The 5 best swimming lakes in and around Cologne

Let's start with what is probably the most popular lake that really belongs to Cologne. In the north of the city we find the winding Fühlinger See. All around, there are small bays and hidden corners where you can relax all to yourself. If you're in the mood for some hustle and bustle, you can simply make yourself comfortable on one of the many large sunbathing lawns. There is also a snack bar, toilets and a beach volleyball court nearby. Around the corner, you can watch the rowers on the regatta course. If you're in the mood for tropical vibes, you can also secure a spot on Blackfoot Beach. Not only is there a beach bar and four-poster beds for relaxation, but also a high ropes course and water sports rental for an extra dose of action. The white sandy beach will make you forget in no time at all that you're not actually in the Caribbean - but in Cologne Fühlingen.

Another small Cologne lake paradise. All around, you can take a dip in the cool water and enjoy idyllic sunbathing. At the Monkeys Island lido in Cologne, there are beach loungers for lounging around and parties for the action. Thanks to the snack bar and beach bar, nothing stands in the way of day drinking. Don't forget to slather on the sunscreen, put your feet up or into the water and relax! Staycation at it's finest.

A bathing beach paradise with water ski and wakeboard facilities lies south of our cathedral city. Lake Bleibtreusee is small but beautiful and still has plenty of space for splashing around despite the water ski and wakeboard tracks. If you don't dare to use the fast boards, you can also hire a stand-up paddleboard here, drift along at a leisurely pace and take a short break on the bathing island. On land, the soft sandy beach and a large sunbathing area await you and the snack bar provides you with delicious chips, ice cream and drinks. Of course, there are also some quieter spots around the lake, far away from the water sports and beach hustle and bustle. Small forest paths lead you around the pond and are perfect for a walk. A day at Bleibtreusee always feels like a vacation.

It's almost an hour away from Cologne city center, but don't let that put you off - it's worth reading on, I promise. Strabeach is not only known for its tropical vibes thanks to its sandy beach, but also for its two-day electro festival. But the beach party establishment can also be relaxed. Next to the beach, a large sunbathing lawn and bathing islands invite you to linger. For extra fun, there are table tennis tables and a beach volleyball court. Adrenaline and water sports junkies get their money's worth at Wakebeach 257. Stand up paddle yoga sessions also start from there. We told you it was worth reading on.

Sandy beach + excellent water quality = pure vacation feeling. That's what you're guaranteed at this long stretch of water oasis south of Cologne with its glorious white sandy beach. On top of that, there's a restaurant with a beach bar and a large terrace, four-poster beds, sun loungers, beach volleyball and everything else your heart desires. Of course, you can also hike around Lake Otto Maigler and set up your own little camp for free. But let's be honest, a cocktail or two and sandy feet would be nice, wouldn't it?