With an area of around 15 square kilometers, Forggensee is the largest reservoir in Germany and the largest lake in the Allgäu. During the summer months, when the lake is fully dammed, it fits perfectly into the surrounding dream landscape and offers numerous opportunities for fun activities on the water or on the banks. In winter the Forggensee is drained and can be hiked through.
The Forggensee, a reservoir through which the Lech flows, is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Ostallgäu. Its water, shimmering turquoise blue on sunny days, together with the surrounding green meadows and the magnificent mountains that rise like majestic sentinels into the sky, contribute to a perfect Allgäuer postcard setting. During the summer months, numerous sunbathing areas, bathing beaches and cafés on the banks invite you to enjoy the wonderful nature and unwind. If you prefer something more active, you can swim in Lake Forggensee or have lots of fun with water sports such as surfing, water skiing or rowing. Even sailing is possible on the lake. There are several sailing schools here and international sailing regattas take place regularly. The approximately 30 kilometer tour around the lake is considered a classic among cyclists and impresses with its beautiful landscape impressions.
Hiking enthusiasts also enjoy the diverse impressions that await them on the banks of Lake Forggensee. In winter the lake is drained so that you can hike on its bottom. Every now and then you can still discover traces of the old Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, which once ran here.
From June to around mid-October - when Lake Forggensee reaches its full reservoir level - two passenger ships operate on the lake several times a day, regularly stopping at several stops on the banks. A trip to the lake can be easily combined with a small or large boat trip, which delights with unforgettable views of the Allgäu mountains, the fairytale Neuschwanstein castle and the Füssen old town. On the ships, your physical well-being is well taken care of with coffee and cake, ice cream and small snacks. Since both the “MS Allgäu” and the “MS Füssen” transport bicycles, this tour can also be easily combined with a bike tour. The boat trip on Lake Forggensee is one of the most beautiful in all of Bavaria and, alongside the sightseeing of Neuschwanstein, has now become an integral part of Allgäu Allgäu vacation for many. The special trips on Lake Forggensee offered in summer are also real highlights. Whether on a King Ludwig evening trip with live music, a salsa trip or a jazz trip on the occasion of the Füssen jazz festival - lots of fun and interesting impressions are guaranteed here.
The Forggensee was created in the 50 years of the last century in a basin that contained a much larger lake after the last ice age. In addition to local recreation, it also serves to generate electricity and protect against flooding on the Lech. It is also of particular importance as a head storage for low water levels for the hydroelectric power plants on the Lech. Its diverse fish population also makes the lake a popular destination for anglers. Nature lovers, active athletes and those seeking relaxation should not miss a trip to Forggensee during their Allgäu holiday. This is where the popular holiday region shows off one of its most beautiful sides.
