Lake Eibsee:
Your day at the idyllic mountain lake

The Bavarian Zugspitze railway on the tracks.

Directions & Parking

A body of water with trees and mountains in the background.

The Eibsee circular trail

Origin & Environment

Boat hire

A woman rides a bicycle and smiles at the camera.

Cycling & mountain biking

Lake Eibsee:
Natural jewel at the foot of the Zugspitze

Crystal-clear water, snow-capped peaks and a tranquillity that can only be found in the mountains: Lake Eibsee near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria, whatever the season. In summer, the turquoise-coloured water glistens in the sun; in winter, the surroundings are transformed into a real postcard motif. Just a few minutes from Grainau and the aja Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen a place that simply invites you to take a deep breath.

A man and a woman with rucksacks are standing in front of a body of water.

The Eibsee
circular route

Once around paradise
The Eibsee circular trail stretches over 7.5 kilometres and is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Bavaria. Along the way, you will always have breathtaking views of the clear lake and the majestic Zugspitze. The circuit takes around two hours and is on flat terrain - ideal for pushchairs. The starting point of the hike is right next to the car park, from where you can set off in either direction.

It is recommended that you start the tour in an anti-clockwise direction, i.e. heading north. The northern section takes you over the Unterseebrücke bridge, from where you can enjoy a special view of Lake Eibsee and the neighbouring Untersee. In the north, there are also several small islands very close to the shore - perfect photo spots!

Whether you are travelling with your family, as a couple or alone, a hike around Lake Eibsee is a real highlight and shows you the Bavarian countryside at its most beautiful.

Women on paddleboards on a lake with mountains in the background.

A lake with trees and mountains in the background.

Experience Eibsee from the water

You can't get any closer - if you really want to experience the Eibsee, get out on the water. Whether in a rowing boat, pedal boat or on a SUP: you set the pace here. The water is so clear that you can see the rocks beneath the surface.

Stand-up paddling: Perfect for those who like it calm or are looking for balance. Boards are available from €17.00* per hour from the boat hire shop.

Boat hire: rowing boats and pedal boats (some with a slide!) provide fun on the lake from €14.00* per hour.

Round trips on the "Reserl": If you prefer to relax and enjoy yourself, hop on the excursion boat. The 20-minute tour shows the Eibsee from its most beautiful side (adults €9.50, children €4.50*).

The water looks so tempting, you want to jump straight in? let's go! Swimming in the Eibsee is permitted and there are several bathing spots along the shore.

A man and a woman on a bicycle, both wearing bicycle helmets.

Mountain biking &
Cycling at Lake Eibsee

A wide variety of routes await you around the Eibsee. Families enjoy relaxed tours along the shore, while mountain bikers will find challenging trails in the surrounding forests. Always there: the panorama of the Zugspitze. Please stay on the designated trails, as the Eibsee is a real natural jewel that needs to be protected.

Tip: You can set off directly from aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen on an e-mountainbike from our hire shop.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen cycle paths

Enjoyment with a view -
Gastronomy at Lake Eibsee

After a walk or a boat trip, the Eibsee Pavilion invites you to stop for a bite to eat. Bavarian classics such as cheese spaetzle or tarte flambée await you here - and probably the most beautiful view of the lake and Zugspitze. In summer, the beer garden provides a holiday feeling, and if you like it sweet, treat yourself to an ice cream in the Eishüttl. This is what summer at the Eibsee tastes like!

Bridge over a body of water with trees in the background.

Origin & nature
of Lake Eibsee

The Eibsee lies at the foot of the Zugspitze, around 1,000 metres above sea level, and is one of the most famous lakes in Bavaria. Its origins date back to the end of the last ice age: when the Isar-Loisach glacier retreated, the resulting depression filled with meltwater - Lake Eibsee was created.

Around 3,750 years later, a large landslide changed the area again. The huge masses of rock formed the current landscape of the lake with its small islands and shallow areas. This characteristic structure makes the Eibsee a special natural experience to this day.

Surrounded by mountains and with its clear, turquoise-blue water, the Eibsee is now a protected natural area and a habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

Directions to Eibsee
from Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Lake Eibsee is only around 10 kilometres from Garmisch-Partenkirchen - ideal for a day trip directly from the aja Hotel. Regardless of whether you are travelling by car or prefer to take the train: The journey is straightforward and takes you through the beautiful mountain landscape at the foot of the Zugspitze.

By car

From aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen you can reach the Eibsee in around 15 minutes. There is a large car park right by the lake (100 m from the shore), open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. The car park ticket costs €8.00* for 4 hours. Please note: Max. Vehicle height 2.10 m, no campers allowed.

With the Zugspitze railway

The historic cogwheel railway of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn (BZB) is even more relaxing. It takes you from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Lake Eibsee in just 30 minutes. The journey is not only practical, but also an experience - the railway travels through forests and valleys right up to the Zugspitze massif.

Please note that prices and times are subject to change.