Forggensee is the largest reservoir in Germany and the fifth-largest lake in Bavaria, spreading out at the foot of the Alps near Füssen. In summer it becomes a paradise for sailors, paddlers and holidaymakers with views towards Neuschwanstein Castle, while in winter it reveals a completely different, almost surreal face.

Set in the gentle pre-alpine landscape south of Füssen, Forggensee stretches about ten kilometres from the town to the dam at Roßhaupten. In summer the lake is full to its brim, framed by mountains and buzzing with sailing boats, windsurfers and excursion steamers. From October the water level is lowered for flood protection, and by March the lake shrinks dramatically, exposing the old lake bed — complete with the foundations of villages flooded in the 1950s and even traces of the ancient Roman road Via Claudia Augusta.

• Füssen — easy access by car or train, short walk to the shore, flat terrain, easy
• Schwangau — access near Neuschwanstein Castle, connected by a cycling route around the lake, easy

• Full summer water level is maintained from 1 June to 15 October
• In winter the lake is drained for flood control, reaching its lowest point usually in March
• Passenger boats (MS Allgäu and MS Füssen) have operated cruises on the lake since 1955
• A themed cycling route circles the entire lake

The lake takes its name from the former hamlet of Forggen, submerged when the reservoir was created — its ruined foundations reappear only in winter when the water is at its lowest.