Camping Forggensee – Every year, Forggensee enchants campers from all over Europe, families and couples with its incredible idyllic nature and turquoise waters.
But that’s not the only reason tourists come here, the surrounding towns also provide unforgettable moments.
These include the beautiful small towns of Füssen, Schwangau, Roßhaupten and Rieden in the Bavarian Ostallgäu.
Here, nature practically invites you to open up your roof tent or tent trailer, breathe in the fresh mountain air and sip a hot coffee from a thermos flask.
Whether alone, as a couple or with the family – here are our tips for your vacation!
Camping Ratgeber:
Vacations with the family: carefree in Füssen & Co.
Vacation tips – Most holidaymakers seek relaxation far away, yet Germany has so many beautiful places to offer.
One of them is Lake Forggensee.
Whether it’s a summer vacation, a relaxing long weekend or a day trip – the unspoilt region is suitable for everything and everyone.
Want to get active?
How about a bike tour around the lake?
The view that accompanies you the whole time cannot be compared to a simple city bike tour.
So grab your bike, pack your picnic basket full and create the perfect day.
A mixture of sport and relaxation is particularly suitable for surprising your partner with a full program, as you can watch the sunset together at the end.
Before we get to our more detailed vacation tips, here is some general information about Lake Forggensee:
Forggensee in Bavaria: location on the map
Map – Lake Forggensee is the fifth largest lake in Bavaria.
It is located in the southernmost part of Germany and only five kilometers from the Austrian border.
Alongside Titisee and nearby Hopfensee, it is one of the most visited lakes in Germany with millions of visitors.
The reservoir is crossed by one of the last wild rivers, the Lech.
At the foot of the mountains you can see Neuschwanstein Castle, which is a real attraction for young and old alike.
What to expect on your vacation: First impressions
Video – In the following video you can get a first impression of the region.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7tsKET4xo8 Now let’s move on to our vacation tips!
Bucket list: Things to do & activities at the lake
Activities – The ideal place to drive out, relax, get some really fresh air and, ideally, go camping.
It only takes a minute to pitch the roof tent and enjoy the view.
The view of a 15-kilometre-long lake from the roof of your car is a memory you won’t forget in a hurry.
That’s probably the reason why so many tourists come here.
The area around the Forggensee is also super exciting.
Right next door is Lake Hopfensee, adjacent to the romantic town of Füssen, and to the north you can reach Munich after an hour and a half’s drive.
If you are planning a longer stay, you should definitely check out the surrounding area.
Read more about a vacation in the Allgäu here.
Reasons why it’s worth visiting Lake Forggensee:
- Idyllic nature in the region
- Crystal clear water
- Swimming and water sports
- Recreation and wellness offers
- Natural cycle paths
- Numerous campsites in central locations
- Lake Hopfensee, Füssen and Munich in the immediate vicinity
The most beautiful nature spots on Lake Forggensee
Vacation in nature – If you think that you can only hike in nature and swim at the lake, you are very much mistaken.
Rieden am Forggensee and the surrounding area offer plenty of fun and relaxation at the same time.
Discover a breathtaking panoramic view at the waterfall or when looking down into the valley.
Want to relax a little?
Then take a break at the Panorama Stadl and enjoy the view with coffee and cake.
Not to be forgotten: The Buchenbergalm.
This is where mountain railroads and Allgäu cuisine come together.
So plan a little more time for your vacation, because there is a lot to see and explore.
This is what you should do and see when you visit here:
- Panorama Forggensee
- Lech Falls
- View into the valley
- Rohrkopfhütte
- Waterfall in the Pöllat Gorge
- Buchenbergalm
- St. Mary’s Bridge
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Royal Crystal Spa
- Museum of the city of Füssen
My top 3 tips:
Panorama Stadl: For a break in between
Panorama Stadl – If you want a breathtaking panoramic view, you should make a stop at the northern “Panorama Stadl” location.
Whether you’re taking a break on a bike tour, stopping by car or looking for a snack in between – the panorama terrace combines both.
Here, young and old can enjoy a relaxed meal with coffee, cake and ice cream.
However, the kiosk is only open in good weather conditions, so check the weather forecast before your trip and off you go!
This is what the Panorama Stadl has to offer:
- Most beautiful viewpoint on the Forggensee
- Coffee, cake & ice cream at the kiosk
Lech Falls: take a hike to the ancient waterfall
Lech Falls – If you’ve come from the big city and are exhausted by the concrete jungle, then a trip to the Lech Falls is a great idea.
Surrounded by wild nature and turquoise blue water, the waterfall is almost mesmerizing.
The dam on the Lech is twelve meters high and overflows the entire width of the waterfall.
The gorge on the southern outskirts of Füssen was formed around 12,000 years ago.
It was formed at the end of the Würm Ice Age, when the meltwater from the Lech glacier formed a large lake that stretched as far as today’s Pfronten.
Information about the Lech Falls:
- Twelve meter high weir
- Located on the southern outskirts of the city
- 12,000 year old gorge
Buchenbergalm: Mountain railroad & Allgäu cuisine
Buchenbergalm – Another place that should definitely be on your to-do list is the Buchenbergalm.
Here, love literally goes through the stomach.
Delicious potato salad with Leberkäse or schnitzel await you in the home-made Allgäu cuisine.
At an altitude of 1140 meters, you can enjoy your meal in a typical wooden alpine hut.
And the best thing about the excursion: you can take the cable car to get to the restaurant.
This combines an unforgettable view, delicious food and an impressive trail.
If you’d rather get some exercise, take one of the many hiking trails.
But be careful, a hungry stomach will strain your nerves on such a long journey The way to the Buchenbergalm:
- Allgäu cuisine: Schnitzel, potato salad
- 1140 meters altitude offers beautiful views
- Mountain railroad leads directly there
- Alternative: Hiking trail of 3 hours
Here you have an impression of the Buchenbergalm: In addition to the spectacular natural phenomena, there is much more to discover and explore at Forggensee.
Excursion destinations nearby: Sights & Wellness
Excursion destinations – If you stay a few days longer at Lake Forggensee, there is a lot more to discover in the immediate vicinity.
Neuschwanstein Castle, for example, is the top destination for millions of tourists and not without reason.
As a picturesque photo spot, it impresses from afar.
But the region is also the right place for rest and relaxation.
Take advantage of one of the many wellness offers to end the day in a relaxed manner.
Neuschwanstein Castle: a picturesque highlight on your vacation
Neuschwanstein Castle – Looking at the castle, you could almost think it’s a scene from a Disney princess movie.
But this imposing castle really does exist and fortunately it is located in the middle of Germany.
Neuschwanstein Castle was completed in 1886, just seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II.
It was his wish to create a retreat from the old castle ruins of Vorderhohenschwangau and Hinterhohenschwangau.
Since Ludwig II’s death, the castle has been visited by more than 130 million people.
With 1.4 million visitors a year, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular castles in Europe.
It is a well-known photo motif and has already been used as a model for several Disney films.
Information about Neuschwanstein Castle:
- Millions of visitors every year
- Europe’s most popular castle
- Retreat of King Ludwig II
- Famous photo motif
- Template for some Disney films
Approach to Neuschwanstein Castle:
- Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau
Want to find out more about the history of the castle?
Then you can read more in the article about the nearby Hopfensee: Camping at Hopfensee!
Royal Crystal Spa at the Kurpark Schwangau
Kristall-Therme – Do you still have a few days left?
Then how about some relaxation and wellness?
Nowhere else can you relax as well as in the royal Kristall-Therme at the Kurpark Schwangau.
It is not for nothing that it bears its majestic name.
Here you can relax in the individual pools at a minimum temperature of 32 degrees.
Every frostbite will be delighted with the offers.
Of course, in addition to whirlpools and massage jets, there is also a pool bar and various healing thermal baths.
Both the gentle brine pool and the soda pool offer you relaxation and health.
Toast to this with a delicious cocktail at the pool bar and enjoy the incredible panoramic view.
This is what awaits you at the spa:
- Minimum temperature of 32 degrees
- Whirlpool, pool bar, thermal bath
- Brine & soda pool
Directions to the Kristall-Therme at the Kurpark Schwangau:
- Address: Am Ehberg 16, 87645 Schwangau
How and where should I actually stay on my vacation?
Campsite recommendations at the lake
Campsite recommendations – The campsites near Lake Forggensee are close to the beach, so the morning walk will be one of the best moments of the day.
Both campsites also allow you to take your beloved four-legged friend with you.
The following campsites are ideal for a vacation at Lake Forggensee:
Camping site Seewang
- 4.6 stars / 17 ratings
- Address: Tiefental 1, 87669 Dietringen
- Phone: 498367406
Camping Magdalena
- 4.7 stars / 7 ratings
- Address: Bachtalstr.
10, 87669 Osterreinen - Phone: 4983624931
Camping by the water instead of a hotel or vacation apartment
Camping – Many young people go camping for the first time at a festival under an old, dusty tent.
But that can’t compare to the adventure and luxury that awaits you on a camping vacation with a rooftop tent at Forggensee.
A 75-metre-long pebble beach and adjacent campsites are just perfect for a camping vacation.
What’s more, the shallow entry into the water means that many parents don’t have to worry about keeping an eye on their adventurous children.
Why you should go camping
Advantages of camping – Camping guarantees you the feeling of complete closeness to nature and freedom.
With a roof tent on your car or a tent trailer in the back, you are flexible on the road, can explore several of the picturesque corners and are completely free to plan your day as you wish.
You can sit outside your roof tent and chat with your loved ones until late in the evening.
You can get up comfortably with the first rays of sunshine, prepare breakfast in your camping kitchen and start the day in a camping chair or a camping lounger on the campsite.
What’s more, it’s definitely cheaper than staying in a hotel or vacation apartment.
If you want to buy a rooftop tent, you only have to pay for food, activities, fuel and possibly a few campsites along the way.
Read more about the advantages, different models and costs here: Rooftop tent for your car.
These are the advantages of a camping vacation:
- Cost-effective travel option
- Intense time in nature with your loved ones
- Sitting together outside until the evening hours
- Flexible travel planning
- Spontaneous and free organization of the day
- Comfort and luxury in the roof tent
- Space for the whole family
- Sleeping place is ready anytime and anywhere
- Dog and family friendly
Not only will your children have the time of their lives, but your dog will love it at Forggensee too!
Packing list: Tips & suggestions for camping on the beach
Packing list – Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, table and loungers should not be missing on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
Here’s a checklist to help you take all the essentials with you on your camping vacation and make the most of your time.
These are the most important accessories:
- Camping furniture
- Cupboards and boxes: for tidiness when camping
- Awning or awning
- Gas stove and camping kitchen
- Mosquito spray and mosquito net
- …
- You can find all the gadgets in the packing list here!
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.
Impressions: Alps, water sports and vineyards
A picture as if painted – typical Alpine landscape in the background of the lake:
Hiking in Rieden am Forggensee: Water sports for young and old: Which time of year is best for a vacation at Lake Forggensee?
Weather: temperatures and trend
Weather – Rieden am Forggensee lies at an altitude of 819m.
Accordingly, the climate is temperate but cold.
You can expect a considerable amount of precipitation.
This also applies to the driest month, February.
The average annual temperature in Rieden am Forggensee is 6.2 °C.
The wettest month is June.
Nevertheless, that shouldn’t stop you from spending a few nice vacation days there.
- Moderate, fairly cold climate
- Frequent precipitation, even in June
- Average temperature: 6.2 °C
- Driest month: February
Weather today / in three days
Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days:
FAQ: Questions about the Forggensee
For the perfect vacation, you should inform yourself well in advance.
Can I camp there?
What activities does my vacation region offer and is the temperature suitable for them?
Can you walk around the Forggensee?
Lake Forggensee is an incredible 15.2 km² in size.
If you enjoy hiking, you can walk along one of the idyllic routes around the lake.
Cycling tours are also possible here.
Are barbecues allowed at Forggensee?
Barbecuing on both a gas barbecue and a charcoal barbecue is permitted.
Why was the Forggensee drained?
Since the dam was built in 1954, the Forggensee has always been drained over the winter to collect melt water from the Allgäu mountains and the rainfall in spring
How was Lake Forggensee formed?
The Forggensee is not a natural lake, it was dammed in the middle of the
It was dammed in the middle of the 20th century as the first barrage along the Lech river to generate electricity.
There were already plans to generate electricity at the end of the 19th century.
Why is the Forggensee turquoise?
The lake owes its turquoise color to the adjacent wild river, the Lech.
This has a high mineral content in the water, which the Lech dissolves from its stones, and a low water temperature.
Reading tips: Camping vacation at the lake
If you are still undecided about where exactly to go on your vacation, there are other beautiful and recommendable lakes apart from Forggensee where you can go camping.
So read more articles here as a vacation alternative!
Camping at Hopfensee
Hopfensee – A vacation at Hopfensee promises a real adventure, because on a trip to the beautiful lake you can not only swim, but also explore the exciting sights and activities nearby or go on a hike in the idyllic natural surroundings.
Afterwards, unique home cooking from the best fisherman’s hut in Germany awaits you.
On the road in a roof tent, tent trailer or converted van, with your family or partner – read all about your first camping trip to Lake Hopfensee here:
Camping on Lake Constance
Lake Constance – Lake Constance is also an ideal destination for the whole family.
From idyllic nature, crystal-clear water and exciting leisure activities, beautiful Lake Constance, which lies between Germany, Austria and Switzerland, offers everything your heart desires.
Camping with a rooftop tent is probably the best way to make the most of your vacation and the picturesque landscapes.
Here you can read our tips on the most beautiful regions, popular sights and things to do:
Camping at the Eibsee
Eibsee – relaxation and adventure also await you at one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps: the Eibsee!
It boasts turquoise-blue water with a Caribbean flair, idyllic nature, a fascinating mountain world and charming campsites.
Whether in summer or winter – the multi-faceted vacation region guarantees amazing landscapes and numerous leisure activities at any time of year.
Read all about a vacation at Lake Eibsee here:
Camping in Bavaria
Bavaria – Alongside the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the south of Germany is the most popular vacation destination for German and foreign holidaymakers.
Germany’s largest federal state in terms of area is Bavaria.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, fantastic views and the typical Bavarian charm, the state offers many interesting cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, as well as a variety of lakes, such as Lake Constance and Lake Hopfensee, where you can relax, hike and enjoy nature.
With a roof tent or tent trailer , your vacation will be a true adventure where relaxation is not neglected.
We show you what the southern German state has to offer and which regions you should definitely visit on a vacation, as well as suggestions for a road trip.