Nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps you can find Lake Eibsee – often hailed as Germany’s most beautiful lake.
With its crystal-clear waters and stunning backdrop of the Zugspitze, the country’s tallest mountain, it’s no wonder that this lake is a must-see destination. Whether you’re into hiking, water sports, or simply soaking in breathtaking scenery, Lake Eibsee offers something for everyone.
Here’s why Lake Eibsee should be your next adventure and everything you need to know before heading towards this Bavarian gem.
Where is Lake Eibsee?
Lake Eibsee is located in southern Germany, near the town of Grainau in the Bavarian Alps. Ebisee lake is not only known for its beauty but also for its easy accessibility from major cities like Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Surrounded by forests and the highest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee provides the perfect alpine escape.
What to Do at Lake Eibsee
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Lake Eibsee, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
Hikes Around Eibsee Lake
Hiking around Eibsee Lake is a popular activity, with a paved 7 km circuit trail that offers stunning views from every angle. The trail is fairly easy and takes around 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace. For the best views, start the hike early in the morning and go in counter-clockwise direction, starting behind the Eibsee Hotel. This route not only offers less elevation gain but also follows the sun, so you get the most picturesque spots on your hike.
Rent a Boat or a SUP board
Eibsee is a lake, so on a warm summer day you can go for a swim or rent a paddle boat is a great way to explore Lake Eibsee. The boat rental shop on the lake offers paddle boats and an electric boat tour that lasts around 20 minutes. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is another popular activity at Lake Eibsee.
Rowing boat rental:
1 hour € 13,00 | 1/2 hour € 9,00
SUP-rental
- 1 hour: € 16,00
- 2 hours: € 28,00
Read more about the rental options and prices here.
Snap a photo at the famous Rock at Lake Eibsee
Going away from the paved path, walking through the forest you can find a rock sheltered around two outcrops. You won’t notice it unless you search for it, but it’s a perfect picture spot.
Be careful though, as the rock is situated a bit out in the water.
Coordinates: 47.46, 10.97638
How to Get to Eibsee Lake in Bavaria, Germany
Getting to Lake Eibsee is straightforward, whether you’re driving or relying on public transportation.
By car
The easiest way to get to Lake Eibsee is by driving. There are large parking lots. The parking fee is €8 for 4 hours and €1 for each additional hour.
Psst if you get here early there’s an early bird parking between 5am-9.30am for €2.5
Please note that you’re not allowed to stay overnight and campers cannot enter the carpark.
By public transport
You can easily visit Lake Eibsee with public transportation from nearby towns.
It’s easiest to get to Eibsee from Garmisch-Partnekirchen where the “eibsee bus” runs every hour (40 min. Trip)
Pro tip from the unexplored backyard: If you are staying in the area overnight, you should receive a regional guest card. Most of these will grant you access to the Eibsee bus (and any other bus in the region) for free. Make sure to take advantage of this!
How to Get to Lake Eibsee from Munich
If you’re coming from Munich, you’ll first need to travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Take bus RB6 from Munich central station to Garmisch-Partnekirchen and then the “eibsee bus” going directly to the lake. The trip takes about 2.5 hours.
Things to Do Around Eibsee Lake
Beyond the lake itself, the surrounding area offers plenty of attractions.
Zugspitze – the stunning backdrop of Lake Eibsee
One of the most notable is the Zugspitze, which you can reach either by hiking or taking a cable car.
Read more about hiking, skiing the cable car etc. here.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Just a stone’s throw away from Lake Eibsee is the charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This picturesque resort town, famous for hosting the 1936 Winter Olympics, offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich Bavarian culture that you’re guaranteed to love.
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Partnach Gorge
There’s many gorges in Germany but Partnach is one of the most famous ones.The trail through the gorge is about 700 meters long and offers breathtaking views, especially in winter when the icicles create a fairy-tale landscape.
Be aware that there is no wifi or cell phone reception inside the gorge, so please download an offline map!
Opening hours
June – September: daily 8am to 8pm
October – May: daily 8am to 6pm
Admission fee
Adult: €10
Linderhof Palace
45 min. By car from Eibsee you can find Linderhof Palace. A beautiful palace complex built by King Ludwig II in 1878. The Linderhof complex consists of the palace, a Moorish Kiosk, Marokkian house, a cave and beautiful gardens.
Opening hours
23 March-15 October: daily 9 am-6 pm
16 October-22 March: daily 10 am-4.30 pm
Admission fee
A ticket to the complex costs €10 and includes a guided tour of the Palace. Book your ticket here.
Important: it’s not allowed to take photos inside the palace.
Read more about the castles of King Ludwig the II here
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Swim in Eibsee lake?
Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Eibsee. It’s a mountain lake, so the water is typically between 17-22°C during the summer months and quite cold the rest of the year. The lake offers numerous secluded spots along its shores, perfect for a refreshing dip.
What to bring to Lake Ebisee?
There’s no need to bring anything out of the ordinary to Eibsee lake.
If you’re planning to hike, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture the stunning views. For water activities, don’t forget your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. A rain jacket is also advisable, especially if you plan to visit nearby attractions like the Partnach Gorge, where you might get wet.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy a nice lunch by the lake, and remember to bring plenty of water.
When to Visit Lake Ebisee?
Lake Eibsee is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. Summer is perfect for swimming and water activities, while autumn offers a quieter visit with cooler hiking conditions. Winter turns the area into a snowy wonderland, ideal for those who love winter sports or simply want to enjoy the beauty of a frozen lake.
Eibsee is very popular in summer, so keep that in mind if you want to go during peak season.
Is Lake Eibsee Worth It?
Absolutely! Lake Eibsee is one of the most stunning natural spots in Germany. Whether you’re looking to hike, swim, or just relax and take in the views. I unfortunately had limited time by the lake, but I would’ve loved to stay longer and soak in the area.
Make Lake Eibsee your next adventure and discover why this gem in the Bavarian Alps is loved by so many.
Are drones allowed at Lake Eibsee?
No, unfortunately drone usage in the area around Lake Eibsee is NOT allowed.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Eibsee?
Yes! You can bring your dog to hike around Lake Eibsee but they must remain on leash!
