Stunning view from the forest around the lake “Eibsee”, Grainau/Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany.
The forest and the lake are located at the base of Germany’s highest mountain “Zugspitze” (2962 m above sea level).
Eibsee Lake facts:
Max. length 3.15 km
Max. width 0.56 km
Surface area 177.4 ha
Average depth12.2 m
Max. depth 35.4 m
Shore length 8.06 km
Surface elevation 973.28 m
The lake is owned by the same family that own the Eibsee Hotel at the water’s edge, and they do a very good job of looking after it, providing a few rest stops for those that undertake the 7.5 kilometre loop around the water’s edge. If you visit during one of the glorious autumn days that Mother Nature is currently treating us to, then don’t be put off by the crowds doing the usual trek. It’s not hard to find your own path devoid of everything but trees, wildlife, the most spectacular views from the lake above.
German Forester Peter Wohlleben in his book The Hidden Life of Trees believes that trees communicate through the vast network of roots underground, and through sap and funghi. Another blog post to write about.
EIBSEE TIPS:
- Eibsee is around 100km south west of Munich, 10km or so from Garmisch (which is also really worth a visit!) You can catch a train from Munich, or drive – Parking is quite easy.
- Follow the signs to the lake, then go against the crowds doing the usual 7.5km loop for the most peaceful walk. Don’t be afraid to follow the quieter paths up through the forest, just be aware of the tick risk, and obviously stick to the paths where there’s a drop to one side;
- Walking shoes are obviously the best idea for a proper hike, although you would get away with trainers if you are just sticking to the loop. Don’t forget to bring a small towel for the absolutely mandatory paddle in the gorgeous clear waters at the end of your walk (there are plenty of little beaches in the shallows). The water is typically around 12 metres deep and at the lake is 36 metres at its deepest, and perfectly clean enough to swim in!
- If walking/hiking/swimming really isn’t your thing, hire a boat or a canoe (or bring a paddle board!) and enjoy the breaktaking views of the Zugspitze from the middle of the lake (in the summer month’s there’s a small ferry for a round trip!);
- Take it all in and appreciate exactly how clever Mother Nature is (and don’t forget to let me know if you hear any trees talking!)…
http://www.thesojournseries.com/bavaria/autumn-eibsee-bavaria/
Tree Weaver 