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July 1999

Water Colors: Munich's Heavenly Bodies

Hot Spots for swiming during Munich's hotter times

Münchner spend all winter hoping for a blazing hot summer, and when they are lucky enough to get one they spend it trying to cool off. This month munich found provides a list of top spots around Munich for swimming or partying lakeside. Waldschwaigsee The delicate eco-system of this marshy lake is strictly protected. Pets are not allowed to swim in or drink from the lake and washing with soap is also forbidden. The water is clean, but very cold due to the surprising depth of 10 meters. Waldschwaigsee is not ideal for children due to steep drop-offs. None of Munich’s lakes could be called “secrets” but this one does seem to be less explored with just 1,500-2,000 visitors each hot summer weekend- a manageable number for the large recreation area. Parking is very limited so expect to have a long walk from the car. Directions: Take the B471 to Dachau-Süd and then head towards Gröbenried, just before the small town, turn left. Neufahrner Mühlseen A favorite for families and singles alike owing to its abundant grassy shoreline and shade. The area close to the kiosk and beer garden is extremely crowded so it is worth walking to the other end of the lake for less chaos. Three separate lakes, one for wind surfers, one for those with pets and a third where pets are forbidden comprise the recreation area. Due to its location directly under the path of departing and arriving planes to the Munich airport, the lakeside serenity is sometimes disrupted by passing planes. The water is amazingly clean — no unidentified slimy objects brushing against your ankles. Directions: Three kilometers from the Neufahrn S-bahn station (S1). Or take the A93 to exit Neufahrn. Heimstettener See A Munich favorite to judge from the crowds that flock there. The Heimstettener See is easily reachable with the S6 to Feldkirchen, making it a popular spot for young people in eastern Munich. There is a table tennis area as well as a large games field. Directions: S6 Feldkirchen, a one-kilometer walk from the station. Autobahn A94 (BAB München-Passau), exit Feldkirchen-West then take the B471 direction Aschheim and follow the signs. Badesee Stoibermühle Due to its stony bottom, this lake has extremely clear, warm water. Development of the shoreline has been underway since 1992, improving comfortable sunbathing areas, but much of the area remains unpleasantly rocky. Grilling is allowed and many families take advantage of this, so be prepared for big parties. Parking is limited (just 350 parking spots) so biking from the Freising S-bahn station may be the most convenient way to reach Stoibermühle. Directions: Nuremberg autobahn A92 exit Freising-Ost, 500 meters direction Erding and then turn left. Ostersee If enjoying the lakes from their banks is preferable, then a trip to the Ostersee is the perfect destination. Though swimming is safe and permissible, in some areas, it is not very desirable as the water is murky. For bikers or hikers though, the Ostersee is a small paradise. The trails that loop the lake are clearly marked and not too strenuous — fine for those with children. Directions: Autobahn A95 exit Penzberg, direction Seeshaupt and from there follow the signs for the Ostersee to the left.

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