![summer fun swimming lake Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_8590_Photographic-300x204.jpg)
Summer months are the best months, we all know that and our young guests too, there is so much to do around Schloss Leizen in the school holidays but one of the kids’ favourites is one of our simplest, a walk to the beach at our local lake. The journey is packed with fun and interesting places.
![Dambeck See lake Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Leizen-Dambeck-swimming-beach-2-300x200.jpg)
This particular trip is well-suited to our younger age range of 6-10 years old as the walking distance is only just over 2.5km which can be completed easily in an hour, even stopping to look at bugs and flowers. But because swimming and a picnic is usually involved, all ages love this activity.
![Hike walk to the lake dambeck Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/route-300x209.jpg)
We gather on the steps of Schloss Leizen, the home of Germany For Kids, before heading off along the Chestnut Avenue, past the site of the ancient castle, the original Schloss Leizen!
![The ancient castle mound and moat Chestnut Avenue Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC2136_fused-300x245.jpg)
After only 200 metres, just before the road, we turn right along the cycle / walking path, this area has a massive network of safe, segregated bike paths, read about them here.
![Bike path Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20160827-296-300x213.jpg)
As we reach Dambeck, where you will also find the sport hall, we cross the road at a dedicated light-operated pedestrian crossing before venturing back a short way along the route of the ancient road.
![Discovering the ancient road Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6959_tonemapped-300x201.jpg)
Soon after we come to the site of an ancient Dolmen, some 5000 years old hidden in the woods. We’ve written more about these fascinating monuments here.
![Ancient Dolmen Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen hike to the lake](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6965_tonemapped-300x209.jpg)
Through the small forest and we turn towards the shore of the lake and through an orchard, heaving with apples and pears.
![Orchard Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6992_Default-300x198.jpg)
Next we walk along the reed-lined shore of the Dambeck Lake, past our neighbouring Schloss and into another wooded area and past the enormous Ice Age Boulder.
![woodland walk Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen Dambeck German Lakes](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6999_Photographic-300x183.jpg)
Not far to go now and our young guests are keen to finally swim in German lakes, famed for their excellent water quality.
![Lakeside run German lakes Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_8563-300x225.jpg)
And we arrive at the beach, not quite the same as a beach at the sea, of course the water isn’t salty, but there is sand, a large grass area and a diving jetty.
![Fun in the sun German lakes Germany For kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/sunfun-300x183.jpg)
After getting wet and splashing about (supervised by our lifeguard-trained staff) we usually have a picnic; sandwiches, fruit and snacks prepared in our kitchens at Schloss Leizen.
![lake picnic Germany For Kids Schloss Leizen](https://germanyforkids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_8626_Photographic-300x200.jpg)
After lunch there might be more time for jumping and diving…
Playing on the grass…..
Or even discovering the ruins of a disused church and it’s graveyard just a few metres from the beach…
As the day near’s it’s end our staff clear up and it’s time to head back to Schloss Leizen for dinner and our evening program…