Lake Eibsee

A crystal-clear natural wonder right at the foot of Zugspitze mountain

Directly at the bottom of the Zugspitze, lies one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps - the Eibsee. Formed more than 3000 years ago by a landslide, the mountain lake offers a variety of sporting activities and excursions.

In summer, the Eibsee invites you to swim in the crystal clear water in addition to various hiking trails. Sporty people can rent pedal boats, rowing boats and stand up paddle boards and explore the lake on their own. Those who prefer it a little quieter can take a round trip on an electric boat - always with the Wetterstein Mountains and Zugspitze in view. You can find all the information here: boat rental

Even in winter, the Eibsee with its picturesque winter landscape is absolutely worth seeing. The Eibsee circular trail is also passable in winter. In January, the lake is often completely frozen which gives the landscape something magical.

The Zugspitze cable car, opened in 2017, is located in the immediate vicinity of the Eibsee and you can go directly to the Zugspitze.

Good to know:

Camping or spending the night at the Eibsee is prohibited.
The Eibsee is located in the water protection area

eibsee in autumn, © Tourist Information Grainau –W.Ehn — eibsee in autumn

Lake Eibsee with view to the hotel and rental boat, © Touristinformation Grainau - Foto Ehn — Lake Eibsee with view to the hotel and rental boat

Excursion boat "Reserl" on Eibsee, © Eibsee-Hotel — Excursion boat "Reserl" on Eibsee

Lake Eibsee with view to Zugspitze, © Zugspitzdorf Grainau - A. Brey — Lake Eibsee with view to Zugspitze

What is the quickest way to get to Eibsee?

For Grainau guests, it takes 18 or 15 minutes to reach Eibsee from Zugspitzbahnhof Hammersbach or Zugspitzbahnhof Grainau by our Zugspitzbahn.
All other options from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Hausberg or Kreuzeck-/Alpspitzbahn vía the cog railway and are therefore at the Eibsee in a maximum of half an hour.
All travel times and parking options at www.zugspitze.de

How often do trains and buses go to Eibsee?

Bus and Zugspit train run every hour.

Does Deutsche Bahn run to Eibsee?

No, you can continue from Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station with bus line 9840 or take the Zugspitzbahn - the Deutsche Bahn train station and the Zugspitzbahn train station are only a few meters apart, so you can change quickly.

Can I use the cog railway for free with the Deutschlandticket?

No BUT - It is only valid on the valley route, i.e. between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau. The trip from Grainau to Eibsee costs Euro 4.-

Can bicycles be taken on buses and cog railways?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to take bicycles with you due to capacity reasons.

Why doesn't the bus come on time?

On busy days the bus is also stuck in traffic. Unfortunately, this can lead to delays.

Why did the bus pass the stop?

If there are already too many people on the bus, the driver has instructions not to let any more passengers get on. However, amplifier buses are used. Please be patient.

Can I then go back using public transport?

Yes, one-way tickets can also be purchased. Pay attention to the timetable. The last trip on the entire route (Eibsee – Grainau – Garmisch-Partenkirchen) is shortly after 7 p.m.

Where is there parking at Eibsee?

The Bayerische Zugspitzbahn and the Eibsee Hotel each have public parking spaces at Eibsee.

How much does parking cost?

At the Eibsee Hotel, parking depends solely on the duration. For the Zugspitbahn car park, it also plays a role whether a mountain railway ticket is purchased. A price overview is available at https://zugspitze.de/parking

Do I always get a parking space?

Unfortunately not. However, if the parking spaces are full, this will be indicated in good time on the way to Eibsee, as will alternative parking spaces.

Caravan parking Eibsee

Please note the information provided by the parking operators:

www.zugspitze.de/parking

www.eibsee.de/de/lage-anfahrt

Can I camp at the Eibsee lake?

There is a ban on overnight parking in all parking spaces. More detailed information can be found at zugspitze.de/parking.

There are two large campsites in Grainau for overnight stays: the Camping Resort Zugspitze and the Camping Erlebnis Zugspitze.

Can I take my stroller to Eibsee?

The Eibsee is also easy to navigate with strollers, the riverside circular path is 7.4 km long. More info:

What is the best way to get to Eibsee on foot?

Beautiful hiking trails lead from Grainau up to Eibsee. The leisurely hikes last approximately one and a half hours and only have a few meters in altitude.

When is there less going on at Eibsee?

This cannot always be answered in general terms. There are usually fewer people at Eibsee early in the morning or after lunchtime.

Can I swim in the Eibsee?

It is possible to swim in the Eibsee. There are many places around the lake where you can access the water. In summer the water temperature reaches 20-22 °C.

Can I go boating or SUPing on Eibsee?

In the summer months, tours are offered on the historic excursion boat “Reserl”. Pedal boats, rowing boats and stand-up paddle boards can also be rented. More detailed information can be found at www.eibsee.de/de/bootsverleih.

Are there places to stop for refreshments?

There are several places to stop for refreshments. Information about this can be found at www.eibsee.de.

Can I visit the Eibsee and the Zugspitze in one day?

Yes, Eibsee and Zugspitze are right next to each other.

What can I do in bad weather around Eibsee?

In our Zugspitz Spa Grainau, you can swim and relax, regardless of the weather. More information:

The rain also makes no difference while ejoying the natural spectacle of the Höllental Gorge in Grainau or the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

However, during heavy rain or storms they are closed to visitors for safety reasons.

Webcams Eibsee

unique views of the crystal clear mountain lake

Did you know...

Due to its unique position at the foot of the Zugspitze and its clear, emerald-green shimmering water, the lake Eibsee is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps. It arose, when the Isar-Loisach-Glacier backed down. A sink, filled with water, was left. A huge landslide more than 3700 years ago shaped the present lake with its 29 submarine basins and 8 islands. A unique mountain lake, since it is very unusual that islands and shallows are geogogically much younger than the lake's basin. The Eibsee takes its name from the yews that used to grow around the lake.