The Three Most Beautiful Swimming Lakes in Northern Germany
When we think of water fun in the north, the North and Baltic Seas immediately come to mind. But apart from that, there are many lakes to discover.
Anyone looking for a lake in the north that offers not only cool water but also untouched silence and genuine experiences will find three destinations at Gartower See, Plöner See, and Schweriner See that easily hold their own against the cliché of the North and Baltic Seas.
- Gartower See (Lower Saxony): 67 hectares of water with a fine sandy beach in the southeast, pedal boats and SUPs, a five-kilometer circular path with benches.
- Plöner See (Schleswig-Holstein): 28 square kilometers of crystal-clear water, surrounded by gentle hills. Ideal for stand-up paddling, rowing, or swimming with a view of the historic old town.
- Schweriner See (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania): At around 63 km², one of the largest inland lakes in northern Germany, with boat rentals and Schwerin Castle right on the shore.
Northern Germany’s Lakes: Where the Water is Clear and the Air Tastes of Pine
Looking for a cool retreat away from the tourist crowds, where the water is clean and the shores aren’t overrun? Skip the Baltic coast and explore what northern Germany’s lakes have to offer. The Gartow Lake in Lower Saxony is a place for anyone seeking peace and quiet: 67 hectares of water bordered by a fine sandy beach in the southeast, perfect for lingering. Active visitors can rent paddle boats or SUPs, while those in search of calm can follow the five-kilometre circular trail through dense forests. No crowds, no overpriced deck chairs, no rush.
Further north, in Schleswig-Holstein, the Great Plön Lake awaits with dimensions that even connoisseurs find surprising: 28 square kilometres of water surface surrounded by gentle hills and the charm of the Plön lake district. What makes it special is the blend of wilderness and culture-while you swim in crystal-clear water, the historic town of Plön lies just minutes away, with cafés and a castle overlooking the shore. The banks here are far less crowded than those of the famous Kiel Fjord. As evening falls, the lake grows still, and the water mirrors the sky.
Anyone who knows northern Germany only for its wind and rain hasn’t yet discovered the quiet lakes of its lake district-where the water is so clear you can see the bottom.
The Gartow Lake: Lower Saxony’s Underrated Refuge
The Gartow Lake in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district isn’t a lake for fleeting visits. Here, simplicity reigns: 67 hectares of water, a fine sandy beach in the southeast, opportunities for sailing and pedal boats, and a circular trail leading past hidden coves. The water is clean, the infrastructure discreet, and the nearby town of Gartow has a café serving regional cakes. No events, no hustle. Those who swim here do so because it’s worth it.
What sets the lake apart is its unpretentiousness. No mass attractions, no tourist mark-ups, no queues. Instead, it’s a place where relaxation still means what the word promises. For anyone travelling from Hamburg or Bremen, it’s just two hours to a shore that doesn’t need to prove anything.
The Schwerin Lake: Castle and Water in One View
For a mix of nature and cultural flair, head to the Schwerin Lake. At around 63 square kilometres, it’s one of northern Germany’s largest inland lakes, and Schwerin Castle rises directly from the shore-a backdrop no film set could better. Boat rentals are available, the city is easily accessible, and the water is exceptionally clean for northern Germany. Anyone sitting here understands why Schwerin is an underrated holiday destination.
Good to Know
▸Which of the three lakes is best for a quiet day without crowds?
The Gartow Lake. No mass tourism, well-measured infrastructure, and a largely empty sandy beach in the southeast. If you’re after true silence, this is the place. The Plön Lake has more structure and amenities-ideal if you also want to explore the town of Plön.
▸How can I reach the lakes without a car?
The Plön Lake is best reached by train-Plön is on the Kiel line. Schwerin has good rail connections from Hamburg and Berlin. The Gartow Lake is harder to access without a car; the nearest station is Lüchow. If you’re flexible, combine cycling with public transport.
▸When is the best time to visit?
June to September for swimming. Spring and autumn for hiking and tranquillity outside peak season. The Gartow Lake is especially quiet in early summer, while the Plön Lake tends to get busier in August.
