The Site is a large natural freshwater lake with intensive recreational use and shores characterized by a high density of settlements and leisure facilities. It is a oligo-mesotrophic lake positioned in a glaciated valley and surrounded by end-moraine hills. It only rarely freezes over in winter, and so attracts many species of waterbirds. It serves as a staging and wintering habitat for more than one per cent of the biogeographical population of gadwall (Anas strepera). Furthermore, the water landscape provides habitats for numerous other species such as rare fish and submerged macrophytes. The Site has particular importance as a local and regional leisure area: it is the most important recreational area for the city of Munich, and includes three large leisure complexes. The massive recreational use has put pressure on the whole lake and surroundings, especially at weekends. The shore areas are the most affected and the last remaining reed beds on the shore have been damaged by leisure activities such as boating and surfing, as well as by waves caused by boat traffic. This disturbance also affects the birds in the reed bed areas.