Swimming Lakes in the Bavarian Forest for Families
Swimming lakes in the Bavarian Forest for families: Perlsee and other lakes. Beach, playgrounds and tips for the summer.
Swimming lakes instead of public pools: why families love the Bavarian Forest
Summer in the Bavarian Forest means clear water, sandy beach, pedal boats and ice cream afterwards. No chlorine, no overcrowded lawns, no fight for the last shady spot. The swimming lakes around WaldmĂĽnchen are made for families with kids. Shallow shore zones for splashing, playgrounds in sight, and nature instead of concrete all around.
Perlsee is just one kilometre from Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof. On foot, you'll be there in ten minutes. But there are even more lakes in the region worth a trip.
Perlsee: your main destination in summer
Perlsee is no insider tip, but the heart of summer in WaldmĂĽnchen. And for good reason.
What makes Perlsee special
Beach and lawn: On the south shore there's a flat sandy beach with a gentle entry into the water. Perfect for toddlers who want to splash about in the shallow area. Behind it stretches a large grassy lawn with mature trees that provide natural shade. You can leave the parasol at home.
Playground: A large playground with climbing frames, swings and slides stands right by the lake. The kids see the playground from the water and vice versa. So you always keep an eye on things, whether the little ones are in the lake or on the slide.
Pedal boats and rowing boats: At the boat rental, you can hire pedal boats and rowing boats. A spin around the lake takes about 30 minutes. Children aged 6 and up can pedal along; the smaller ones sit at the front and steer.
Mini golf: Right next to the lake is a mini golf course. 18 holes, set in shade, playable even in 30-degree heat. Reckon on an hour for a round with kids.
Food and drink: At Perlsee, there's a kiosk with drinks, ice cream and small snacks. So you don't have to lug everything yourselves. Even so, it's worth having water and fruit in the rucksack.
Water quality and safety
During the swimming season, Perlsee is regularly tested for water quality by the Cham health authority. The results are consistently good to very good. The water is clear, the bed sandy to gravelly. At the main beach, there's a marked non-swimmer zone. There is no lifeguard station, so you're responsible yourselves. With small children, the rule is: always stay within arm's reach.
In high summer (July/August), the water temperature is between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius. Pleasant for kids, refreshing for adults. In June and September it can be cooler; from 17 degrees, however, swimming fun is still possible for most children.
Other swimming lakes in the region
If you want some variety or are planning a day trip, there are more lovely swimming lakes in the area.
Satzdorfer See (35 km)
Located near Cham, slightly larger than Perlsee. Lovely lawn, kiosk, beach volleyball court. The lake has a shallow shore zone and is well-suited for families. The drive takes about 35 minutes.
Drachensee near Furth im Wald (20 km)
A reservoir with a circular hiking trail. Not a classic swimming lake, but wonderful for walks and picnics. In summer, there are spots along the shore where you can dip your feet in the water. Combines well with a visit to the Wildgarten in Furth im Wald.
Eixendorfer Stausee (25 km)
The largest reservoir in the Upper Palatinate. Here there's an official bathing area with sandy beach and shallow entry. Less busy than Perlsee, so ideal for families who prefer it quieter. A kiosk is on site.
Steinberger See (65 km)
The largest lake in the Upper Palatinate, with a water-ski facility, large beach lido and a floating playground in the water. A great destination for a full day with older children (from 8). The drive is well worth it.
When is the best swimming season?
The swimming season at Perlsee officially runs from June to September. The best weeks are mid-July to mid-August, when the water temperature is at its highest.
Time of day: Mornings between 10 and 12 the lake is still quiet and the lawn empty. From 2 p.m., it gets fuller, especially during the Bavarian school holidays. Our tip: head to the lake after breakfast, return to the hotel at lunchtime, and use the afternoon for the pool or kids' club.
Day of week: During the week, it's noticeably quieter than at weekends. Day visitors from the region come on Saturday and Sunday.
The swimming lake packing list for families
So the day at the lake stays relaxed, here are the essentials:
What absolutely belongs in the rucksack
- Sunscreen with high SPF (at least SPF 30 for kids)
- Sun hat or cap for every child
- Water shoes or pool slippers (the gravel path to the beach can pinch)
- Towels (at least two per child; one is guaranteed to end up wet in the rucksack)
- Complete change of clothes, including underwear
- Drinking bottles with water (at least 0.5 litres per person)
- Arm bands or a swimming vest for non-swimmers
Practical extras
- Picnic blanket or beach mat
- Sand toys and bucket (also usable on the gravel beach)
- Ball or frisbee for the lawn
- Spare bag for wet swim things
- Small first-aid kit with plasters and tick tweezers
Good to know: Since at Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof you have all-inclusive, you can have a hearty breakfast before the lake visit and come back for lunch or afternoon cake. So no need for big lunch packets.
When the weather doesn't cooperate: the hotel pool
Summer in the Bavarian Forest also means: sometimes rain. No problem. At Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof, there's an indoor pool (10 x 4 metres) with a pleasant water temperature. Plus a whirlpool to warm up in, and from 3 p.m. a Finnish sauna and steam bath for adults.
The kids can swim indoors while the clouds drift past outside. And if it clears up in the afternoon, you can still head to Perlsee. You're only this flexible when the lake is right on your doorstep.
The Sonnenwolfi kids' club is especially popular in rainy weather. Crafting, playing, romping. The children won't miss the lake for a second.
A typical lake day: how your day could look
8:00 Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Eat well, the day will be long.
9:30 Pack the rucksack, apply sunscreen, off you go. Ten-minute walk to Perlsee.
10:00 to 12:00 Swimming, building sandcastles, playground. Quick pedal boat ride.
12:30 Back to the hotel, lunch. The kids are hungry and tired.
13:30 to 15:00 Lunch break. Room, book, quiet. Or the kids head to the kids' club.
15:00 Cake and ice cream at the hotel.
16:00 Back to the pool or a quick lap to the lake again.
18:30 Dinner buffet.
20:00 Evening stroll around Perlsee. In summer, it stays light past 9 p.m.
More ideas for the region can be found in our Bavarian Forest Guide.
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Book swimming fun for the whole family
Perlsee is right outside the door, the pool is your plan B, and with all-inclusive you don't have to worry about anything. That's how summer holidays with kids in the Bavarian Forest should be.