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The weather will be hot for an undetermined amount of time, so here are a handful of ways to beat the heat while spending quality time with family and friends:
GELTERSWOOG
This medium-sized lake close to Vogelweh has always been one of the most appreciated places in the KMC. It is host to numerous events throughout the calendar year, regardless of the temperature or weather, and holds a special place in the hearts of many Germans raised in this area.
Summers at Gelterswog include rowing and paddling on the warm waters, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, biking and other forms of relaxation. Food and drinks are available at the small cafe by the lake, and the modern and comfortable Seehotel is available to book rooms for people who wish to avoid the numerous campsites on the property.
CLAUSENSEE
This beach area in Waldfischbach-Burgalben is augmented by a large campground that is frequented yearly by many travelers, and it is only a half hour from the KMC.
Tents are already up, and the sunbathers arrive early in the day to enjoy the elongated daylight hours in Germany. The sandy beach lining the lake will be filled for weeks at the time, and children can drift away from parents to enjoy the safe playground areas that are structured near the water.
A trip around the lake in a paddleboat is an excellent way for family members to spend time together, and there are a multitude of options for hiking, swimming and eating. It’s also a great place to bring bicycles and do some off-road pedaling.
BOSTALSEE
Bostalsee is the largest lake in the German state of Saarland and is an hour or so from the KMC. It is accessible from the Nohfelden exit and easy to navigate due to heavy signage and other road markings.
The lake has multiple campgrounds around it that alternately feature swimming, boarding, canoeing and simple chances for catching a suntan on its clean shores.
As part of the Saar Hunsrueck nature preserve, Bostalee is near Sankt Wendel and features a good portion of protected areas. Nonetheless, plenty of hiking and biking can be accomplished as people seek to let go of the day-to-day stress of work and family drama to relax.
One of the unique aspects of this lake is the chance to scuba dive. People bring their own equipment and can go to a small pocket of the water that features a sunken boat plus lots of the freshwater fish and plants indigenous to this part of the country.
Beer gardens, cafes, restaurants and shopping opportunities dot the lake’s shores.
LAKE CONSTANCE
Lake Constance, or “Bodensee” in German, is a large, long and slender lake that takes less than four hours to get to from the KMC. It is popular with Germans as well as international travelers, and to immerse yourself in the atmosphere that surrounds this popular recreation site is worth the long dive.
Lake Constance is situated between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. One of the world’s smallest nations, Liechtenstein, is close enough to warrant a side trip. It is higher up in the Alps but less than 100 kilometers from the lake.
Swimming, canoeing, windsurfing and paddle boating are all available at beach sites around the lake. Several public swimming pools and hotel pools add to the possibilities for families who have kids that insist on swimming.
The towns around Lake Constance, including Birnau, Fredrichshafen, Romanshorn, Konstanz and Meersburg, have websites explaining various attractions, and there are many restaurants, lodging areas, and cafes in its vicinity.
The area traces its history back to pre-Roman times and has many architectural spectacles from more modern times, such as baroque churches, refurbished palaces and brilliantly landscaped grounds.
Chances to taste and buy wine along with lots of tourist shops make moving from town to town a pleasure around Lake Constance.
