Camping at Lake Eibsee: swimming, hikes & circular trail – vacation tips for the family

Camping at Lake Eibsee – Amazing landscapes with Caribbean flair at Lake Eibsee!
Would you like to take a break from the stress of everyday life?
Camping offers you a unique opportunity to experience the feeling of complete freedom and closeness to nature and thus enjoy a completely carefree and relaxed, but at the same time adventurous vacation.
The best place to do this is at one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps: Lake Eibsee.
It boasts turquoise-blue water, idyllic nature, a fascinating mountain world and charming campsites.
Whether in summer or winter – grab a roof tent or a tent trailer, practical camping accessories and your loved ones and enjoy an unforgettable vacation at Lake Eibsee.
Here are our vacation tips!

Camping Ratgeber:

Adventure & relaxation vacation with dog & children

Camping is becoming increasingly popular with young and old and guarantees a relaxing time in nature, especially at the beautiful Eibsee in Bavaria.
The lake not only impresses with its picturesque blue water and idyllic natural surroundings, but also has much more to offer.
From a variety of sporting leisure activities, wellness offers and, above all, family- and dog-friendly attractions, the multifaceted region around the lake scores with an extensive range of relaxation, culture and adventures, so that everyone gets their money’s worth here. A vacation at the Eibsee offers you:

Idyllic and picturesque nature
Swimming in the turquoise-blue water
Hiking in the mountains
Relaxation and recreation by the lake
Exciting sights
Sporting leisure activities
Family and dog-friendly attractions

Before we get to our vacation tips, here is some general information about the Eibsee:

Eibsee with Caribbean flair: your vacation can be this beautiful

Here you can see a drone flight to view the beautiful Eibsee from above and get an idea of your next vacation destination: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P724f5xLrJM

Map: Location and directions

The approximately 1.77 km² Eibsee belongs to the municipality of Grainau and is located in Bavaria around 9 km southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Every year, numerous tourists head to the popular vacation region and take advantage of the wide range of wellness, natural highlights and sightseeing on offer.
You can easily reach the lake with your own car and roof tent. Now we come to our vacation tips:

What to do at Eibsee?
Bucket list & activities for your vacation

If you are looking for a vacation at Lake Eibsee, an amazing paradise of fairytale nature and numerous swimming opportunities in the colorful water awaits you.
But apart from that, you can also enjoy a hike or a walk in the mountains, opt for one of the many water sports on offer or go on an exciting sightseeing tour.
Either way, the Eibsee has plenty to offer for young and old alike, so you can make the most of your vacation and have an unforgettable time.
These activities should be on your bucket list:

Swimming in the colorful lake
Sunbathe and relax on the shore
Walking or hiking in the mountains
Water sports, e.g. rowing boat, pedal boat, canoe
Sightseeing Tour

Crystal-clear, picturesque water: this is what awaits you at Lake Eibsee! My top tips:

Dare to try one of the water sports on offer

Lake Eibsee is worth a visit for its picturesque appearance alone.
There are many places around the lake where you can swim and bathe in pleasant temperatures and even drinking water quality or just relax.
Boat trips on Lake Eibsee are also very appealing, especially for families.
Whether rowing boat, rubber dinghy, pedal boat or canoe – you can glide across the lake in complete relaxation and take a closer look at the most beautiful and hidden corners.
Stand-up paddling also offers you a good dose of fun and action.
This requires some athletic skill and willpower, but after a little practice it is all the more fun to paddle in the calm waters.
This water sport is available at Lake Eibsee:

Swimming and bathing
Rowing boat
Inflatable boat
Pedal boat
Canoeing
Stand Up Paddling
Fishing

Canoeing with an amazing natural panorama and a view of the Zugspitze?
Let’s go to the Eibsee!

Excursion destinations by the lake: bike tour, circular trail & cable car

The main reason for visiting the Eibsee is, of course, the lake itself.
However, the surrounding area also offers plenty of opportunities for an exciting day trip.
Passionate hikers are particularly taken with the mountainous landscape.
The famous Eibsee circular trail in particular is ideal for a pleasant walk around the entire lake and is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Bavaria.
An extensive tour to the Hochthörlehütte is also highly recommended for sports enthusiasts, as a unique natural panorama over the entire lake awaits you at the top.
Many paths are also suitable for cycling or mountain biking tours and it is generally highly recommended to hire a bike and explore the region around Lake Eibsee.
You can enjoy these leisure activities around the Eibsee:

Hikes in the mountains
Walks in the countryside
Cycling tours around the lake
Mountain bike tours
Tour to the Hochthörlehütte
Eibsee circular trail around the lake

Start the 7.5 km circular route here, preferably in an anti-clockwise direction:

A vacation in winter is also highly recommended

The Eibsee scores across the board, and not just in good weather and very warm temperatures.
The popular vacation region also has a lot in store for you in winter.
Hiking with snowshoes and skiing or snowboarding in the nearby Zugspitze area are particularly popular leisure activities and are undertaken by numerous tourists every year.
Find out more about a winter vacation here: Winter camping.
Take a look at the picturesque landscapes in winter here: Do you love nature and want to experience the feeling of complete freedom on your vacation?
Then you should definitely go camping in the beautiful regions around Lake Eibsee to get the most out of your nature vacation.

Camping by the water instead of a hotel or vacation apartment

If you decide to go camping, you can expect a carefree time with your loved ones.
You’ll sit together in front of the campfire in the evening, swapping long-forgotten stories and gazing at the starry sky.
This is pure freedom!
You are accommodated in the centrally located campsites, which all extend around the lake and, in the best case scenario, offer you a unique panorama of the Zugspitze.
Not only will you experience an adventurous yet relaxed vacation, but you’ll also have a view that you won’t soon forget.

Why you should go camping by the lake: 10 reasons!

Especially when camping with a roof tent, you can organize your vacation flexibly and plan each day individually, when you leave in the morning and when you return in the evening.
In just a few minutes, you can fold up your roof tent to create a huge and comfortable sleeping space that can accommodate up to 5 people!
Read more about the advantages, different models, set-up and costs here: Rooftop tent for your car.
These advantages guarantee you a camping vacation at the Eibsee:

Unique panorama with a view of the Zugspitze
Idyllic and picturesque nature
A sense of freedom and closeness to nature
Adventurous flair into the evening hours
Relaxation and recreation
Flexible daily organization and travel planning
Cheaper than a hotel or vacation apartment
Comfortable sleeping space in the roof tent
Simple assembly in just a few minutes
Dog and family friendly

An absolute advantage of camping: your dog can really let off steam here!

Packing list for camping: tips & suggestions

Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, table and loungers are also a must on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
Here you will find a checklist of the most important things that will make your vacation even more comfortable:

Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.

Accommodation: Campsite recommendations – address & prices

As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should choose a campsite or legal pitch for your overnight stay here.
The unspoilt campsites are worth it just for the idyllic peace and quiet and the feeling of being completely close to nature, even if you have to plan a slightly longer journey for some sites.
Here are some tips for popular and affordable campsites around Lake Eibsee, where you will feel completely at home and enjoy a carefree time:

Camping Resort Zugspitze – Schmölz (125 pitches)

Camping Resort Zugspitze – Camping in Schmölz (address: Griesener Straße 9 in 82491 Grainau) with 125 pitches for campers on a total area of 3.5 ha.
The price per person is 15.00 euros, children 11.00 euros and the stand fee 40.00 euros, payable by cash, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa.
Read more: Camping Resort Zugspitze in Schmölz.
Directions, address and camper capacities at Camping Resort Zugspitze:

Address: Griesener Straße 9 in 82491 Grainau, Germany
Location: Schmölz, Bavaria
125 pitches for campers
12 rental accommodations
Total size in ha: 3.5
Directions (Google Maps): Camping Resort Zugspitze

Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee – Krün (268 places)

Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee – Camping in Krün (address: Am Tennsee 1 in 82494 Krün) with 268 pitches for campers on a total area of 5.2 ha.
Per person you pay 9,90 Euro, children 5,90 Euro and stand fee 9,00 – 11,00 Euro, payable by cash, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa.
Read more: Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee in Krün.
Directions, address and camper capacities at Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee:

Address: Am Tennsee 1 in 82494 Krün, Germany
Location: Krün, Bavaria
268 pitches for campers
6 rental accommodations
Total size in ha: 5.2
Directions (Google Maps): Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee

Naturcamping Isarhorn – (220 pitches)

Naturcamping Isarhorn (address: Am Horn 4 in 82481 Mittenwald) with 220 pitches for campers on a total area of 0 ha.
The price per person is 7.40 euros, children 3.00 euros and the stand fee is 0.90 euros, payable in cash.
Read more: Naturcamping Isarhorn Directions, address and camper capacities at Naturcamping Isarhorn:

Address: Am Horn 4 in 82481 Mittenwald, Germany
Location: Bavaria
220 pitches for campers
5 rental accommodations
120 pitches for permanent campers
Directions (Google Maps): Naturcamping Isarhorn

Evaluation: Experience – what is important?

When choosing a campsite, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria in order to enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, a central location with enough privacy and a certain level of cleanliness of the site and sanitary facilities are important exclusion criteria that you should consider when making your choice so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
The rating of campsites is based on these criteria.
Pay attention to these 11 factors when researching new campsites:

Rest
Catering
Friendliness
Price-performance ratio
General cleanliness
Sanitary facilities
Sanitary cleanliness
Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
Infrastructure
Leisure time
Location

Impressions: Highlights, sports & vacation with children

The lake from above: Canoeing along the mountains: Relaxation by the lake: Vacation with children: What time of year is best for a vacation at Lake Eibsee?

Weather: temperatures and trend

The average temperature at Lake Eibsee is 20 degrees, the lowest is – 1 degree.
The best time to visit is therefore from June to September, as you can make the most of your vacation in nature during this time with pleasant temperatures, a mild climate and optimal water temperature.
But Lake Eibsee is also worth a visit in winter for its numerous winter sports activities and offers a panorama that is at least as beautiful as in summer.

Average temperature: 20 degrees
Lowest temperature: – 1 degree

Weather Today / in three days

Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days:

FAQ: Questions and answers

Can you swim in the Eibsee, what else can you do and how do you get to the Eibsee?
Here you will find some questions and answers as well as useful information about the vacation region.
This means you’ll be well prepared in advance and ready for your camping vacation in the great outdoors.

Where is the Eibsee?

The Eibsee is located in Bavaria about 9 km southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and directly below the Zugspitze in the Wetterstein mountains.

What can you do at the Eibsee?

Lake Eibsee is best suited for swimming and bathing in the small bays.
Water sports and boat trips are also popular.
There are also walks and hikes to explore and enjoy the unique natural landscape.

Can you swim in the Eibsee?

Swimming is definitely allowed in the Eibsee and is possible in many places.
The water is pleasantly warm and even of drinking water quality.

How do you get to the Eibsee?

You can easily reach the Eibsee in just a few minutes by car or by bus from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
These run directly to the lake every hour, so you can easily get there.

Reading tips: Camping vacation at the lake

If you are still undecided about where exactly to go on your vacation, there are other beautiful and recommendable lakes apart from the Eibsee where you can camp perfectly.
Read more articles here as an alternative vacation destination:

Camping at Hopfensee

A vacation at Lake Hopfensee promises a real adventure, because on a trip to the beautiful lake you can not only swim, but also explore the exciting sights and activities nearby or go on a hike in the idyllic natural surroundings.
Afterwards, unique home cooking from the best fisherman’s hut in Germany awaits you.
On the road in a roof tent, tent trailer or converted van, with your family or partner – read all about your first camping trip to Lake Hopfensee here:

Camping Hopfensee

Camping on Lake Constance

Lake Constance is also an ideal destination for the whole family.
From idyllic nature, crystal-clear water and exciting leisure activities, beautiful Lake Constance, which lies between Germany, Austria and Switzerland, offers everything your heart desires.
Camping with a rooftop tent is probably the best way to make the most of your vacation and the picturesque landscapes.
Here you can read our tips on the most beautiful regions, popular sights and things to do:

Camping Lake Constance

Camping at the Brombachsee

Lake Brombachsee is also recommended and not far away.
If you want to experience pure relaxation in beautiful natural surroundings and go hiking or swimming, this is the place for you.
This popular vacation paradise boasts picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear water and exciting leisure activities for the whole family and is perfect for exploring on a vacation with a roof tent.
Whether with your partner or family – read more about our tips for a camping vacation at Brombachsee here:

Camping Brombachsee

Camping in Bavaria

Alongside the North Sea and Baltic Sea, southern Germany is one of the most popular vacation destinations.
Germany’s largest federal state in terms of area is Bavaria.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, fantastic views and the typical Bavarian charm, the state offers many interesting cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, as well as a variety of lakes, such as Lake Constance and Lake Hopfensee, where you can relax, hike and enjoy nature.
Find out more here: