Lake Eibsee:
Your day at the idyllic mountain lake

From aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can reach Eibsee in around 15 minutes. There is a large car park right by the lake (100 metres from the shore), open from 5.00 am to 10.00 pm. The parking ticket costs €9.00* for 4 hours. Please note: maximum vehicle height 2.10 m; campervans are not permitted.

For an even more relaxed journey, take the historic rack-and-pinion railway operated by the Bavarian Zugspitz Railway (BZB). It takes just 30 minutes to get from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Eibsee. The journey isn’t just convenient, it’s also an experience in itself – the train travels through forests and valleys right up to the Zugspitze massif.

It takes about 15 minutes by car. Alternatively, the Zugspitzbahn runs directly from Garmisch railway station to Eibsee in 30 minutes, and the journey through woods and valleys is a real treat. From the aja Hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can also hire an e-mountain bike and set off straight away.

The car park at Eibsee costs €9* for 4 hours. It is open daily from 5.00 am to 10.00 pm and is situated about 100 metres from the lakeshore. Important: The maximum vehicle height is 2.10 metres – motorhomes and campervans are not permitted.

Yes, swimming is allowed. There are several spots for swimming along the bank. The water is crystal-clear – and quite cold. But that’s exactly what makes it so refreshing.

The Eibsee circular walk is 7.5 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours. The path is flat and well-maintained – it’s also suitable for pushchairs. You can start in either direction, but we recommend walking anti-clockwise.

At Eibsee, there is a boat hire service right on the shore. SUP boards are available from €17* per hour, rowing boats and pedalos from €14* per hour, and some pedalos even have a slide. The hire station is open daily during the summer season.

A single journey on the Bavarian Zugspitz Railway costs around €13* per person (as of 2026). Return tickets are available at a reduced rate, and children’s tickets are also cheaper. The railway runs several times a day.

In summer, the water glistens turquoise-blue – perfect for swimming, paddling and hiking. In autumn, the woods turn a riot of colours. In winter, things quieten down; there’s often snow on the ground, and every season has its own charm.

No, wild camping is not permitted at Eibsee. The lake is situated within a nature reserve. However, there are campsites in Grainau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen nearby.

Yes, the Eibsee Pavillon is situated right by the lake and serves Bavarian classics such as Käsespätzle and Flammkuchen – with views of the lake and the Zugspitze panorama. In summer, there’s a beer garden, and the Eishüttl sells ice cream to take away.

Yes, the Eibsee circular route is suitable for cycling. Most of the 7.5-kilometre route is on a gravel surface, and you’re treated to panoramic views of the Zugspitze the whole way. However: it gets busy in summer. Lots of walkers, lots of families, and the path is narrow. If you’re out cycling, please be considerate – or come early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s quieter.

Alternatively, there are more relaxed cycle paths and mountain bike trails around the Eibsee with less hustle and bustle and more space.

Absolutely. The path is flat, well-maintained and full of interesting sights: little islands, clear water, stones to collect. Lots of children can manage the 7.5 kilometres, and if they can’t, it’s also fine to take a pushchair or a baby carrier.

Yes, the Zugspitze cable car sets off right from Eibsee and takes you up to 2,962 metres – Germany’s highest peak – in about 10 minutes. The ride is breathtaking, and at the top you’ll be treated to panoramic views stretching all the way to Italy.

The turquoise-blue colour comes from particles of limestone in the water, which reflect the sunlight. Depending on the angle of the light, the lake shimmers in different shades, ranging from turquoise to emerald green to deep blue. Added to this is the extreme clarity: you can see every stone on the lake bed.