Grainau, Germany – Eibsee, a glacier-fed lake at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, has become so popular in summer that visitors are greeted not by tranquil Alpine views but by gridlocked roads and jam-packed shuttle buses.
The lake’s turquoise waters and panoramic mountain backdrop have made it an Instagram favorite, earning it the nickname “Bavarian Caribbean.” But this fame has brought with it the challenges of overtourism.
“Sometimes it feels more like Oktoberfest than a mountain lake,” said Christian Andrae, deputy mayor of nearby Grainau.
From Hidden Gem to Tourist Magnet
Grainau, a village of just 3,600 residents, now records over 620,000 overnight stays annually, not counting the tens of thousands who come for day trips. On peak days, the single road to Eibsee is clogged with bumper-to-bumper traffic, while parking lots fill up early despite warning signs. Many visitors end up turning back, worsening the congestion.
Some locals have suggested restricting road access with gates or barriers, but Andrae says that would be both illegal and ineffective. Instead, the municipality has focused on mitigating the impact: trash is collected “almost daily,” and shuttle services are expanded during peak periods.
Tourists Still Find Beauty Amid the Crowds
For visitors, the effort is worth it.
“It’s so beautiful—worth the wait,” said Max, 27, visiting for the second time with his friend Yan. Despite the heavy crowds, they managed to find “peaceful corners” along the 7.5-kilometer path circling the lake.
French tourists Clement and Marion, visiting with their baby, were stunned by the clarity of the water. “We didn’t expect this many people,” Marion admitted, “but it’s rare to see a lake this clear.”
A Balancing Act for Bavaria
Eibsee’s story mirrors that of destinations like Venice or Santorini: social media exposure drives demand, which in turn puts pressure on local infrastructure. For Grainau, tourism is both an economic lifeline and a logistical headache.
“Visitors need to show a bit more responsibility,” Andrae said, adding that for now, the town will tolerate “a certain amount of strain” in exchange for welcoming nature lovers from across the globe.
As Europe’s summer travel season heats up, Eibsee remains a must-see—if travelers are willing to trade solitude for spectacle.
