At a breathtaking 973.28 meters above sea level, Lake Eibsee in Bavaria, Germany, sits modestly at the foot of Zugspitze - Germany's highest mountain. Located just 9 km southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and approximately 100 km southwest of Munich, Eibsee is an idyllic retreat in the heart of nature.
The magic of Eibsee lies not only in its location but also in its unique character. The irregular shape of the lake offers a wide panorama with eight different islands on emerald-green waters that make every view unforgettable. Eibsee is privately owned. Bought by August Terne in 1884, Eibsee has remained in the family and has become a wonderful destination for summer visitors.
Outdoor Activities and Attractions at Eibsee
The best way to explore Eibsee is on foot. You can hike around Eibsee; the 4.5-kilometer loop trail takes you around the lake in just over two hours. You'll have plenty of opportunities to enter the lake during your hike. My favorite place to swim is on the east side of the lake because of the beautiful wild beaches and proximity to the islands. The beach is mostly secluded and perfect for gazing at the gigantic Zugspitze panorama in the background. Simply beautiful!
For those who don't want to swim, stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats are available for rent. Remember to book early during peak season! When we arrived at midday, we were told that the boats were already booked for the whole day. OMG!
Best Time to Visit Eibsee
Eibsee is also a popular tourist attraction, usually crowded during summer. If you want to have the lake to yourself, you will have to visit it outside the summer season.
The best time to visit Eibsee is at sunrise and early morning, when the sun casts beautiful reflections on the calm water, creating an ethereal scene that is a photographer's dream.
Getting There and Around Eibsee
My favorite way to get to the lake is to hike from Grainau to Eibsee. This beautiful 2-hour hike takes you through the beautiful Zugspitz hinterland and forests, making it a wonderful nature experience.
The most convenient way to get to Eibsee is by car. However, you should arrive at the parking lot early (before 11 a.m.) to secure a parking space. Otherwise, it may be challenging to find a parking space. If there is a lot of traffic, the road from Grainau to Eibsee may be closed, so you must use public transportation or take a nice walk through nature. So it is best to arrive early!
Another convenient way to get to Eibsee is to take the Zugspitzbahn, which runs every hour and stops just 5 minutes from the lake. However, during the high season, the return trip by train can be difficult due to irregularities. It is common to have to wait for the next train due to overcrowding, especially when people arrive from the cable car that takes them to and from Zugspitze to Eibsee.
Alternatively, the Eibsee bus offers a convenient departure point 100 meters from the lake.
Best Places to eat at Eibsee
Eibsee is a very touristy place, and so are the restaurants. Not surprisingly, the quality of the food and the prices could be better. There are only two restaurants in Eibsee: the seeRestaurant Eibsee Pavillon, which serves mediocre food and seems a tourist trap (I wonder why it has so many positive reviews on Google). Then there's the Eibsee Alm, which still serves pretty good food at higher prices.
If you're looking for better restaurants near Eibsee, I recommend these:
— Moun10 Bakers: a nice hidden gem in the heart of Garmisch for breakfast and lunch. They have a great selection of delicious and healthy dishes, from super fruit bowls to omelets, sandwiches, and pancakes. I highly recommend the Açaí Bowl! You will love it!
— Bungalow 7: A great burger joint to satisfy your hunger and cravings!
— Indian Grill Mittenwald: This Indian restaurant is a bit further from Garmisch but still worth a mention. Their Mango Lassi and Bindi Masala were fantastic!
Where to stay at Eibsee
There are a variety of accommodations around Lake Eibsee, from hotels to luxury resorts to campgrounds. Most people stay in either Grainau or Garmisch-Patenkirchen. I recommend the Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein in Grainau, a 5-star resort with exquisite cuisine and a fantastic spa! It's great pampering for the soul! The hotel is also pet-friendly! A great alternative is staying at Camping Experience Zugspitze, a 3-star campground with access to a small river and a beautiful view of Zugspitze. Bring your tent or caravan, or stay in one of the cozy Finkota© sleeping barrels. I loved it!
Final Words: Exploring the German Caribbean
Eibsee is more than a lake; it's a window into Bavaria's natural beauty and history. So, pack your hiking shoes and swimming gear and prepare for an unforgettable experience in this corner of Bavaria!
Did you know that Eibsee is the ideal starting point for climbing the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, or visiting the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
