Strandbad Otto-Maigler-See

Going to the beach on a weekday afternoon-evening is truly amazing! It only takes a one-hour bike ride from Central Cologne to reach this lovely lake and swimming spot. It was incredibly serene and calm on a Thursday afternoon. For just 6 euros, you can access a clean changing area, numerous restrooms, outdoor showers, and a beautiful white sandy beach. The main restaurant was also open, offering incredibly tasty food options, and the lake itself is pristine and revitalizing. We definitely plan on returning!

The lake is incredibly beautiful and features a sandy beach, a bar, and some delightful food stalls. However, the main beach requires a rather steep entrance fee of 6€ per person (plus an additional 3€ for parking), which seems quite excessive. On the bright side, if you don't mind skipping the bars, you can easily access the lake for free by strolling to one of the numerous charming little bays along the shoreline.

I visited the beach today and overall, the beach and lake were wonderful. However, I had a negative experience with the staff. They displayed racist, arrogant, and rude behavior, and seemed to act without considering the needs of the visitors. In my opinion, when working, it's important to put in effort and have a passion for your job, rather than yelling at people through a megaphone. The staff also made decisions about who could swim and how far, which I believe should be left to the individual's own judgment. I encountered such nonsense during my time here. I have no intention of returning and I cannot recommend this place unless there is a change in the staff.

It's a pleasant spot to relax by the water. It can get a bit noisy since some people bring their music along. The bar, where they serve burgers, seems to have new staff, so there might be a wait for your food. The burgers were decent, although not prepared exactly as they should be; they could use some improvement in following the recipe. The beach itself is fairly clean, but you need to watch out for bird droppings. They do provide toilet facilities, changing rooms, and showers. Overall, it's a nice place, but the entrance fee is a bit pricey if you plan on going every day. On the plus side, there is ample parking available, and it costs 3 euros for a single entry.

The best lake and beach near Cologne with amenities and plenty of room.