Is Lake Eibsee Worth Visiting? Complete Guide + Honest Tips

Lately, Eibsee in Germany has become one of those places that seems to be everywhere online — and yes, it really is that beautiful in real life.

I actually knew about it long before the recent buzz, and the first time I saw it in person, I fell in love instantly. Since then, I’ve visited three different times in three different seasons. This gave me a chance to experience how dramatically it changes throughout the year.

In this guide, I’ll share what it’s really like to visit, what’s actually worth doing, and practical tips based on my own trips — including why the lakeside loop is easily one of the best hikes in the Bavarian Alps.

Whether you’re coming for the famous views of Zugspitze or just want to see if it lives up to the hype, here’s everything you should know before you go.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes — Eibsee is absolutely worth visiting, and not just because it looks good in photos or because of the hype around it.

What makes it stand out is how much variety you get in one place: crystal-clear water, tiny islands, forest trails, and dramatic views of Zugspitze rising straight above the lake.

The moment I first arrived it impressed me in a way only a few places have.

Based on my visits in different seasons, the experience changes a lot throughout the year — summer is vibrant and lively, autumn feels atmospheric and brings a lot of color, and cooler months mean a quiet winter fairytale mood.

Who should visit: nature lovers, photographers, casual hikers, and anyone who wants stunning alpine scenery without a strenuous trek.

Where is Eibsee

Eibsee is located in southern Germany in Bavaria, right at the foot of Zugspitze, the country’s highest peak. It sits just outside the mountain village of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, close to the Austrian border and surrounded by the Bavarian Alps.

Because of this location, visiting is surprisingly easy to combine with other alpine destinations. It’s about:

• 10 minutes by car from Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• 1.5 hours from Munich
• 1 hour from Innsbruck

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How to Get There

Arrival By Car & Parking

Driving is by far the easiest and most convenient way to visit. The road leads almost all the way to the shoreline, so you only need to walk a few minutes from the parking area to reach the lake. 

But during summer and on sunny weekends, parking can fill up quickly — especially from late morning onward — so arriving early makes a big difference.

There are two main paid parking areas near the lake. Parking during the night is allowed at Zugspitze Cable Car Park, but the overnight stay is not possible. This one also allows high vehicles over 2.2m between 8 am and 5 pm.

When we arrived, there were signs guiding us to the lot that still had space. We came on September morning, but only a few spots were left. After parking, I got a ticket from the machine on-site, and payment was possible both by card and cash upon departure.

If you’re looking for a reliable rental car provider, check out DiscoverCars. It’s one of the most trusted car rental comparison sites, where you can transparently see offers from multiple local and international providers.

Arrival By Train

If you’d rather avoid the parking troubles, arrival by train is a very comfortable option. The Bavarian Zugspitzbahn cog railway departs from Garmish-Partenkirchen and the journey takes 30 minutes.

The cogwheel train actually continues all the way up to Zugspitze platteau at 2600m along the mountain and through a 4553m long tunnel.

The tickets can be bought online at zugspitze.de, DB Ticket Office, or ticket machines on site. But keep in mind that when buying tickets in advance, you can’t cancel them in case of bad weather.

Some travel cards, including Bayern Ticket cover the section until Grainau. You have to pay for the rest or hike.

Arrival By Bus

From Garmisch-Partenkirchen there’s a direct bus line no. 323. The journey takes 40 minutes.

If you have a guest card, the section until Badersee is covered by it. You will only need to pay for the rest of the journes. The tickets can be bought from the driver when getting on the bus. Adult ticket is €7, children from 6 to 14 is €3, and children under 6 travel for free.

Buses are the busiest between 10 am and 12 pm. It’s best to plan your journey before or after that.

See the latest information on MVV Website.

Best Things to do at Lake Eibsee

1. Stroll around the lake

Walking around Eibsee is the main highlight here and honestly the best way to experience the scenery properly.

The full loop circles the lake and can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise. If you don’t have time for the entire route, I’d strongly recommend prioritizing the north shore. That’s where the views toward Zugspitze rising behind the water are most dramatic.

We didn’t complete the full circuit, but we walked along the entire northern side, and it was easily the most scenic stretch. The path there is a wide gravel trail that’s mostly flat, making it suitable for almost everyone — including cyclists and even strollers.

It feels more like a relaxed scenic walk than a hike, which is part of what makes it so enjoyable.

Along this stretch, there are countless viewpoints overlooking the lake, its tiny islands, and the mountain backdrop, so it’s worth taking your time. In the hot summer days, you can choose one of many tiny beaches and go for a swim.

Facilities become limited once you leave the main entrance area, though we did come across a few portable toilets along the route.

2. Rent a boat or SUP

Renting a boat or paddleboard is easily one of the best ways to experience the lake from a completely different perspective. From the shore it’s beautiful — but once you’re out on the water, surrounded by the tiny islands with Zugspitze towering above, the scenery feels even more impressive.

Boat and SUP rentals are located near the main entrance area. They typically operate during the warmer months, usually from late spring through early autumn depending on weather conditions.

Options usually include rowboats, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards, so you can choose between a relaxing float or something a bit more active.

What makes this experience special is the freedom to explore parts of the lake you can’t see from the walking path. You can glide past small islands, find quiet corners away from crowds, and enjoy reflections that look completely different from the water level.

3. Panoramic Historic Boat Cruise

While walking along the lake, I actually noticed a large, old-style boat and a few small wooden harbors dotted along the shoreline.

I hadn’t seen much information about this beforehand, which made it feel like a hidden discovery. It turns out you can take a historic panoramic boat called the “Reserl” for a scenic cruise around the lake.

The full round trip takes about 30 minutes, and what’s nice is that you can also hop on or off at different stops around the lake rather than doing the entire loop at once. That makes it flexible — you can combine walking one section with a boat ride for another.

The cruise itself is a relaxed way to experience the scenery from the water. It’s a great option if you want the lake perspective without renting your own boat or paddleboard.

Official Website: app.advcollective.com

4. Swim

I had visited Eibsee twice before, but always outside of summer, so I couldn’t wait to finally experience it properly with a swim.

When we came back in mid-September, there were still plenty of people in the water. And once you see that crystal-clear turquoise color up close, it’s easy to understand why it’s so tempting.

There are quite a few places around the lake where you can enter the water. Some beaches are more popular and lively, especially the main public swimming area on the southern shore.

But if you prefer something quieter, the first stretches along the north shore have smaller, more secluded spots. That’s where we ended up, and it quickly became our favorite — peaceful, scenic, and with incredible views of Zugspitze rising behind the lake.

One thing to know before jumping in: the water is freezing cold year-round. Even on warm days it’s refreshingly icy, which honestly makes the swim feel even more memorable and adventurous.

5. Visit Zugspitze

Visiting Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, is one of the best experiences you can combine with a trip to Eibsee. It’s surprisingly easy to do both in a single day.

There are two main ways to reach the summit. Most people take one way up and the other one down.

The Zugspitze cable car takes you to the top in about 10 minutes with panoramic alpine views the entire way. Then there’s the cogwheel train, which runs from the valley through tunnels inside the mountain before connecting to a glacier cable car for the final ascent.

Tickets typically cost around €65–€75 round trip, depending on season and route combination. It’s not cheap, but for many travelers the views alone make it worth it — on clear days you can see hundreds of Alpine peaks across four countries.

At the top, expect viewing platforms, panoramic terraces, restaurants, exhibits, and snow almost year-round. In winter, the area transforms into a ski destination with slopes and lifts operating on the glacier, making it especially appealing for winter sports lovers.

Worth it for: first-time visitors to the Alps, photographers, mountain lovers, and anyone wanting dramatic scenery without hiking.
Maybe skip if: visibility is poor — the entire experience is weather-dependent, and clouds can completely hide the views.

Official Website: zugspitze.de

When Is The Best Time to Visit?

What time of the day is the best

The time of day makes a huge difference. Early morning is easily the best — the lake is calm, reflections are clear, and soft side light brings out the colors while the area is still quiet.

Around midday, the sun sits high above Zugspitze, which flattens the scenery and often leaves parts of the mountain in shadow, making the view look less dramatic.

Late afternoon and sunset bring warmer tones and a more atmospheric feel, especially once most visitors leave.

Which season is the best

I first visited Eibsee in winter, when it was frozen and the trees were covered in snow. It felt magical and peaceful, but honestly, it didn’t fully show what makes this lake so special — the colors and clarity were mostly hidden beneath ice and frost.

Summer is my favorite time to visit. That’s when the water turns its famous turquoise, the scenery feels vibrant, and you can actually swim, which makes the experience much more immersive. It’s also the busiest season, though.

Autumn sits somewhere in between — quieter, more atmospheric, and still colorful, especially with fall foliage reflected in the lake.

Spring is more of a transition season. Snow can still linger in shaded areas, but later months can be a great choice.

Where to stay nearby

If you want to make the most of your time here without rushing in and out on a day trip, staying right by the lake is the best option — and for that, Eibsee Hotel 4* is hard to beat.

Eibsee Hotel 4* sits literally on the shoreline, so you wake up with those turquoise waters and mountain views just outside your window. This is the only accommodation right on the lake.

The vibe here is relaxed, with comfortable modern rooms. The hotels has it’s own private beach and a wellness area. The stays are all-inclusive. It’s a truly special place to stay.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Eibsee is one of those places that truly lives up to its reputation. Between the clear turquoise water, tiny islands, and the dramatic backdrop of Zugspitze, it feels impressive the moment you arrive. Somehow it keeps getting better the longer you stay.

What makes it special isn’t just the scenery, but how easy it is to experience: you don’t need to hike for hours or plan anything complicated to enjoy it.

If you only have time for one activity, I’d recommend walking along the north shore for the best mountain views and taking a swim. But if your schedule allows, combining the lake with a trip up Zugspitze makes for a truly memorable day.