Things to Do at Eibsee, Germany: Hiking, Parking and the Best Photo Spots
- Last Updated:
- By: Peter Orsel
Eibsee is a turquoise mountain lake at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. The closest towns are Grainau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria. The color of the water looks more like Canada than Germany, and that alone makes it, in my opinion, the most beautiful lake in Germany. Here’s everything to do at Eibsee, from hiking and the Zugspitze cable car to where to eat, parking, and the best photo spots, based on my own visits.
If you visit in summer, expect long queues for parking, for the boat rental, and along the busier stretches of shoreline. That’s the tradeoff for one of the most photogenic lakes in Germany. Don’t let it stop you, the lake is totally worth a visit.
Quick Facts
- Location: Grainau, Bavaria, at the base of the Zugspitze
- Drive time from Munich: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Drive time from Garmisch-Partenkirchen: about 15 minutes
- Parking: 10 EUR up to 4 hours, 1 EUR per extra hour, 2.50 EUR morning rate (5:00-9:30)
- Drones: prohibited
- Best time for photography: sunrise, from the north shore
A note on drones: the drone shots in this article were taken before the no-drone signage was installed at the lake. DJI’s own flight map still lists the area as unrestricted, but the physical signage on site says drones are prohibited.
In This Post
How to Get to Eibsee
You can get to Eibsee by car or by bus. It takes around 15 minutes from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and you can use any navigation software to get you to Eibsee. If you plan on taking the bus, take line 323 from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which should take around 30 minutes.
How to get to Eibsee from Munich?
Many famous spots in southern Germany are close to Munich. Eibsee is about 90 minutes from Munich by car, just past Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the way to the Austrian border. Take the A95 toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then follow signs for Grainau and Zugspitze.
If you’re on a city trip and want a day out of Munich, you can also book a tour. The tour below brings you to Eibsee and the top of the Zugspitze.
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Parking at Eibsee
Eibsee gets a lot of social media attention, and multiple traffic jam videos appeared in my feed. Especially around 10:00, when it feels like everyone arrives at once, you can get stuck. Go very early, ideally for sunrise, or come very late in the day.
Prices below are verified in August 2026. Fees change, so confirm before you go.
- Morning rate (5:00-9:30): 2.50 EUR
- Day rate up to 4 hours: 10 EUR (1 EUR for every additional hour)
- Parking ban from 22:15, with a 50 EUR fine for violations, so you can’t park overnight
- Maximum vehicle height: 2.10 meters
If you’re arriving for sunrise, the morning rate makes it the cheapest time of day to visit as well as the best time to photograph.
There are toilets available at the parking, and at some spots around the lake. Prepare some cash as they’re usually cash only. It’s good to have some 1 EUR coins ready.
Hiking the Eibsee Rundweg
One of the best and most popular things to do is hiking the Eibsee Rundweg. This trail loops the full lake, around 7.5 kilometers, passing several small islands along the way. The hike should take you around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on how many photo spots and picnic breaks you take.
If you come for photography only, it’s best to walk counterclockwise. The north shore is the best and most popular part of the lake for photography.
Renting a Boat or SUP at Eibsee
Eibsee rents rowing boats, pedal boats, slide boats and SUP boards, along with a slower electric tour boat. Especially a SUP is a popular choice, as the water is calm, almost like a mirror, with barely any waves. Being out there on your own gives a real sense of freedom.
The rental companies aren’t known online for being the most customer-friendly. Ignore that and enjoy the lake anyway, once you’ve got your boat or board, it’s worth it.
Prices change by season, but expect to pay around 15 EUR per hour for a boat or a SUP.
The Best Photo Spots at Eibsee
My favorite side for photography is the north shore. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes by foot from the parking area. This is where you get the classic view back across the water toward the mountains.
Sunrise is the best time for photos here. The light hits the mountains first, and on clear mornings the peaks turn pink and orange while the lake is still calm and mostly empty. If your purpose of visit is photography, go for sunrise. I personally like the colors most once the sunlight starts hitting the trees and the lake, so don’t immediately leave after sunrise. It’s worth it to stay until around 2 to 3 hours after the sun came up.
Please note that some of my photos were taken by drone before the no-drone signage went up.
Combine Eibsee with the Zugspitze
If you’re already at Eibsee and want to see Germany and Austria from above, go and visit Zugspitze. The Eibsee-Seilbahn cable car station is right at the lake, and takes you in less than 15 minutes almost 3,000 meter high. Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain. Check the weather conditions beforehand, as you certainly want to have a view and not just stair at clouds.
Where to eat at Eibsee?
Hiking, supping and swimming makes you hungry, so it’s good to know there are some food options around the lake. Seerestaurant Eibsee Pavillon and Biergarten am See are directly next to the lake, close to the entrance. Another option would be Eibsee Alm, just 5 to 10 minutes by foot from the parking. If you want to eat with a view, the first two options are great. If food and service is most important to you, Eibsee Alm is the best choice.
Keep Eibsee Clean
Eibsee is a strict water protection area and supplies drinking water to around 30,000 people in the region. Overtourism has created a real trash problem here, and volunteers organise several cleanup events every year to deal with it.
I know that an article like this doesn’t help. But what I can do, is raising awareness for this problem. Take the litter seriously.
If a bin is full, don’t leave your rubbish next to it, carry it to the next one or carry it with you in your bag. Leave the place cleaner than you found it, and we’ll be able to enjoy this majestic lake for many years to come.
Other beautiful places nearby
Eibsee isn’t the only reason to be in this part of Bavaria. Partnachklamm and Geroldsee are both close by and worth the detour. Schloss Neuschwanstein is also worth a visit, but not as close as the other spots above. For all the best locations in Bavaria, see my guide to the best photo spots in South Germany.
Eibsee: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Eibsee?
Entry to the lake itself is free. Parking is 10 EUR for up to 4 hours, plus 1 EUR per additional hour, or 2.50 EUR if you arrive during the 5:00-9:30 morning window. If you want to rent a boat or SUP, expect to pay around 15 EUR per hour.
Is Eibsee worth visiting?
Yes. I think that Eibsee is the most beautiful lake in Germany. It looks like a Canadian mountain lake with turquoise water and the Zugspitze as a backdrop. Visit at sunrise (or just early) to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Is it safe to swim in Eibsee?
Yes, swimming is allowed and the stony shore makes it easy to get in. Water temperature is cold outside of peak summer.
Where is Eibsee in Germany?
Eibsee is located in Bavaria, near Grainau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, close to the Austrian border.
Can you stay overnight at Eibsee?
Camping or sleeping outdoors is not allowed. The Eibsee Hotel is right on the lake if you want to stay nearby. If you want to stay at a convenient place for other hikes and things to do as well, consider Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Can I stay overnight in a campervan at Eibsee?
No, overnight parking and sleeping outdoors are not allowed anywhere near the lake. There is a motorhome parking lot, but it explicitly says that you can’t stay overnight. Check the app Park4Night to find suitable places not too far from Eibsee to stay the night in a campervan.
How long does it take to walk around Eibsee?
The full loop is about 7.5 kilometers and typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours. This entirely depends on the amount of photo stops you take along the trail. Without stops, you could do it in a bit less than 2 hours.
Are drones allowed at Eibsee?
No, drones are prohibited under the Wettersteingebiet nature protection regulation. You will see no-drone signs at several spots around the lake.
Are dogs allowed at Eibsee?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash if they’re taller than 50cm at the shoulder.
Can you get to the Zugspitze from Eibsee?
Yes, the Eibsee-Seilbahn cable car station is right at the lake and takes you to the Zugspitze summit in under 15 minutes.
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About Me
Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.