Perlsee Waldmünchen: The Family Swimming Lake by the Hotel

Guests staying at Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof have one of the most beautiful swimming lakes in the Bavarian Forest practically on their doorstep. Perlsee is just one kilometre from the hotel. On foot, you'll be there in five minutes. No car needed, no stress hunting for parking. Simply pack your swim things and go.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know for a great day at Perlsee: from the best time of day and activities for kids to the packing list.

Perlsee at a glance

Perlsee is a well-maintained swimming lake on the edge of Waldmünchen. The water is clean, and the entry is shallow and sandy. For families with small children, that's a big plus, because the little ones can splash about at the shore without you having to worry.

A large grassy lawn surrounds the lake with plenty of space. Even on warm summer days, you'll find a free spot here. Shaded places under the trees are also available if the sun gets too strong.

Activities at Perlsee: something for everyone

Beach and lawn

The beach area is well-kept and family-friendly. The lawn has plenty of room to spread out. Pack a picnic blanket and make yourselves comfortable while the kids dart back and forth between the water and the playground.

Playground and "Räuberhöhle" adventure

There's a playground for the younger ones right by the lake. The highlight for kids, however, is the "Räuberhöhle" (Robbers' Cave) adventure playground nearby. Here your kids can really let off steam: climbing, sliding, hiding. The name says it all, and from experience, children easily spend one to two hours here.

Pedal boats

A spin on a pedal boat across Perlsee is simply part of the experience. You can rent the boats directly at the lake. From the water, you'll have a wonderful view of the surrounding hills of the Bavarian Forest. Tip: in the morning, the lake is often mirror-smooth, the loveliest time for a pedal boat ride.

Mini golf

Perlsee also has a mini golf course. It's a great change of pace from swimming and brings out the sporting ambition in young and old alike. Plan around 45 to 60 minutes for it.

The Perlsee loop trail: pure nature over 7 kilometres

If you want more than just swimming, take the loop trail around Perlsee. The full loop is about 7 kilometres and leads through forest and meadows. The path is paved and also doable with a stroller or buggy.

The shorter version (4 km)

For families with younger children, there's a shortcut that reduces the loop to about 4 kilometres. This route is also paved and pleasantly flat. Perfect for a relaxed walk after lunch.

Highlights along the way

Along the trail, you'll pass a large water wheel. Children find it fascinating and usually want to watch the wheel turning for a while. Shortly after, there's a wooden boardwalk that leads over a swampy section. That's a little adventure too, especially for the little ones.

The path through the forest provides pleasant shade on hot days. Keep your eyes peeled: with a bit of luck, you'll spot squirrels, dragonflies by the water, or even a kingfisher.

The perfect half-day plan

Here's how your morning or afternoon at Perlsee could look:

Morning option:

• 9:00 a.m.: Set off after breakfast at the hotel (5-minute walk)
• 9:15 a.m.: Claim a spot on the lawn
• 9:30 a.m.: First swim or splash session
• 10:00 a.m.: Pedal boat ride across the lake
• 10:45 a.m.: Kids off to the Räuberhöhle
• 11:30 a.m.: A round of mini golf
• 12:15 p.m.: Stroll back to the hotel for lunch

Afternoon option:

• 2:00 p.m.: Head off to Perlsee
• 2:15 p.m.: Start the loop trail (short version, approx. 1 hour)
• 3:15 p.m.: Cool off in the lake
• 4:00 p.m.: Playground or mini golf
• 5:00 p.m.: Back to the hotel

When is the best time?

Perlsee is a great destination from May to September. The swimming season starts in late May or early June, depending on the weather. In high summer (July and August), it's of course busiest.

Our tip: During the week in the morning, you'll have the lake almost to yourselves. On weekends and public holidays, it gets fuller, so it's worth arriving early.

The loop trail is walkable year-round. In autumn, when the leaves change colour, the route is especially beautiful.

Packing list for Perlsee

So you don't forget a thing, here's a quick checklist:

• Swimwear and towels (the hotel also provides pool towels)
• Sunscreen and sun hat (the lawn has little natural shade)
• Picnic blanket or mat
• Snacks and drinks (there's also a kiosk, but your own provisions never hurt)
• Water shoes for sensitive feet
• Change of clothes for the kids
• Insect spray for evening hours
• Small change for the pedal boats and mini golf

Good to know

• Admission to Perlsee is free.
• Toilets are available on site.
• Dogs are welcome at the lake, but there are rules for the beach area.
• In thunderstorms, get out of the water immediately and seek shelter.

Even more excursion tips

Perlsee is just one of many reasons why Waldmünchen is a great starting point for a family holiday. Further hikes, excursion destinations and insider tips can be found in our Bavarian Forest Guide.

Continue reading

• More swimming lakes
• Discover Waldmünchen
• Hotel pool

Book your family holiday at Perlsee

Want to discover Perlsee and the Bavarian Forest with your family? At Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof, everything is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner and plenty of leisure activities for kids. And Perlsee is just five minutes' walk away.

Book your family holiday now and experience Perlsee for yourselves.