photo of the Bavarian Sea aka Chiemsee which boasts some of the best beaches in Bavaria

Beyond the lively beer gardens serving award-winning brews and delicious delicacies, the Free State of Bavaria in the southeast of Germany is a world of fun and endless opportunities. For instance, did you know that there are also some wonderful beaches in Bavaria?

Although not the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, Bavaria has lots of stunning lakes offering a refreshing escape, especially during the warmer months. 

Even though these aren’t your typical sandy stretches bordering the ocean, lakefront shores and river beaches in Bavaria boast a unique charm and provide a lot of activities for every type of traveller. Here’s a list of some of the best beaches in Bavaria where you can go for some good times and tan lines.

Bernau-Felden

Often referred to as the Bavarian Sea, Chiemsee (featured image) is the largest lake in Bavaria. The Bernau-Felden beach is just one of many on the shores of this lake, offering stunning views of the water and the nearby mountains. 

It’s no surprise that the area is popular among those who love to swim, sunbathe, and hike. Whether you want to relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, or explore the nearby islands, you’ll have the opportunity to do all that and more at this beach. The kiosk close to the beach has a wide selection of snacks and goodies you can enjoy while you’re there. 

Sandstrand Altmuhlsee

Sandstrand Altmuhlsee is a beautiful sandy beach where you can relax in the peaceful atmosphere and swim or chill out with friends. While you’re on this beach, you can enjoy some light snacks like ice cream, cake, coffee, and other drinks from nearby restaurants.

Besides swimming and sunbathing, Altmuhlsee offers a variety of activities. The shallow waters allow for stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling, and you can also rent a kayak on the lake. If you’d rather play on shore rather than in the water, there’s beach volleyball too. 

Isarstrand

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s no better place to go than Isarstrand Beach (below). Set in the heart of Munich, the riverside beach feels like a whole other world with fresh air, clean water, and tranquil vibes.

The beach is perfect for a solo relaxation trip, a romantic getaway for lovers, or a fun-filled get-together with friends. There are also many restaurants nearby where you can enjoy your pick of Bavarian delicacies while you take in the beauty of your surroundings. It’s all beach vibes here where the joyful shouts of other beach lovers fills the air!

photo of people splashing about in the waters at Isarstrand in Munich, Germany

Hundestrand Rottach Egern

The Hundestrand Rottach Egern beach at Tegernsee Lake has a natural beauty to it that’s awe-inspiring. From the beach, you’ll have an amazing view of the mountains surrounding it and clean, clear water that’s not too deep and perfect for splashing around in. Besides the general “beachy” stuff, you can also get food from a nearby grill place or a refreshing drink from biergartens that sometimes set up on the beach during the warmer seasons. 

Dog lovers are bound to adore this beach, especially because of its pet-friendliness. On this beach, dogs are free to run around without a leash and even swim. It’s a great place to take your beloved pooch with you for some downtime at the beach or make some new four-legged friends with the beauty of nature all around you.   

Riemer See

Riemer See has a pebble beach on its eastern shore where you can sunbathe or rent a boat and spend a day on the water. While its natural beauty and parkland setting are a big part of the lake’s allure, there’s a lot more to it that makes it special. 

One of those things is beach volleyball, a thrilling fast-paced sport where you enjoy playing on the soft sands of the beach with the beautiful lake as the backdrop. The beach volleyball courts set right next to the lake combine the laid back vibe of a beach with the adrenaline-pumping thrill of the game. These courts offer a fun, thrilling, unique way to spend time at the beach and make special memories.

Strandbad Nonnenhorn

Through the ages, Strandbad Nonnehorn has maintained a retro feel that creates a warm, welcoming vibe to the beach. It’s a family-friendly place on the shores of Lake Constance (below) in the German town of Nonnenhorn where you can spend the day with your kids, sunbathing, swimming, and taking in the beautiful lake and natural surroundings. 

Besides the beach area, there’s also a swimming pool with a water slide and a kids’ pool where the little ones can have fun splashing around while you relax on the loungers. Some facilities of Strandbad Nonnenhorn are only open during certain seasons to ensure that you get the best out of your visit there. 

photo of Lake Constance in Bavaria, Germany

Badestrand mit Alpenblick

If you’d love to visit a beach with a view, Badestrand mit Alpenblick is a great pick. The picture-perfect pebble beach is set a little way away from the Alps. In addition to the gorgeous view of the Alps, Badestrand mit Alpenblick has a great vantage point of the lake and a spacious sunbathing area. 

The beach has a friendly vibe and allows pet owners to bring their pets along for a relaxing day in the sun. When the water is too cold to swim in, you can still enjoy walking around and taking in the view, or go on an exhilarating bike tour around the lake. 

Sandstrand Wohrder See

Popular for its natural beauty, Sandstrand Wohrder See is a sandy beach in Nurnberg. For nature lovers, this is a dream destination. It’s a great place for a morning walk with feel-good vibes that lift your spirits and give you a great escape from reality.

For those seeking a peaceful beach experience, this is the destination of choice. Nothing beats the peace of lying back in a paddle boat, listening to the soothing sound of the water with the sun caressing your skin. Kids can have a lot of fun at this beach or the playground nearby and you can treat them to something nice and tasty at the beach restaurant close by.  

Percha Beach

Lake Starnberg is the second largest in Bavaria and one of the most loved destinations for a day of chilling and swimming. Thanks to its size, the lake has many beaches along its shores, each with a unique charm. Among those, Percha Beach is one of the most famous with a gorgeous view of the entire lake.

This Bavarian gem is just the place to go when you need to unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Whether you simply want to lie back on the warm sand and relax or enjoy a nice picnic with your loved ones, you can’t go wrong with Badegelande Percha. There’s also a restaurant nearby where you can enjoy a delicious meal and the serene vibes of the beach. 

photo of Lake Starnberger in the German state of Bavaria

Final Word

Each beach listed is a Bavarian gem where you can relax, unwind, and take in the natural beauty of this beautiful state. From tranquil shores with crystal-clear waters to river beaches teeming with life, Bavarian beaches are a sanctuary of relaxation and adventure. 

The sun-kissed sands and refreshing waters are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the amazing things you can enjoy at beaches in Bavaria. Whether you’re seeking nature-themed solitude or you want to join a community of beach lovers having fun in the sun, the beaches in Bavaria won’t disappoint!

Now read: Bavarian Bliss: The Top 10 Joys of Summer In Munich

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