Pflegersee
A picturesque alpine lake near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, perfect for swimming, hiking, and enjoying Bavarian cuisine with stunning views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool water, fewer crowds
Pflegersee
Best Time
Cool water, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque alpine lake near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, perfect for swimming, hiking, and enjoying Bavarian cuisine with stunning views.
"Beautiful location and refreshing water, with a great restaurant nearby!"
🍞 Feed the Fish!
Bring bread to delight the abundant fish in the shallows – a fun activity for everyone!
🏊♀️ Swim Season
The lido opens for swimming in summer, offering a refreshing dip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pflegersee Lake
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
A picturesque alpine lake offering swimming, fishing, and stunning natural beauty. Perfect for a relaxing day out.

Berggasthof Pflegersee
Lakeside
Enjoy hearty Bavarian food on a sun-drenched terrace with views of the lake and its fish.

Fish Watching
Lake shallows
Bring some bread to feed the abundant fish in the shallow waters – a delightful experience for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for a Dip or a Hike
Dining with a View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍞 Feed the Fish!
Bring bread to delight the abundant fish in the shallows – a fun activity for everyone!
🏊♀️ Swim Season
The lido opens for swimming in summer, offering a refreshing dip.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Enjoy great food and lake views from the Berggasthof Pflegersee's terrace.
🥾 Hiking Trails
Explore scenic hiking routes around the lake, especially beautiful in autumn.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍞 Feed the Fish!
Bring bread to delight the abundant fish in the shallows – a fun activity for everyone!
🏊♀️ Swim Season
The lido opens for swimming in summer, offering a refreshing dip.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Enjoy great food and lake views from the Berggasthof Pflegersee's terrace.
🥾 Hiking Trails
Explore scenic hiking routes around the lake, especially beautiful in autumn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pflegersee is widely praised for its beautiful natural setting and refreshing waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and relaxation. Visitors also rave about the delicious food and stunning views from the lakeside restaurant. Some note that walking paths around the lake are limited.
"Totally Garmisch is. Beautiful and you can enjoy every spot
In this lake you can ride a boat and fishing next to it and there is good restaurant there"
pourya zare
"Beautiful location. and refreshing water. the lake is relatively shallow throughout, probably 3.5 meters at most, and the fish are really cool."
Sun Harper-Zahn
"Beautiful lake, with plenty of fish. Also, it is a restaurant nearby, so if you are hungry can take a rest and have some food. But it is only a small piece of the road near the lake available for people to walk."
Oleg Zubko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pflegersee is easily accessible from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You can drive there, with parking available near the lake. Alternatively, local buses often service the area, making it a convenient option for those without a car.
Absolutely! Pflegersee is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering swimming, dining, and hiking opportunities. You can easily spend a full day enjoying the natural beauty.
There is parking available near the Pflegersee, especially convenient for those driving. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
Yes, public transport options, including buses, typically serve the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area and may have routes that stop near Pflegersee, making it accessible without a car.
Pflegersee is incredibly photogenic, especially during autumn with its vibrant foliage or on clear summer days. The reflections on the water and the surrounding mountains offer stunning photographic opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, access to the Pflegersee lake itself is free. However, there might be charges for specific facilities like the lido or parking during peak season.
The lido at Pflegersee typically opens for the swimming season in late spring or early summer. It's best to check local listings or the Berggasthof Pflegersee's information for exact opening dates and times.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Berggasthof Pflegersee restaurant. You can dine there without any additional admission charges.
While generally open, it's wise to check for any seasonal restrictions, especially regarding access to certain areas or facilities during winter months.
Fishing is often permitted at Pflegersee, but you will likely need a valid fishing license and adhere to local regulations. Inquire locally for specific details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the lake during summer, enjoy hiking trails around the area, feed the fish, and dine at the lakeside restaurant. SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) is also mentioned as an activity.
The lake is described as relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of around 3.5 meters, making it suitable for swimming and observing fish.
Yes, Pflegersee is situated in a very nice hiking area, with trails offering scenic views, especially beautiful in autumn.
The lake is known for its abundance of fish, including carp, which are easily visible and can be fed.
While there's a restaurant and access points, one review suggests only a small section of the road near the lake is available for walking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Berggasthof Pflegersee offers hearty Bavarian cuisine. The Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) is particularly recommended, though pre-ordering is advised.
Reviews suggest good food at the Berggasthof Pflegersee, with one mentioning it as a favorite. Pricing is generally considered reasonable for the quality and location.
While there's a restaurant, bringing snacks or a picnic to enjoy by the lake is usually permissible, especially for a casual day out. Feeding the fish with bread is a popular activity.
Yes, the Berggasthof Pflegersee features a beautiful sunny terrace directly on the lake, offering a wonderful dining experience with views.
For popular dishes like the Schweinshaxe, pre-ordering is suggested due to high demand. It's also wise to consider reservations during peak times.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the lake's reflections and surrounding landscapes. Autumn foliage also provides stunning colors.
The lakeside, especially from the restaurant terrace, offers great views of the water and fish. The surrounding mountain scenery and autumn colors are also prime subjects.
Drone regulations can vary by region and park. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Pflegersee.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant landscapes.
While specific tours might not be widely advertised, local photography enthusiasts or guides in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area may offer personalized tours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the summer when the lido is open for swimming, or on a pleasant spring or autumn day for gentle walks. Packing some bread for the fish is a must-do activity that kids will absolutely love.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna. The lake itself, with its clear waters and abundant fish, is a natural spectacle. Pack comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss capturing the lively fish in the shallows or the charming Berggasthof Pflegersee with its inviting terrace. Experiment with different angles and times of day to get the most out of this picturesque location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing the Seasons at Pflegersee
As autumn arrives, Pflegersee dons a spectacular cloak of color. The surrounding forests burst into fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a breathtaking backdrop for hiking. The crisp air is invigorating, and the fewer crowds offer a more serene experience. Even in winter, the lake can present a stark, beautiful monochrome landscape, dusted with snow, offering a different kind of charm for those who appreciate the quietude of the Bavarian Alps.
While spring might see the lake thawing and nature reawakening, the most popular times for visitors are typically the warmer months for swimming and the cooler months for hiking and enjoying the autumnal scenery. Always check local conditions before planning your visit, especially outside of peak summer.
Culinary Delights by the Lake
The menu features classic Bavarian fare, with the Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) being a standout dish that many rave about. It's known for being generously portioned and delicious, though it's often recommended to pre-order this popular item to avoid disappointment. Beyond the main courses, the restaurant provides a perfect resting point after a hike or a refreshing stop during a summer's day. The opportunity to watch the abundant fish swimming in the clear, shallow waters adds a unique, almost mesmerizing, element to the dining experience.
Whether you're seeking a full meal or just a refreshing drink, the Berggasthof Pflegersee offers a welcoming atmosphere and a taste of local hospitality. It’s a place where you can truly savor the moment and the stunning natural surroundings.
Activities and Nature at Pflegersee
For those who prefer to stay dry, the area surrounding Pflegersee is a beautiful hiking area. Trails wind through scenic landscapes, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. The vibrant colors of autumn make these hikes particularly spectacular. A unique and simple pleasure at Pflegersee is feeding the fish. Bringing a bit of bread to toss into the shallow waters is a guaranteed way to entertain yourself and observe the lively reactions of the carp and other fish.
While the lake itself is the main attraction, the overall experience is enhanced by the natural beauty of the Bavarian Alps. It’s a place where you can connect with nature, enjoy simple pleasures, and create lasting memories.
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