Serene Waters: Tegernsee

A mere 50 kilometers from the Bavarian capital of Munich lies Tegernsee, a spectacular body of water with an unruffled surface that reflects the myriad stars – in this case, the human stars of German culture, business, sports and entertainment. It pays to keep your eyes open as you slip into the temperate (up to 20C) water, as you might just spot a real VIP: German sporting legends Uli Hoeness, Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm all own properties in the Tegernsee valley, likewise entrepreneurs such as Willy Bogner junior. It’s not difficult to see what has drawn them to this particular place: the majestic lake glitters in the summer sun and large stretches of the shoreline are seamed with a soft border of gently swaying reeds. The peaks of the surrounding mountains provide an imposing backdrop.