Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to September
About FKK Badesee Birkensee
The Birkensee is the smallest of the three lakes of the Langwieder Seenplatte on Munich's western edge near Langwied and Lochhausen, alongside the Langwieder See and the Lußsee. The whole recreation area covers about 120 hectares, and the Birkensee itself is about 5 hectares, looked after by the Wasserwacht München West. For more than two decades it has been the area's nude lake: early reports describe a narrow grass strip by a maize field, but the surroundings were later landscaped into lawns broken up by new hedges and shrubs, barbecue zones and protected biotope sections where the bank may not be entered. Visitors say clothed bathers rarely use it because the two larger textile lakes are next door, and a city guide notes nude bathing has always been the custom here. The shore is gravelly, so bathing shoes help. The main drawback is noise: the Eschenrieder Spange link road between the A8 and A99 runs right behind the lake despite a noise barrier, and planes pass overhead. One fenced edge near the biotope has a reputation as a meeting spot for swingers.
Getting there
By car take the A8 from Munich towards Stuttgart and leave at the Langwied exit; paid car parks serve the Seenplatte and fill quickly on hot days. By public transport take the S-Bahn to Lochhausen and then the Badebus, which in good weather runs about every 20 minutes from 11:00 to 19:00 (Deutschland-Ticket valid, return up to 3.80 EUR). From the car parks walk past the Langwieder See and Lußsee to the Birkensee. Paths are level; the city lists no step-free access or disabled parking.
What visitors say
Visitors call the Birkensee a pleasant, well-landscaped nude spot with good water and lawns broken up by hedges, and note that it is almost entirely nude because textile bathers use the bigger lakes nearby. The most common complaint is traffic noise from the road behind the lake and aircraft overhead, which some find too loud. Several reports mention that one edge by the biotope fence attracts swingers and that families tend to stay elsewhere on the lawn. Tips include bringing bathing shoes for the gravel shore and coming early as parking fills up.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
No official FKK designation for the Birkensee was found on the city's pages (2026); nude use is long-established custom and described by visitors since 2002 as an accepted nude lake. Dogs are banned from bathing and lawn areas, barbecues are allowed only in marked zones, and protected biotope banks must not be entered.
Naturism at FKK Badesee Birkensee sits under Germany's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 48.2040, 11.4169
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Is the Birkensee a nude lake?
Yes by long custom; it is used almost entirely by nude bathers, though no formal designation was found.
How do I get there by public transport?
S-Bahn to Lochhausen, then the Badebus to the Langwieder See area in good weather.
Are there facilities?
Toilets, a restaurant with beer garden and a weekend Wasserwacht station serve the Seenplatte; the Birkensee itself is simpler.
Is it quiet?
Not really. Traffic on the road behind the lake and aircraft overhead are audible.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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