This lake is fed by an icy mountain stream. There is a beach which requires an entry fee and they even have paddle boats for rent. Want to challenge yourself? Swim to the island located dead-center of the lake. There is a restaurant and even an outdoor bar so bring some Euros.

The title mentions a neighbor. That neighbor is the former Clausen Munitions Storage Depot. Unbeknownst to the residents of Clausen, the depot stored 100,000 artillery shells packed with Sarin and VX nerve agents. They were removed in 1990 under the title of “Operation Steel Box“, or “Operation Lindwurm” in German and cost the U.S. military 53 million dollars to remove them all. What did they do with all the apocalyptic levels of chemical weapons you ask? They packed them up in custom made “steel boxes”, drove them by truck to Miesau Army Depot, put them on a train to Bremerhaven, then on a ship, where they were sent to be incinerated at the Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System in the Pacific. The Cold War am I right?

During hot days, parking can be a pain so be sure to get there before noon. They have public showers so bring your toiletry bag and a change of clothes. Bring a blanket and flotation devices (and some snacks) so you can stay all day. There’s not much shade in the beach area so bring one of those beach umbrellas.