Location
Germany
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
July to August
About Eibsee
The Eibsee sits at almost 1,000 m below the north face of the Zugspitze near Grainau, south-west of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and is often called one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany for its green, very clear water, small islands and mountain views. The lake is privately owned (by the Rieppel family and the Eibsee hotel), but swimming is allowed from many points around the shore. The nude bathing area is the Braxenbucht, a bay on the far side of the lake from the main car park, reached from the circular path; naturists have gathered here since at least 2003, and a travel blog describes it as a small, separate FKK section. You can lie on the shore of the bay or swim out to the small islands in front of it. Visitor reports count around 10 to 30 people on weekdays and up to about 70 at weekends, of all ages. The water stays cold because of the altitude, so July and August are best. There are no facilities in the bay itself; the hotel, kiosks and toilets are by the car park.
Getting there
Park at the large Eibsee car park (fee; open 05:00 to 22:00, early-bird rate around 2.50 EUR, otherwise about 9 EUR for up to four hours, height limit 2.10 m), or take the hourly Eibsee bus from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or the Zugspitze rack railway, which stops about 300 m from the lake. Walk the circular path to the right (towards the Eibsee bridge); after about 1.5 km, where the path leaves the water, take one of the trails for about 5 minutes to the Braxenbucht. Allow around 30 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by bike. Paths are gravel forest trails.
What visitors say
Visitors rave about the setting: crystal-clear water, islands to swim to and a view straight up to the Zugspitze, calling it one of the finest nude spots in the Alps. The crowd is mixed in age and generally relaxed, with modest numbers even on sunny days. The main drawbacks are the 30-minute walk from the car park, cold water early in the season and expensive parking. The water rescue service at the lake can give directions.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The lake is privately owned and swimming is permitted. Visitor reports since 2003 describe the Braxenbucht as an established nude area, one calls it the official FKK area and a travel blog describes a separate FKK section, but no official document from the owners or the municipality of Grainau was found. Parts of the islands lie in a protected area.
Naturism at Eibsee sits under Germany's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 47.4597, 10.9765
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude area at the Eibsee?
In the Braxenbucht. Walk the circular path to the right from the car park for about 1.5 km, then follow a short trail for 5 minutes to the bay.
Is nude bathing allowed?
Swimming is allowed on this privately owned lake, and the Braxenbucht has been used by naturists for over 20 years; it is described as a separate FKK section, but no official document confirms it.
How much is parking?
The car park is paid; recent rates were about 2.50 EUR early bird (05:00 to 09:30) and about 9 EUR for up to four hours.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes, by the hourly Eibsee bus from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or the Zugspitze rack railway, which stops about 300 m from the lake.
When is the water warm enough?
At almost 1,000 m the lake warms slowly, so July and August are best.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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