam ever since. Former glacial lake: Schluchsee in southern Germany is the largest lake in the Black Forest. This former glacial lake was dammed around 90 years ago and has been Germany’s highest dam ever since. © picture alliance / imageBROKERpicture alliance / imageBROKER
Picturesque backdrop: Crystal-clear Lake Eibsee in Bavaria is embedded in an imposing Alpine landscape. It is situated directly below the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain.
Picturesque backdrop: Crystal-clear Lake Eibsee in Bavaria is embedded in an imposing Alpine landscape. It is situated directly below the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. © picture alliance / imageBROKER

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