Water, water everywhere! 7 tips for hot sunny days
When the mercury rises, the only thing that can help is a cool dip. From lakes and outdoor swimming pools to more active options like surfing and stand-up paddling, Bavaria has something to help everyone cool down.
Rock Pool Pottenstein
If you are looking for the perfect combination of bathing lake and outdoor swimming pool, the rock pool at Pottenstein in the Fränkische Schweiz region is the place to go. Sitting between idyllic cliffs, this natural bath has been welcoming guests since 1926. Arguably the oldest outdoor pool in Bavaria, it is the perfect place to cool down after a strenuous walk from the train station at Pegnitz through the region's characteristic landscape of caves, hills and mountains. Bathers can also discover the nearby summer sled run and the "devil's cave" in Pottenstein.
Lake Ammersee
From Bavaria's oldest outdoor swimming pool, we now go to its third-largest lake. The Ammersee is located around 40 kilometres south-west of Munich. As well as attracting bathers, the lake is also a mecca for windsurfers. In the windsurfing school at Herrsching, visitors can go on courses and rent the necessary equipment right away. Best of all, the school is just five minutes' walk from the station in Herrsching.
The Wöhrder See in Nuremberg
If you are looking for a place to cool down on a hot day in Nuremberg, you don't even have to leave the city centre. The Wöhrder See lake is located centrally between Nuremberg Tech and the Nuremberg College of Music. Here in the centre of the Franconian metropolis, students, locals and visitors alike can relax, enjoy the beauty of nature, swim, ride a pedalo or try out stand-up paddling. Swimming is only allowed in the official bathing area on the southern bank of the lake, however. For children, there is also a large water playground.
Canyoning in Reutte
Canyoning is all about crossing waterfalls, jumping into natural pools, exploring narrow gorges, abseiling down cliffs and pushing your own boundaries. If you're looking for heart-pounding, team-based action on the water with an incredible view of the Lechtal Alps, why not try out rafting in Reutte. Here, visitors can enjoy a seven-hour raft tour through the roaring rapids of the river Lech.
Rowing on the Pegnitz
If you prefer your rivers a bit more tranquil, you will enjoy rowing on the Pegnitz. The river offers several kilometres of canoe tours through the unspoiled nature of Franconia. Novices can get support on guided tours and courses. Please note that all canoe tours require registration. The contact details can be found here. Please mention if you would like to start the tour directly beneath the train station in Rupprechtstegen, as this is only possible upon request.
The Lido at Feldafing
The lido at Feldafing also offers plenty of relaxation. Even after 90 years, this traditional lido is still a secret tip for fans of Lake Starnberger. As well as bathing in the lake, visitors can also try out activities like stand-up paddling and volleyball. For the youngsters, there is a sandbox and supervised non-swimmer area with a water slide.
Lake Brombachsee
Located near the town of Pleinfeld in Middle Franconia, the Brombachsee offers extensive bathing areas and is a one-hour walk from the train station. Alongside its rolling coves and meadows, the lake also allows visitors to try out windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddling.
Pottenstein rock pool: a natural jewel in Franconian Switzerland
The rock pool in Pottenstein has been attracting guests from all over the world to Franconian Switzerland for decades. The impressive rocky backdrop of the Finkenstein mountain makes a trip to the pool a special experience.Pegnitz
Watersports on Lake Brombach
Whether you're windsurfing or kiting, the force of the wind will see you tear across the largest reservoir in the Franconian Lake District. On the other hand, if you prefer something a little more relaxing, you can explore the region with stand-up paddling (SUP) or a kayak.Langlau