3 stunning lakes in Bavarian Alps in Germany you need to visit
When compared to the likes of the Dolomites, Swiss Alps, or Julian Alps in Slovenia, Bavarian Alps don’t get as much recognition for jaw-dropping scenery. However, the region boasts epic hiking trails and gorgeous lakes alike.
Lining the southern edge of Bavaria, Germany’s largest state by land area, Bavarian Alps are a little slice of paradise. Visitors come here to enjoy stillness and tranquility, as well as a number of outdoor adventures. These beautiful lakes are just a little peek into what this little corner of Germany has to offer.
Where are the most beautiful lakes in Bavarian Alps?
Here’s a little map showing the location of the most beautiful lakes in Bavarian Alps.
1. Eibsee
Just about every travel content creator has been to Eibsee and documented its beauty on social media. No wonder! It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps, located right at the foot of Germany’s tallest peak — Zugspitze.
It was formed by a retreating glacier and got its current shape with 29 hollows and 8 islands over 3000 years ago thanks to a landslide.
The crystal-clear water as well as the scenic surroundings invite you for a serene swim in the summer. Many also decide to explore the lake on a pedal boat, rowing boat, or a stand-up paddle board.
The 7.5-kilometre-long circular trail around the lake is walkable all year round and offers several scenic views which will be appreciated by hobby photographers and professionals alike.
Eibsee is easily reached by a car. It’s a 15-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen (13 km) and an hour-and-half drive from Munich (100 km).
A most photogenic place
Sunrise at Eibsee
2. Königssee
It’s no surprise that this nearly eight-kilometres-long lake is nicknamed the Bavarian fjord. Surrounded by steep rocks and thick forests, Königssee is the main attraction in Berchtesgaden National Park. It’s also Germany’s deepest lake, reaching depths of up to 190 metres!
A notable place on the lake’s shore is the St. Bartholomä church on the Hirschau peninsula. The first chapel here was built back in the 12th century. In the late 17th century, the church was rebuilt in Baroque style.
The emerald-green water of the lake is incredibly clean — so much so that you could drink it. To keep it that way, only electric boats are allowed to cross the lake. In the main season, they run about every half-hour. You can take one from Seelände Königssee to St. Bartholomä, Salet and back. The latest timetable can be found here.
Königssee is incredibly clean
On the way to Salet
When I visited Königssee in the summer of 2022, I thought we could easily walk around it, just like you can with some of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites.
We set off from the parking lot at the northern side of the lake — the only part accessible by car. After about four hours of hiking which included strenuous ascents as well as scrambling down the hill with the help of steel cables and pegs, we made it to St. Bartholomä church.
Realising there’s no way we could possibly reach the southern edge of the lake and then return via the other side that same day, we decided to freshen up with a quick swim, enjoy a lunch at the lakeside, and take the boat to Salet and back towards Schönau am Königssee.
I guess putting a route like this into Google Maps won’t give you the most accurate representation of the arduous hike that it really is.
High above Königssee
St. Bartholomä Church in the distance
3. Obersee
Located southeast of the much larger Königssee, the beautiful Obersee is tucked away from the rest of the world. Picture-perfect reflections on the water’s surface are especially intense in the middle of the day.
To get here, you can take the boat from Königssee to Salet. From the boat station, it is a mere 15-minute walk to reach the lake.
Aside from the ever-changing hues of blue and green, a little wooden boathouse located right at the shore is another iconic feature of Obersee.
The only dwelling you’ll find around here is Fischunkelalm, where you can enjoy fresh milk and some snacks. From here, you can walk on to check out the Röthbach waterfall — the highest waterfall in Germany.
The colours of Obersee are simply perfect
The iconic wooden boathouse
This list of stunning lakes in the Bavarian Alps is by no means exhaustive. You will find many more small and large lakes lining the south of Bavaria, all of which offering amazing opportunities for recreation. See which one you discover on your next trip!
Have you visited Bavaria? What was your favourite place? Leave a comment below!