Eibsee

Eibsee is the lake at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, and it is one of the most photographed spots in the Bavarian Alps. The water is described as crystal clear, with turquoise shades around the small islands, one of which is heart-shaped, and the Zugspitze and the Wetterstein range rise straight behind it. A family-friendly circular trail runs around the shore, with refreshment stops, and you can walk to the lake from the village of Grainau in about an hour and a half with very little climbing. In summer people swim from many access points, where the water reaches roughly eighteen to twenty-two degrees. Stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats and rowing boats can be rented, and a historic passenger ship runs round trips in the warm months. In winter the scene is different, with ice skating, snowshoeing and sledging, and an ice rink. The Zugspitze cable car valley station is only minutes from the lake, so Eibsee works either as a destination in itself or as the start of a mountain day.

Plan how you arrive. Eibsee has only one access road, parking is limited and the two public car parks are paid, so on fine weekends and holidays it fills early. Occupancy boards on the approach road show whether space is available. The bus from Garmisch-Partenkirchen through Grainau to the lake is a good alternative, and Deutsche Bahn does not run to the lake itself.

From Munich the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen takes about ninety minutes, and the bus continues from there. Bicycles are not allowed on the bus or the cogwheel train, so plan your cycling separately.

Choose your visit by season. In summer the lake invites swimming and paddling, the circular trail is at its prettiest and cafes along the shore are open. In autumn the light is soft and the crowds thin out. In winter the lake can freeze, which brings skating, winter walking and sledging, and the mountain behind is white.

Whatever the season, wear good shoes for the lakeside path and bring a warm layer, because the breeze off the water is cool even on sunny days. If you plan to swim, remember that mountain water is cold and there are no lifeguards on most of the shoreline.

Combine it sensibly. The Zugspitze cable car is a few minutes from the lake, and from the lake station a cogwheel train and glacier train lead toward the summit, so Eibsee is the usual starting point for the Zugspitze. If you prefer a gentler day, walk the circuit, stop for lunch and head on to the Partnachklamm gorge or the village of Mittenwald.

A day tour from Munich that includes Eibsee, the Zugspitze and a gorge is a convenient way to see several of these without driving. Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so look at a webcam or forecast before you set out and keep the day flexible.