Forggensee

With its crystal-clear, turquoise water, you could almost imagine yourself in the South Seas – were it not for the magnificent peaks of the Bavarian Prealps in the background. Lake Forggensee lies in the so-called King’s Corner at the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle. Its breathtakingly beautiful location in the Bavarian Allgäu region exerts a magical pull on people of all kinds. Whether couples, families, or groups of friends – everyone finds their own personal paradise here at Lake Forggensee in the Allgäu. Whether for a short break or a relaxing holiday. Read on to discover what makes Bavaria’s fifth-largest lake so special and the diverse leisure activities it offers.

3 highlights at Lake Forggensee in the Bavarian Allgäu

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Old Town of Füssen
• Wellness holiday and leisure sports

Lake Forggensee: origins and history

To harness the hydropower of the Lech River, the Bavarian Hydroelectric Power Company (Bayerische Wasserkraftwerke AG) began construction of a dam in the early 1950s: at the time, Europe’s largest construction site. Around 1,000 workers were employed for four years to build the dam until Lake Forggensee could be filled for the first time. Since then, up to 150,000 liters of water per second have flowed through the power plant, generating 45.5 megawatts of power. This ensures the electricity supply for almost 50,000 households. With an area of ​​15.2 square kilometers, Lake Forggensee is Germany’s largest reservoir. Every year, the Lech River is dammed on June 1st, and the water is released again on October 15th. At that point, the bottom of the large reservoir is accessible on foot.

The Lech: A whitewater river used for power generation

The Lech River rises in Vorarlberg and flows into the Danube near Donauwörth. Its name derives from the Celtic word “Lik,” meaning roughly “the rushing one.” Its striking emerald-green color results from the low water temperature and high calcium content. In Austria, the Lech remains a wild, untamed river, while in Germany, 15 power plants harness its energy from the river’s flow.

Leisure activities at Lake Forggensee

Today, the area around the reservoir is largely a protected landscape, whose stunning natural beauty brings joy to people. This is especially true in summer and autumn when the lake is full. Here, everyone can relax and take a break from everyday life. All imaginable types of water sports are possible on Lake Forggensee – which has a magical appeal for couples, families, and groups of friends. But hikers, cyclists, and those who enjoy strolling and appreciating the beauty of the landscape will also find plenty to enjoy at Bavaria’s fifth-largest lake. Here, we present the diverse leisure activities available around Lake Forggensee.

Lake Forggensee water sports paradise: wellness for the soul

What could be better than gliding across the water in a boat or cooling off in the refreshing water on a hot summer day? Lake Forggensee in the Allgäu region offers a wide range of water sports activities that allow you to escape from everyday life. Here is a brief overview of the kinds of water fun Lake Forggensee offers.

Swimming in Lake Forggensee

Open water swimming – the so-called “open water swimming” in the 8.7-kilometer-long and up to 3-kilometer-wide Forggensee – is a popular trend. Open water enthusiasts are often recognizable by their brightly colored buoys, which allow them to swim far out safely and remain easily identifiable. But even those who prefer a less strenuous approach to enjoying the water will find plenty to do. Families with children, couples, and seniors can all find a spot on the easily accessible Forggensee in the Allgäu region. Numerous bathing areas with beautiful mountain views line the shore, and from the peninsula bathing area, you can even swim with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle. This makes a weekend trip feel like a wellness retreat.

Canoeing

The lake is ideal for canoeing or kayaking. Those without their own boat can rent canoes, kayaks, or other boats. Guided canoe tours are also available from a boat rental company in Füssen. A romantic sunset tour on Lake Forggensee, for example, is particularly lovely for couples, but there are also introductory tours for anyone who wants to try canoeing or kayaking for the first time. It’s great fun for families, as there’s something for everyone, young and old.

Dragon boat

A dragon boat trip is a particularly enjoyable experience. This is also possible on Lake Forggensee. The boat rental in Füssen offers guided dragon boat tours. This sport originated in China and is enjoying increasing popularity in Germany as well. The team boat can accommodate up to 20 people, plus a drummer and a steersperson. When you paddle together as a group, the dragon boat seems to glide smoothly across Lake Forggensee. A fantastic excursion in stunning natural surroundings. Perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

Sailing on Lake Forggensee

A holiday in the Allgäu region always means water sports amidst stunning scenery. The large Forggensee lake is an ideal sailing area. Mornings are usually calm, but by late morning the wind picks up, allowing sails to be hoisted. In fact, there’s almost always a gentle breeze on the Forggensee, enhanced by thermal winds from the nearby Bavarian Alps. Sailing on the Forggensee is great fun for both beginners and experienced sailors. Several sailing schools, clubs, and boat rental companies are located around the lakeshore. You can also book organized sailing trips with experienced skippers. Tip: Just give it a try and forget about everyday life.

Stand-up paddling (SUP) on Lake Forggensee

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), a popular activity, is also available on Lake Forggensee. Many appreciate the relaxed pace of paddling while enjoying the beautiful scenery, including impressive mountain panoramas and the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle. You can either bring your own board or rent one from a local provider on Lake Forggensee. After a short introduction, you’re ready to go. If you’ve never tried SUP before, you can also book a course. It’s great fun, no doubt about it. If you like, you can also paddle from Lake Forggensee to Füssen. And if someone happens to fall in – on hot days, it’s a welcome refreshment.

Hiking at Lake Forggensee

Lake Forggensee invites you to hike amidst stunning natural scenery. Directly on the lake, but also in the immediate vicinity, this natural paradise in the southern Allgäu region can be explored on numerous hiking trails: from easy to challenging. Here we present three relatively easy and enjoyable routes.

Circular route via Füssen marina

The circular tour starts at the tourist information office in Füssen. From there, you stroll along the Lech River, enjoying the views of Füssen’s historic old town along the way. The benches at Füssen’s boat harbor offer inviting opportunities to rest on the shores of Lake Forggensee. The return journey takes you along the beautiful King Ludwig Promenade back to Füssen’s town center.

Key facts: Length: 4 km; elevation gain: none; duration: approx. 1 hour

Insider tip: The cultural initiative “Allgäuer Heimatwerk” in the heart of Füssen’s old town cultivates Allgäu traditions. Courses are offered, for example, where you can learn about classic Allgäu cuisine.

Along the eastern shore of Lake Forggensee

This family-friendly tour, also suitable for older people, starts at the tourist information office in Füssen. The well-signposted route leads via Horn and Waltenhofen to the boat landing at the Brunnen campsite. Along the way, you can enjoy the view of the turquoise Forggensee from numerous benches. During the boat season (June to mid-October), you can transfer to a Forggensee boat for the return trip. Tickets for this boat excursion are available on board and online.

Key facts: Length: 5.9 km; elevation gain: 27 m; duration: approx. 1:30 h

Insider tip: The pretty parish church of Waltenhofen lies directly on the shore of Lake Forggensee. It dates back to one of the first churches in the Allgäu region and is richly decorated inside.

Eschach panoramic loop between Lake Forggensee and Lake Hopfensee

The beautiful panoramic trail starts opposite the village shop in Hopfen am See. Along the way, you’ll repeatedly enjoy stunning views of the beautiful mountains of the Allgäu region: the Ammergau, Lechtal, and Tannheim peaks. One of the highlights is the Bleick (or Blaik) viewpoint with its magnificent view of Lake Forggensee. With a reasonable level of fitness, this hike is easily manageable.

Key facts: Length: 9.5 km; elevation gain: 109 m; duration: approx. 3 hours.

Insider tip: Those who undertake the hike during the summer can cool off afterwards by swimming in the Hopfen am See lido.

Cycling around Lake Forggensee

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Lake Forggensee and its picturesque surroundings. There are routes to suit every taste. From leisurely cycling and e-biking to road cycling and mountain biking – everything is possible in the scenic Allgäu Alpine foothills. The region boasts an extensive network of cycle paths with well-signposted routes. The Forggensee Loop, a popular 30-kilometer route, is particularly noteworthy. It circumnavigates the Forggensee, a true Alpine gem. The starting point is the Füssen boat harbor. Don’t forget your swimwear! You’ll pass numerous beautiful swimming spots along the way.

Lake Forggensee boat trips in Füssen

A must-do when visiting the picturesque Forggensee is a boat trip on the Forggensee. When the reservoir is full, the ships “MS Allgäu” and “MS Füssen” operate on Germany’s largest reservoir. A trip on these white ships is pure relaxation. You can book a round trip or join the regular scheduled service. The latter is particularly convenient for hikers who want to shorten part of their route. Another advantage: During a Forggensee boat trip, you can leisurely enjoy the majestic panorama of the Alps, as well as views of the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, and the High Castle in Füssen. The list of docking points is as follows:

• Füssen/Marina
• Füssen/Festival Theatre
• Schwangau/Waltenhofen
• Schwangau/Brunnen
• Rieden/Osterreinen
• Rieden/Dietringen
• Roßhaupten/Tiefental
• Roßhaupten/Dam

Places to stop for refreshments at Lake Forggensee

Restaurants, inns, and cafés around Lake Forggensee cater to visitors’ culinary needs. Many offer attractive beer gardens and outdoor terraces where delicious Allgäu specialties are served. Hearty and savory dishes are very popular in the traditional cuisine, such as Allgäu sausage salad, roast beef with onions, or the delectable Allgäu cheese spaetzle. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for these days. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Allgäu, with its numerous flour-based and sweet dishes, is a true paradise. At Lake Forggensee, every gourmet’s heart will be delighted.

Lake Forggensee in winter: discover the sunken town

In winter, the beautiful snow-covered areas of the southern Allgäu region attract many visitors. Lake Forggensee also has its charms at this time of year. If no renovations are planned at the Roßhaupten pumped-storage power plant, the water is drained in winter. Then, visitors can walk across the lakebed, collect driftwood, and stroll along the Roman road Via Claudia Augusta. The foundations of the two villages that were flooded for the construction of the dam also become visible in winter. Guided tours offer the opportunity to learn about the history of Lake Forggensee.

Lake Forggensee: 3 sights nearby

The southern Allgäu region is rich in highlights and attractions. Couples can spend romantic days here, and groups of friends also enjoy meeting up for a relaxing wellness break amidst stunning natural scenery. But the region isn’t just rich in beautiful natural experiences; it also boasts a rich cultural history. Here we present three beautiful destinations near Lake Forggensee.

Füssen on Lake Forggensee

Just a stone’s throw from the southern end of Lake Forggensee lies the medieval town of Füssen. Nestled in a beautiful landscape at the foot of the Ammergau Alps, this town is perfect for a delightful stroll through its medieval streets – couples especially love the romantic atmosphere of the historic old town. And as befits a region with a long cultural heritage like the southern Allgäu, you’ll find numerous architectural highlights here, such as the monastery and church of St. Mang, the High Castle with its state gallery, and the Füssen City Museum. And should it happen to rain in the sun-drenched Allgäu, you can enjoy a wide range of wellness treatments in the numerous spas and thermal baths.

Neuschwanstein Castle: fairytale castle of King Ludwig II

Anyone visiting the region shouldn’t miss a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Its builder, King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886), intended the castle to be a luxurious retreat. However, shortly after his death in Lake Starnberg, the castle was opened to the public – partly to help pay off the construction debts with the entrance fees. Today, the opulently furnished Neuschwanstein Castle is the biggest tourist attraction in the beautiful Allgäu region. Around 1.5 million visitors make the pilgrimage to the fairytale castle of the reclusive ruler every year.

Hopfen am See – the “Allgäu Riviera”

Near Lake Forggensee lies the Kneipp and air spa resort of Hopfen am See, also known as the “Allgäu Riviera.” Many couples, families, and groups of friends find it a place of power, where the soul can recharge. Hopfen’s charming old town invites you to stroll around, and its location directly on Lake Hopfensee is simply breathtaking. Those who wander along the lakeside promenade are treated to a direct view of the majestic mountain panorama of the Ammergau, Lechtal, and Allgäu Alps. The numerous cafés and restaurants invite you to take a relaxing break – making the tranquil spa town of Hopfen am See the perfect place to escape the everyday routine and enjoy the harmonious blend of nature, culture, and cuisine found in the Allgäu Alps.