Two of the region's most beautiful lakes, just a short drive from the house, and yet they couldn't be more different. One is a deep, turquoise mountain lake in the Austrian Alps; the other a small, warm moor lake right in the middle of a Bavarian spa town. If you're after a day mixing swimming, hiking and drifting, this combination offers exactly the right variety.
Just a short, scenic drive from Oberammergau lies Lake Plansee, already across the border in Tyrol, in the Reutte district. As Tyrol's second-largest lake, it nestles fjord-like between the forested ridges of the Zwiesel and the Spießberg, with the slightly lower-lying Lake Heiterwang right next to it. What immediately catches the eye about both lakes is their extraordinary turquoise to emerald water colour, reminiscent even to seasoned Alpine travellers of Caribbean waters.
The drive itself is an experience: from Oberammergau, the most scenic route leads through the tranquil Graswang valley, right past the world-famous Linderhof Palace, so if you like, you can combine your lake day with a stop at King Ludwig II's palace along the way.
At the shore: the official swimming area lies on the north-eastern shore, with plenty of parking around the lake. For those who'd also like to hike, several well-documented routes on Komoot follow the shoreline and lead to nearby alpine pastures, ideal for rounding off the day with a short loop before heading back to Oberammergau.
Good to know: Lake Plansee has only limited access by public transport (service generally only reaches Heiterwang), so for a relaxed day trip, arriving by car is recommended.
A very different character, and just as rewarding: Lake Bayersoien (also called Soier See) lies idyllically in the middle of the moor spa town of Bad Bayersoien, about 11 kilometres from Oberammergau, at an altitude of roughly 810 metres. It's considered Bavaria's smallest and warmest moor swimming lake, no coincidence: the moor water, tinted brownish by humic substances, warms up especially quickly in spring and stays pleasant well into high summer, without ever getting crowded. The humic substances also have a gentle effect on the skin, making the lake pleasant for swimming even for more sensitive skin.
On the south shore lies the actual swimming area, with a large lawn for lounging, a kiosk for a quick bite, and boat rental for those who'd rather explore the lake from the water. Anglers are well catered for too: pike, tench, carp and eel make up the fish population.
Especially appealing for families: a roughly 2.5-kilometre nature trail loops once around the lake, explaining the local birdlife on several information boards along the way. If you like, you can borrow a special audio pen (free, against a deposit) from the Bad Bayersoien tourist information office or the "Fischerhäusl" right by the lake, letting you listen to bird calls at the touch of a button. There's also a barefoot path for kids.
Note: at Lake Bayersoien, a municipal ordinance requires dogs to be kept on a leash.
If you want to spend the whole day outdoors rather than just swimming, the two lakes combine well: an extended swim in the morning in the cooler, crystal-clear Lake Plansee plus a short walk along the shore, then switching in the afternoon to the milder, quickly-warmed moor water of Lake Bayersoien, a pleasant contrast that also works on changeable days, when one lake happens to be windier or cooler than the other.
Food and drink: while Lake Bayersoien scores points with its kiosk right by the water, at Lake Plansee it's best to bring your own provisions or stop at one of the inns along the drive there.
Best time to go: Lake Bayersoien, as a moor lake, is well suited even to the warmer weeks of spring, since it thaws and warms up faster than classic mountain lakes. Lake Plansee, thanks to its altitude and depth, stays cooler for longer and is ideal above all in the high summer months.
With children: the nature trail and barefoot path at Lake Bayersoien make it the better choice for a relaxed family day with younger children.
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From Ferienhaus Baumberger, both lakes are within easy driving distance, ideal for deciding spontaneously what you're in the mood for today: crystal-clear mountain water or a relaxed afternoon in the warm moor lake.
Sources: Ammergauer Alpen GmbH (Soier See) · Outdoor-Magazin (hikes at Lake Plansee) · Bergfex (Soier See).