Alpsee is one of Bavaria's most scenic lakes, sitting right at the foot of the Säuling mountain and just steps from the famous Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles. It's the kind of place where alpine scenery meets calm water for a truly postcard-perfect view.

Covering 88 hectares, the lake is ringed by rounded, glacier-shaped forested hills such as the Schwarzenberg and Kitzberg, with its karst plateau. In summer the clear water draws swimmers - Alpsee is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Germany - while in winter, when it freezes solid enough, locals take to the ice for skating. The whole area has a relaxed, almost meditative atmosphere despite the crowds drawn by the nearby castles.

How to get there

• Schwangau / near Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles - wide, easy lakeside path circling the lake, about 1-1.5 hours, easy difficulty
• Füssen - roughly 2 km northwest of the lake, a convenient base for hikers and cyclists

Practical information

• Alpseebad lido on the south shore, open in summer
• Boathouse renting pedal boats and rowing boats
• In winter, when cold enough, the lake is used for ice skating
• Pindarplatz viewpoint on a rocky outcrop above the lake
• Museum of the Bavarian Kings right on the lakeshore

The lake was first mentioned back in 1523 as 'Albsee', a name derived from an Old High German word for a high mountain pasture - a fitting origin for this quiet alpine setting.