5 Tipps to explore the famous Lake Eibsee
Lake Eibsee – there are only a very few people who do not know this absolute hotspot. A lake located directly at the bottom of Germany´s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. A lake in between the mountains and in between a picturesque scenery. On a clear and calm day, the summit of the Zugspitze reflects on the water surface. For travellers this is a must-do in Germany. It is by far one of the most beautiful places in Bavaria. Even though the lake might have become a spot for Instagrammers, it still did not lose its beauty and tranquility. In this guide, you will find 5 tips for the ultimate Lake Eibsee experience.
Learn how to capture the lake at its best and how to soak up every single detail of this magical place.
How to get to the Lake Eibsee
The Lake Eibsee is located directly at the boarder between Germany and Austria and it can easily be reached from both sides.
Getting to Lake Eibsee from Germany
You can perfectly explore the Lake Eibsee on a day trip from any starting point in Southern Bavaria. It is a roughly two-hour trip from Munich. Most tourists are staying in the nearby town of Garmisch-Patenkirchen. As the area offers much more experiences than just the Lake and the Zugspitze, you might even consider staying for a few days. From Garmisch-Patenkirchen itself it takes you about half an hour to reach the parking lot of the Lake Eibsee.
Getting to Lake Eibsee from Austria
Another option is to explore the beautiful lake from the Austrian side. The villages of Leermos and Ehrwald are popular for their idyllic location in the middle of the mountains. Stay at a local hotel and go for hikes in the area or just enjoy at a hotel pool with a view of the summits. From Leermos it takes you approximately an hour to reach the Lake Eibsee.
Regardless of which country you are coming from, the final road to reach the Lake EIbsee are the same. Follow the signs until you reach the official parking lot. This is not only the parking lot for the lake itself, but as well for the gondola which takes the tourists to the top of Germany. On a busy day, you should expect quite some traffic on your way and it is advised to park in some distance. But if you manage to reach the parking lot early in the morning, you won´t have any issues. From the parking lot itself it is only a five-minute walk until you get your first sight of the lake. Wow, be prepared for some stunning views!
When to visit the Lake Eibsee?
There is only one answer to the question: as early in the morning as possible. The best time for the ultimate experience of the Lake Eibsee are the morning hours right after the sunrise. During no other time of the day, you will have the chance to see the lake as quiet and tranquil. Plus, a huge benefit is that the tourist masses arrive around noon, which means you get to enjoy the view almost all by yourself (apart of some daring photographers who plan to capture the first sun rays).
If you are keen to get unique shots of the Lake Eibsee the morning light is a must. Make sure to arrive at the lake around 6 o´clock during the summer time. Don’t worry, it worth the early wake up and will for sure not be regretted!
The best spots around the lake
The probably most famous spot at the Lake Eibsee is this rock where everybody takes their photos. Unfortunately, in summer of 2020, the rock got painted in bright red as a protest of the locals. Still, this spot is one of the best views on the lake and the Zugspitze.
Another great spot can be found at a small bay, after a 15-minute walk from the starting point. Standing at the shore, you will not only be able to capture the water and the Zugspitze in the background, but as well the trees in the foreground.
If you are keen to find new photo spots to take pictures or to simply sit down and enjoy the view, follow the trailing around the lake. There are many little bays and beaches which invite you to rest for a minute and enjoy the surroundings.
Still, remember to always stay on the track and do not wander into the woods. Apart from the “secret” trail leading to the rock, it is strictly forbidden. Protect this beautiful nature and leave nothing but footprints on the main trail!
What to do at Lake Eibsee
The Lake is the ideal motive for a picture and a great spot for the sunrise. But what else? How do you spend a day or a few hours by the lake? What is the ultimate experience to truly soak in the place?
Hike the circular trail
For those travellers who love to be active and would like to explore every single corner of the lake, the best choice is to walk around the Lake Eibsee. The circular hike takes about two hours and helps you get the most of the place. It leads you through the beautiful forest and along the shore of the lake. Make sure to bring a proviant and something to drink. And, if you go during summer, do not forget your bathing clothes!
Rent a boat
Another ultimate Lake Eibsee experience is to rent a boat and paddle over the lake. You can find the rentals close to the parking lot. A rowing boat for an hour costs you 12 euros and pedal boat about 10. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get out on the lake and enjoy the beauty from the center. You will be able to enjoy the Zugspitze at its best plus get some unique shots from the water. Make sure to rent a boat as early as possible to avoid other tourists and experience the peace of the place.
Rent a SUP
Yes, this trend did not spare the Lake Eibsee either. The same place that rents the boats also offers Stand Up Paddles for quite a good price. During the summer days, this is probably the best way to enjoy the lake. For 15 euros you get to paddle over the lake for an hour and for 25 euros you have 2 hours of pure adventure. The SUP takes you to those areas of the lake, which you won´t be able to reach by foot.
And paddling in front of the highest mountain in Germany is indeed a bucketlist moment, isn´t it?
Relax by the shore
Of course, simply enjoying the Lake Eibsee by the shore, is another great way to spend the day. During the summer, you can spend a day tanning and swimming and snorkeling – is there any better option? There is also a nearby café which invites to a delicious break.
Hike the “Eibsee View Trail”
Are you ready for the ultimate Eibsee adventure? Are you ready for an outdoor experience that offers you a totally different view of the lake?
There a multiple routes to hike around the lake, each offering you a different view. One of the most popular is the so-called “Eibsee View Trail”. It takes about two and a half hours and requires good hiking shoes and some basis of physical fitness. You start at the parking lot of the lake and the Zugspitze gondola. You will come across the Eibsee Alm, which invites you to a delicious Bavarian lunch break. This is for the travellers who want a different view of the lake and do not mind a longer hike. Plus, of course, seeing the lake from above, is truly a great sight!
Book a ticket for the Zugspitze
The ultimate experience to make the most of the trip and not only enjoy the Lake Eibsee itself, but as well the Zugsitze, is to book a ticket for the gondola. It costs about 50 euros and takes you to the top of Germany in a very short time. Even though it cannot be compared to actually hiking to the summit, it is still an impressive experience.
Lake Eibsee is one of the true treasures of both Bavaria and Germany. During summer and winter, it reminds you of a fairy tale and might look just like out of a book. Convince yourself and don´t forget the camera!
Can´t get enough of Bavaria? Check out The Top 8 places in Bavaria that you need to see.
