Lautersee
A breathtaking alpine lake in Bavaria, perfect for swimming, hiking, and soaking in majestic mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Lautersee
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking alpine lake in Bavaria, perfect for swimming, hiking, and soaking in majestic mountain views.
"Wow! Beautiful, peaceful. One of my favourite lakes in Oberbayern."
Pack for a dip! 🏊♀️
The water is cold but refreshing in summer. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim!
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
Many visitors enjoy hiking around the lake and to nearby Ferchensee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lautersee Lake
Mittenwald, Bavaria
A serene alpine lake perfect for swimming, relaxing by the water, and enjoying stunning mountain vistas.
Zweiseenweg Trail
Connecting Lautersee and Ferchensee
A scenic walking path linking two beautiful alpine lakes, offering diverse natural beauty and photo opportunities.
Korbinianhütte
Near Lautersee
A charming mountain hut offering regional food and beverages with picturesque views, ideal for a break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Lautersee
Getting to Lautersee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for a dip! 🏊♀️
The water is cold but refreshing in summer. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim!
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
Many visitors enjoy hiking around the lake and to nearby Ferchensee.
Consider weekdays :calendar:
To avoid peak tourist times, aim for a visit during the week.
Dog-friendly walks :dog:
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on many trails around Lautersee.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for a dip! 🏊♀️
The water is cold but refreshing in summer. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim!
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
Many visitors enjoy hiking around the lake and to nearby Ferchensee.
Consider weekdays :calendar:
To avoid peak tourist times, aim for a visit during the week.
Dog-friendly walks :dog:
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on many trails around Lautersee.
Bring snacks or dine out :fork_and_knife:
Enjoy local cuisine at lakeside establishments or pack your own picnic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lautersee is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty and serene alpine setting, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors enjoy swimming in its clear, cold waters and hiking the scenic trails. Some find it a bit touristy and establishments can be pricey, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Wow! Beautiful, peaceful. One of my favourite lakes in Oberbayern"
Lego Metropolis_ Stadt der Träume
"Beautiful alpine lake, honestly not that impressive or stupendous as many other lakes in Bavaria, very small and grassy, water not that blue and definitely not crystal clear. But every man to his own taste. A star off because it's overly touristic and some of the establishments here feel a little bit expensive for the area…"
Tom Shabelnikov
"Very pretty and cold lake. You can relax in the grass nearby or pay to use a local bath.
The lake is colder the deeper you get and has lots of fish.
There are also almost no tourists here"
Bronson Kurtz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Munich, take a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then a regional train to Mittenwald. Lautersee is a short walk or bus ride from Mittenwald station. 
Yes, there is parking available near Lautersee. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! You can take a train to Mittenwald and then enjoy a scenic walk to Lautersee. This is a popular and recommended way to arrive.
Hiking is a fantastic way to explore. The Zweiseenweg trail connects Lautersee with Ferchensee, offering beautiful views.
Many of the paths around Lautersee are suitable for strollers, making it a family-friendly destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Lautersee itself is generally free. However, some facilities like local baths or specific areas might have a small fee.
Lautersee is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. Facilities like restaurants or bathhouses will have their own operating hours.
The lake itself is a natural area and typically does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the scenery and swim freely.
Yes, swimming is permitted in Lautersee during the summer months. Be prepared for cold water, as it's an alpine lake!
While the lake is free to access, some establishments offer paid access to their grassy areas or private bathing spots.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe on the grassy shores, hike the surrounding trails like the Zweiseenweg, and enjoy the mountain views.
Yes, Lautersee is family-friendly. The easy paths are suitable for strollers, and children can enjoy playing by the water.
The water in Lautersee is known to be cold, especially the deeper it gets. It's refreshing in the summer but can be quite bracing!
Dogs are welcome at Lautersee, but they must be kept on a leash, especially on the walking paths and near swimming areas.
The entire area offers stunning photo opportunities. Look for reflections of the mountains in the water and scenic viewpoints along the trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are establishments near Lautersee, including the Korbinianhütte, offering regional food and drinks.
You can typically find traditional Bavarian cuisine and regional specialties at the lakeside eateries.
Some reviews suggest that establishments near Lautersee can be a bit expensive, so factor that into your budget.
Picnicking is a great option. You can find scenic spots along the lake to enjoy your own food.
While not explicitly mentioned, many Bavarian restaurants offer some vegetarian dishes. It's best to check menus or ask directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
The reflections of the surrounding mountains in the clear water are iconic. Also, the trails leading to Ferchensee offer diverse scenic shots.
Drone regulations vary by region in Germany. It's advisable to check local rules and restrictions before flying a drone near Lautersee.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake scenery. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
The walking paths around the lake and the Zweiseenweg trail provide numerous viewpoints with stunning perspectives of Lautersee and the Alps.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will love the opportunity to paddle or swim in the lake (though be mindful of the cold water!) and explore the natural surroundings. The nearby town of Mittenwald also offers family-friendly activities and amenities. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the lake, as this can be a more relaxed and budget-friendly option for families. The open grassy areas provide plenty of space for children to play. Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
You can enjoy leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes in the surrounding mountains. The pristine nature and fresh mountain air make it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Many trails are well-marked, and the views are consistently spectacular. Whether you're looking for a short walk or a full-day trek, the area around Lautersee provides ample opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles along the walking paths and the Zweiseenweg trail to capture the lake's serene beauty and the dramatic mountain backdrop. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Zweiseenweg
This path is often described as a 'two-lake walk,' and it truly lives up to its name. You'll meander through forests, open meadows, and along the shores of both stunning alpine lakes. The scenery is consistently beautiful, with the majestic Bavarian Alps providing a dramatic backdrop.
Many travelers recommend this route for its accessibility and the sheer natural beauty it offers. It's a fantastic way to experience the pristine nature of the region and capture some memorable photographs. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months.
Swimming in Lautersee: A Bracing Experience
While the lake is naturally cold, some visitors opt to use the local bath facilities, which might offer more controlled access or amenities. However, many enjoy swimming directly from the grassy shores. The clarity of the water is often praised, allowing you to see the fish swimming below.
If you're not keen on a full swim, simply relaxing by the water's edge and enjoying the serene atmosphere is equally rewarding. The cool water is a significant part of the Lautersee experience, and many find it invigorating.
Mittenwald: The Gateway to Lautersee
From Mittenwald, Lautersee is easily accessible by a pleasant walk or a short bus ride. The town itself offers a delightful experience with its traditional architecture, colorful frescoes, and welcoming atmosphere. Many visitors enjoy exploring Mittenwald before or after their visit to the lake.
Train connections to Mittenwald are excellent, making it a convenient destination for those traveling from Munich or other major Bavarian cities. The journey itself offers scenic views of the Bavarian countryside and the approaching Alps.
Social
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