Are you looking for fun things to do in and around Ehrwald? No need to look any further cause this guide will guarantee you’ll have an amazing time in this beautiful area!
Ehrwald is located in the Northern part of Austria, right next to the border with Germany. This is one of my favorite areas so I’ll also give you some tips on a couple of beautiful places on the German side as well that you absolutely can’t miss!
Ehrwald is part of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, which consists of 7 small and beautiful towns on the Austrian- Bavarian border. At the foot of Germany’s tallest mountain you’ll find the little towns: Ehrwald, Lermoos, Berwang, Biberwier, Bichlbach, Heiterwang am See, and Namlos.
It’s the perfect place to go hiking or to simply relax in the middle of nature! If you’re into outdoor activities and spectacular views then this is the holiday for you!
And why not combine this trip with a lovely 3 days in Berchtesgaden? It’s only a 2,5 hour drive from here and another personal favorite of mine!
Where to stay near Ehrwald
Mei Puite – During our time in the region we stayed at this appartement. It had two bedrooms and a balcony with a view over the majestic Zugspitze and the other nearby mountains.
Bergresort Zugspitze Ehrwald by ALPS RESORTS – This luxury 4 star resort has an outdoor pool, a wellness and a fitness centre. All rooms come with a mountain view. Honestly the perfect hotel for a romantic holiday in the mountains where you just want to relax when coming back from a hike.
Best things to do in and around Ehrwald
1. Hike to the beautiful Seebensee and Drachensee
Distance – 14km
Elevation – 560 meters
Difficulty – Moderate.
Starting Point – Ehrwalder Almbahn
Ending Point – Ehrwalder Almbahn
What to bring – water, snacks, a jacket and your camera
The Drachensee is a beautiful emerald lake nestled between the mountains in Tyrol and offers a view over the Zugspitze. The hike to Drachensee starts at the Ehrwalder Almbahn and from here you can either take the cable car up or you can start hiking up from here.
On your way up from Ehrwalder Almbahn you’ll first reach Ehrwalder Alm. The next stop is the beautiful Seebensee which is a really popular attraction. The main reason for this is that the hike from the top of the cable car to the Seebensee is really easy and on a paved road so you’ll encounter families and cyclist along the way.
From Seebensee to Drachensee it gets a little trickier. You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes and enough water. It’s only a short distance but a steep incline of 260 meters (follow the arrows to Coburger Hut) but in the end you’ll be awarded by the most amazing view!
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Lake Seebensee & Lake Drachensee Hike in Ehrwald, Austria
2. Admire the beautiful Mittersee at sunset
You’ve probably never heard of the Mittersee before and I completely understand that. The only reason I even know it exists is because I saw the glimpse of an emerald lake shimmering in between pine trees while I was driving. And no matter what I knew I had to find it! Mittersee, Blindsee and the Weißensee are a trio of lakes near the border between Tirol and the Allgäu region over the border in Germany.
3. Hike around the Blindsee
Distance – 4.7km
Elevation – 184 meters
Difficulty – Easy
Starting Point – Parking Blindsee
Ending Point – Parking Blindsee
Parking fee – €15
The trail takes you through peaceful forests with great views of the mountains and the lake’s clear, turquoise water. It’s not too difficult, so it’s a good choice for most hikers. Whether you’re stopping for a quick rest by the shore or just soaking in the scenery.
The trail also gets frequented by mountainbikers. We visited Blindsee during early Autumn and a few hours before sunset.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
4. Visit the top of the Zugspitze
The Zugspitze is with its 2962 meters the highest mountain in Germany and on a clear day it’s definitely worth a visit! Germany’s highest elevation is home to three glaciers, a unique 360° panorama including mountain peaks from four countries and an attractive range of activities. As said before, on a clear day the views are absolutely insane and you can see mountain peaks from Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Italy!
You can find the cable car that goes up the Zugspitze in Grainau next to the Eibsee. For the latest opening hours and ticket price make sure to check their official website.
🎟️ TOUR – Go on a private tour to the top of the Zugspitze
5. Visit Plansee
Tucked away in the Austrian Alps, this crystal-clear lake is perfect for a relaxing day surrounded by stunning mountain views. Whether you’re up for a scenic walk along the shoreline, a refreshing swim, or just a moment to soak in the serenity, Plansee delivers. It’s a great spot for a picnic or even a boat ride if you’re feeling adventurous. With its calm atmosphere and natural beauty, Plansee is an easy escape for anyone looking to unwind and connect with nature.
And while you’re there, don’t miss the hike up to one of the best viewpoints over Plansee!
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Lake Plansee In Austria – How To Hike To The Best Viewpoint
6. Visit the beautiful Eibsee
It’s actually a really good idea to combine this visit with your day trip to the Zugspitze! The best time to visit Eibsee is in the early morning, especially if your main goal is photography. In the morning the water is clear and you’ll have the biggest chance at seeing reflections in the water.
There is a big parking lot where you can leave your car right in front of the lake and if you devide to go up the Zugspitze afterwards you just need to take the cable car up here.
Eibsee is one of the prettiest lakes I have ever seen with a hue of all different colors green and blue. You can walk around the entire lake which will take aprox 1 hour.
In the Summer months there are also a lot of water activities available and it’s an ideal spot to spend a few days with kids!
📖 READ MORE – Visiting Lake Eibsee In Bavaria – Everything you need to know
7. Face your fear of heights on the Highline 179
The Highline 179 is one of the most famous suspension bridges in the entire world and definitely worth the visit when you’re in the area. It’s only 15 minutes driving from the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena and while you’re at it pay a visit to the fortress in front of the bridge!
The bridge is open daily from 8am until 10pm, 365 days a year. Tickets are available at the bridge portal and can only be paid in cash.
8. Visit the beautiful Wagenbrüchsee
One of the cutest towns in Bayern has to be Garmisch Partenkirchen but the most beautiful part here is the Wagenbrüchsee! The best time of day to visit this spot is in the evening. During the warm Summer evenings it’s the perfect place to even enjoy a picnic!
9. Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein
Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, this iconic castle is as enchanting as its reputation suggests, with its dramatic towers and breathtaking mountain backdrop. It’s no wonder it inspired Disney’s famous Sleeping Beauty castle. The surrounding area is just as magical, with lush forests and winding trails offering picturesque views as you approach the castle.
Once inside, you’ll get a glimpse into the vision of King Ludwig II, the “Mad King” who designed Neuschwanstein to reflect his love of art, mythology, and grandeur. The interiors are as fascinating as the exterior, with rooms like the Throne Hall and Singers’ Hall showcasing intricate designs and Wagner-inspired themes. While the guided tours are brief, they give you just enough to appreciate the castle’s history and eccentric charm. Afterward, take some time to soak in the stunning views from nearby vantage points or relax in the nearby town of Hohenschwangau.
🎫 TOUR – Skip the line ticket for Neuschwanstein
Do you need a vignette when visiting Ehrwald?
No, you do not need a vignette (toll sticker) if you’re visiting Ehrwald, as it is located in Austria but can be reached without driving on highways that require a vignette. Ehrwald is close to the German border, and many visitors from Germany access it via routes that avoid Austria’s toll roads.
However, if you plan to travel further within Austria or use the autobahns, you will need to purchase a vignette to avoid fines. For trips limited to Ehrwald and nearby areas like Zugspitze or surrounding villages, you can generally avoid needing one. Always double-check your planned route to ensure it doesn’t inadvertently take you onto a toll road.
The best time to visit Ehrwald
For the activities listed in this article I recommend visiting between late spring and early autumn. So far we’ve visited the area 4 times already! Two times during the summer months and twice during autumn. And I do have to say that autumn in the mountains is one of my favorite things in the entire world!
During our last trip we simply waited until a couple of days before, saw that the weather would remain sunny and simply booked last minute accommodations.
If you have any questions about how to visit Ehrwald, let us know in the comment section below.
More information on Tirol in Austria
Lake Seebensee & Lake Drachensee Hike in Ehrwald, Austria
Lake Plansee In Austria – How To Hike To The Best Viewpoint
Where To Stay in Tirol – Aqua Dome
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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Kenrick says
Hello, I will be going Ehrwald for one night in August. Having been to both the Seebensee/Drachensee and the Eibsee, which one would you recommend going? Thank you!