After the exhilaration of paragliding in the German-Austrian Alps, we needed a slower, relaxing activity. Luckily Eibsee Lake is right outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen and also on our way to Füssen. Eibsee Lake is a gorgeous vibrant blue color and a treat to the eyes. You can walk around the lake, kayak, paddle-board, or simply enjoy the views. It is also immediately adjacent the highest peak in Germany – Zugspitze. It was nice to slow down and relax at Eibsee Lake before hitting the road again.
Walk Around the Eibsee Lake
Eibsee Lake is only a few miles outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We had a rental car and it was an easy to navigate drive to Eibsee. We paid for parking in the big lot. Since it was a beautiful day, the parking lot filled up quickly. I recommend visiting the lake in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you do not have a car, you can take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then the bus to Eibsee.
There is a walking path surrounding Eibsee Lake, which has a few hills, but is generally very smooth. We saw many families with little ones on bikes or older couples walking around the lake. I recommend going counter-clockwise because it will reward you with great views of the lake and Zugspitze immediately. If you go clockwise, you will be primarily in the shade of Zugspitze until you get to the other side of the lake. To walk the entire length is a little over a half mile, but you’ll want to stop and take a million pictures of the crystal clear water.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 3 (out of 4) stars – would definitely do it again
- Intensity: Casual outfit – I wore athletic tights and a sweater.=
- Location: Southern Germany, about 1 hour, 15 minutes south of Munich.
- Cost: Free to walk
- Timing: 1 – 2 hours, if only going for lunch and a walk
Highlights:
- Beautiful vibrant lake that you can walk around
- Lovely lunch on the lakeshore
- More activities if you have the time – canoe/kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding, etc.
- Views of the highest peak in Germany – Zugspitze
Other Things to do at Eibsee
We only did a partial walk around the lake due to hunger pains, but there are other activities to enjoy this beautiful lake. We saw options at Zugspitze Eibsee:
- Stand up paddleboard
- Row Boat
- Pedal Boat
- Electric motorboat (Like the one at Konigsee!)
The friendly couple who we met before paragliding absolutely loved Eibsee and were even married there a few years ago. They were staying in the darling-looking Eibsee Hotel. They mentioned how the Swiss laugh at Germany’s tallest peak, but I bet it is still worth a visit. You can also take a cable car to the top of Zugspite and say you were on the tallest peak in Germany! You get 360 degree views of the surrounding area.
Lunch at Eibsee Pavillon
We decided to eat lunch and a beer at the Eibsee Pavillon Restaurant Cafe. The sun was shining and the weather was warm, so everyone wanted to be outside… including us! We found a table and had a beer with a veggie burger (vegetarian, but not vegan). The menu is quite extensive at the Eibsee Pavillon and the food was good (not amazing, but good). At one point I went to use the restroom and the entire inside of the restaurant had only a couple people. It was way too beautiful outside to sit inside!
We ended up sharing our table with another mother-daughter duo who were German. This would be so strange in the US, but seems so natural to share the table! I personally love that table-sharing happens in other countries so that everyone can have an opportunity to eat at the restaurant they want. I saw a couple other instances of table sharing at the restaurant.
Because it was so packed at the restaurant and we were outside, I noticed the amount of smoking. I felt like every table around us had someone smoking. Without trying to pass judgement, it surprised me that smoking at an outdoor restaurant is still commonplace in Germany. Has the US really changed or am I living in a bubble in California? I didn’t let the smoking prevent me from enjoying the view, the beer, and the sun at Eibsee Lake.
Overall thoughts: Eibsee Lake
If we stayed more than a single night in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, I would have definitely loved to spend more time at Eibsee Lake. It would have been lovely to get there a little earlier and paddle a rowboat around the lake, then take the cable car up to Zugspitze. In the winter, it looks like the lake freezes over and there is skiing available – how beautiful!
I saw Eibsee Lake referred to as the most beautiful lake in Germany. What do you think is the most beautiful lake? I would love to discover more beautiful lakes, so be sure to let me know in the comments!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
