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  • Hiking at the Eibsee
    Hiking at the Eibsee Photo: Jenny Sturm, Adobe Stock

Hikes in Eibsee

Bavaria,Germany

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The area around Lake Eibsee in the district of Grainau is known for numerous winter activities. In the Zugspitze region there are plenty of ski slopes and other offers for winter sports enthusiasts. But also in summer there is a lot to discover around the mountain lake. The numerous hiking trails through untouched nature, picturesque valleys and steep mountain slopes provide unique experiences. While hiking at Lake Eibsee, explore the surrounding forests and enjoy the view of the Zugspitze.

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Maps and trails

The 10 most beautiful hikes in Eibsee

The Zugspitze massif impressively comes into view from the north side of the lake.
Hiking Trail · Wetterstein Mountains and Mieming Chain
Circular route around the Eibsee (973 m)
recommended route Difficulty T1 easy
5
7 km
1:45 h
120 m
120 m
Short hike around the popular excursion destination
Eibsee with Zugspitze
Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
Via the Neuneralm to the Eibsee
recommended route Difficulty easy
4.8
12 km
4:00 h
425 m
173 m
Nice day route for the whole family - including lovely playgrounds and cooling off in the lake!
At the shore of the Eibsee
Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
Hike around the Eibsee and to the Hochthörlehütte
recommended route Difficulty T2 moderate
5
16.6 km
5:30 h
568 m
568 m
This hike takes us along the shore of the picturesque Eibsee and up to the Hochthörlehütte just beyond the Austrian border.
The Eibsee
Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
Circular hike around the Eibsee
recommended route Difficulty easy
4.8
7 km
2:00 h
49 m
48 m
One of the most beautiful walking routes in Bavaria - right at the foot of the Zugspitze with stunning views included
The Eibsee in front of the Zugspitze in Bavaria
Hiking Trail · Bavaria
Columbia route tip: Around the Eibsee in Bavaria
recommended route Difficulty easy
5
7 km
2:10 h
61 m
73 m
Cozy, easy hike around the Eibsee.
Eibsee panorama
Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
From Griesen around the Eibsee with a detour to Austria
Premium content Difficulty difficult
27.3 km
9:15 h
1,012 m
1,012 m
Circular hike from Griesen around the Eibsee. Large parts of the trail run along the shore with a detour across the Austrian border to the Seebenalm.
The Zugspitze massif is reflected in the Eibsee
Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
UNDER THE ZUGSPITZE - HIKE AROUND THE EIBSEE
recommended route Difficulty moderate
4.5
7 km
2:10 h
61 m
72 m
The Eibsee near Garmisch is a wonderful, natural green shimmering and crystal-clear mountain lake directly below the Zugspitze in the Wetterstein mountains.
Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
Hike around Eibsee Lake
recommended route Difficulty easy
5
6.9 km
2:07 h
76 m
76 m
A light circular hiking route that surrounds the magical Eibsee Lake, near the Zugspitze mountain. The route passes by islands, small lakes, and small waterfalls that flow into the lake.
Hiking Trail · Wetterstein Mountains and Mieming Chain
Wheelchair tour around the Eibsee (barrier-free)
recommended route Difficulty T1 moderate
5
7.3 km
2:30 h
58 m
63 m
Wheelchair tour with light propulsion (here Variodrive wheelchair towing device) and companion for experienced users on mostly well-rolling gravel paths.  Two areas with rough ground. The hike is recommended counterclockwise and with a companion.
View over the lake
Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
To Eibsee, around it, and back
recommended route Difficulty easy
4.5
13.6 km
4:15 h
388 m
388 m
A wonderfully easy hike from the hotel at Badersee up to Eibsee, with a first-class view of the Zugspitze, around the lake, and back again
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The classic: circular trail on the Eibsee

Wonderful views are guaranteed on the circular trail around the Eibsee. No wonder this easy circular hike is so popular: On the shimmering turquoise water you can see the reflections of the majestic mountain peaks that tower above the shores of the lake. There is a perfect photo spot at every turn. It's best to do the hike around the Eibsee during the week - or set off early so you can take in the view in its entirety.

How long does it take to walk around the Eibsee?

The approx. 7.5 km long circular route takes you once around the Eibsee, whereby you are on the move for a good 2 hours. The circular hike is one of the easier hiking tours in the area. You don't have to climb any steep inclines and the path is well surfaced.

Even for beginners, inexperienced hikers or children, the circuit is possible without any problems and therefore a pleasant tour for everyone. Just enjoy the reflection of the mountains in the water and relax at the lake with your loved ones. The short circular walk is possible in summer as well as in winter. No special equipment is required.

Hikes around the Eibsee lake

If you want to get away from the lake and the other hikers, you can simply hike a short distance into the surrounding forest, where it is a bit quieter. To the north of the lake, there are a few tours that take you through shady woodland areas where you can really unwind.

Most of the trails here are easy to moderately difficult, but don't require any special skills or technique beyond a normal level of fitness. In the fairytale-like, sparse forest, the main features are coniferous trees and lush moss.

An absolute nature and forest experience!

Can you hike from the Eibsee to the Zugspitze?

Of course, you can also hike from Lake Eibsee to the region's most famous mountain, the Zugspitze. For example, a mountain tour via the Stopselzieher will take you to the highest peak in Germany. However, you need to be in good shape for this mountain tour, which involves an ascent of around 2,000 metres of altitude - it is only recommended for experienced hikers.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the Zugspitzbahn can take you directly to the top in just a few minutes instead of many hours. Here you have the opportunity to use one of the last cogwheel railways in Germany. You can also take the Zugspitze cable car. If you walk around Lake Eibsee beforehand, or take a short hike from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the Zugspitze cable car, you can combine an enjoyable hike with a breathtaking mountain view.

Hiking Trail · Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Hike to the Eibsee and by cable car to the Zugspitze
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 14.1 km
Duration 4:20 h
Ascent 525 m
Descent 231 m

A pleasure hike through the whole valley, along plateau paths from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau to the Eibsee.

No ratings (yet)
from GaPa Tourismus GmbH,   GaPa Tourismus GmbH

Hike to the Hochthörlehütte in Austria

If you are planning to stop at a hotel, inn or alpine hut on the way and enjoy the view from there, then a hike to the Hochthölte, which already belongs to Austria, is a good idea. It lies approx. 1475 m üabove the Eibsee.

The way to the hut can be partly covered by car, so you can also start your hike from higher up. The border between Tyrol and Bavaria is also located up here. Or you can walk the wonderful hike from Grainau via the Eibseeblick and then stop for a bite to eat at the Hütte.

Hiking Trail · Zugspitz Region
Over the Eibsee to Ehrwald in Tyrol (AT)
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 14 km
Duration 4:50 h
Ascent 813 m
Descent 336 m

A cross-border hiking route from Germany to Austria and back in the Zugspitz Arena Bavaria-Tyrol with beautiful views of the Eibsee.

No ratings (yet)
from GaPa Tourismus GmbH,   GaPa Tourismus GmbH

Activities in the Zugspitz region

Besides exciting hiking tours, the area around the Eibsee and Untersee has many other activities to offer. Thanks to its proximity to the Zugspitze, the area is a real tourist magnet.

Don't miss the chance to look down on the surrounding landscape from this mountain. After hiking at the Eibsee, enjoy the view of the Alps and their fairytale-like valleys.

Other activities and sights that can be combined with a tour at Lake Eibsee are:

  • Boat hire at Lake Eibsee
  • .
  • Excursion to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Biking at the lake
  • Fishing in Lake Eibsee
  • Stand Up Paddling
  • Bathing in the lake
  • Skiing in winter

Reviews

  • April 19, 2026
    Alfa Berg
    Den See sollte man unbedingt einmal umrunden.
    ...Show more
    Written April 19, 2026
  • November 28, 2025
    Wander Verliebt
    October 25, 2025
    Eine schöne, gut zu gehende Rundtour um den Eibsee, bei dem man immer wieder tolle Aussichten auf die Zugspitze genießen kann. Aber auch sonst ergeben sich immer wieder neue Perspektiven, die den Weg nie langweilig werden lassen. Man sollte nur einen Tag wählen, an dem möglichst nicht so viel Betrieb am See herrscht.
    ...Show more
    Video: Wander Verliebt, WanderVerliebt
    Written November 28, 2025
  • October 28, 2025
    Fabi Hübner
    Sehr schöner Rundweg. Am Anfang idyllisch im Wald, am See dann doch sehr überlaufen. Laut meinem Track knapp über 400 Höhenmeter, 12,5km und 3h Dauer.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Fabi Hübner, Community
    Photo: Fabi Hübner, Community
    Photo: Fabi Hübner, Community
    Written October 28, 2025
  • September 04, 2025
    Andreas Hibbeln
    September 03, 2025
    Großartiges Panorama. Wir waren in der Woche da. Da hällt sich das mit den Menschenmassen gerade noch so in Grenzen.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Andreas Hibbeln, Community
    Photo: Andreas Hibbeln, Community
    Photo: Andreas Hibbeln, Community
    Written September 04, 2025
    Hiking Trail
    Around the Eibsee
  • August 11, 2025
    Michelle
    August 07, 2025
    Absolut Anfänger geeignet. 1,5h gebraucht.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Michelle, Community
    Written August 11, 2025
    Hiking Trail
    Around the Eibsee
  • July 07, 2025
    Elisabeth B
    July 07, 2025
    schöner kurzer Spaziergang und Schlechtwetteralternative, falls es mit einer Bergtour nichts wird...
    ...Show more
    Photo: Elisabeth B, Community
    Photo: Elisabeth B, Community
    Written July 07, 2025
  • June 21, 2025
    Monika Hoene
    Beeindruckende Aussicht!
    ...Show more
    Written June 21, 2025
  • September 02, 2024
    Klaus Gröger
    August 29, 2024
    Der Rundweg ist wirklich sehr hübsch angelegt und völlig unschwer. Dazu viele schöne Blicke auf den See, viele Bänke und Aussichtspunkte. Alles Prima. Allerdings nur bis ca. 10.00 Uhr. Danach sollte man gar nicht erst loslaufen aufgrund der Menschenmassen. Bin um 8.30 gestartet, da war es anfangs noch schön leer.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Klaus Gröger, Community
    Photo: Klaus Gröger, Community
    Photo: Klaus Gröger, Community
    Written September 02, 2024
  • August 28, 2024
    Steffi Hö.
    Super Tour mit tollen Ausblicken. Frühes Loslaufen lohnt sich am oft gut besuchten Eibsee.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Steffi Hö., Community
    Written August 28, 2024
  • August 08, 2024
    Sandra Neumann Rystow 
    August 08, 2024
    Sehr schöne Tour, man kann sich gar nicht sattsehen an dieser fantastischen Natur. Zurück bin ich allerdings nicht eurer Route gefolgt., sondern durch den Lerchwald zurück. Letztendlich kam ich auf 18,7 km.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Sandra Neumann Rystow, Community
    Photo: Sandra Neumann Rystow, Community
    Written August 08, 2024
  • June 15, 2024
    Matthias Friedrich
    Schöne gemütliche Runde mit Blick auf die Zugspitze. Sollte man allerdings nicht am Wochenende machen. Touris ohne Ende
    ...Show more
    Written June 15, 2024
  • June 07, 2024
    Sibylla Schwaninger
    August 16, 2022
    Sehr schöne Rundtour um den malerischen Eibsee. Der See lädt immer wieder ein eine kleine Pause zu machen.
    ...Show more
    imagemeta.apiv2.1717775892850
    Photo: Sibylla Schwaninger, Community
    Written June 07, 2024

Similar activities in Eibsee

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Parts of this content were machine translated from German.
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