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Forggensee Lake
Best time to visit
May to September, when the lake is full and temperatures are pleasant for water sports. Early morning or late evening offer the best light for photographing the castles.
Budget tips
The lake itself is freely accessible, you only pay for parking (3-5 € per day) or boat rental. A boat ride costs around 10 € per person, but you can bring your own paddleboard for free.
Recommended for
Water sports enthusiasts, Families with children, Cyclists, Photographers
Plan your visit
2-4 hours
About
Quick facts: Covering 15.2 km², it is the largest alpine reservoir in Germany. Every winter it is drained and refilled in the spring, revealing the Danube road and remnants of Roman roads on its bed.
Highlights: When the water recedes in winter, a long-submerged Roman bridge and medieval foundations emerge, as if a centuries-lost world were returning for four months. Every spring you watch the water level rise by 2 meters per day, swallowing the old road and meadows until the lake once again reaches its summer form.
Insider tips
- Instead of the overcrowded viewpoint near Neuschwanstein, go to the southern shore near the village of Steinbach. From there you have the castles in perfect symmetry without the crowds.
- You can best enjoy the water from a paddleboard or kayak rented at the Füssen harbor, where there is also a free beach.
- If you come in October, you will see the dramatic draining of the lake and exposed historical pathways.
- The cycling path around the lake is 25 km long and you can find a bike rental right at the harbor.
Practical info
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