Looking for a complete list of photo spots in Bavaria? Look no further! Bavaria is located in Southern Germany and the perfect place for anyone who gets excited about mountain views, turquoise lakes, fairytale towns and castles, and above all pure nature. Read on to find all our favorite photo spots in Bavaria!
Photo Spots in Bavaria: A complete list
Bavaria is one of the most popular federal states in Germany and not without reason, because Bavaria has pretty much everything you could want: mountain views, beautiful turquoise lakes, fairytale towns, magnificent castles, and big city vibes.
And precisely because Bavaria is the largest state in Germany and has so much to offer, we would like to show you our favorite photo spots in Bavaria today. So you can simplify your planning and choose directly where you absolutely have to go! Of course, this guide is structured in such a way that nearby photo spots are shown in a row.
How much time should you spend in Bavaria?
That large depends on what you want to do and see. If you want to see all of the listed photo spots, you will probably need around three weeks already. However, we would recommend spending at least a whole week in Bavaria. We already did several road trips to Bavaria since we live in Germany and we have family in Southern Germany, and we still spend around 7-10 days in Bavaria each time.
You could also spend a whole month in Bavaria since there is a lot to experience and discover! Even if it is primarily about photo spots, please never forget to enjoy the moment.
Interested in the best things to do in Bavaria in summer? Click here.
How to get to Bavaria
Bavaria is a federal state in Germany, which is why the arrival can vary depending on the location. Generally the easiest way to get there is by car. Of course, this is only possible if you already live in Germany or are traveling from one of the surrounding countries.
An arrival by public transport is also possible, but it makes no sense to travel by bus and train in Bavaria, as some places do not have good connections. Of course, this only applies if you like being in nature and not for cities per se.
If you come from further afield, it is advisable to fly to Germany first and rent a car on site. Nearby airports for the photo spots shown here are for example Munich, Nuremberg or Salzburg.
Getting around in Bavaria
As previously mentioned, it is doable but not recommended to explore Bavaria by public transport. Firstly, you have little freedom of movement and cannot use your time optimally. Secondly, you will have the problem that some locations simply cannot be reached by bus and train. It won’t be your best experience and that’s why we recommend to travel by car or rent a car upon arrival.
Where to stay in Bavaria?
This guide for the best photo spots in Bavaria refers to several destinations in Bavaria: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Berchtesgadener Land. However, it takes around two hours by car from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Berchtesgaden and additional three hours to get from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Hence, it definitely makes sense to do these destinations in the form of a road trip or split the locations into different trips.
For the photo spots nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can rent accommodation directly in Garmisch or just behind the Austrian border. The same applies to the Berchtesgadener Land. To explore Munich or Rothenburg ob der Tauber, accommodation in the respective city is of course recommended.
Photo Spots in Bavaria | Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the surrounding area like Eibsee, Zugspitze, Partnachklamm, Neuschwanstein Castle or the Geroldsee.
Eibsee
Eibsee is one of the most popular lakes in Bavaria. It’s the perfect place for you if you’ve been dreaming of turquoise lakes and mountain peaks the whole time. The Eibsee is right at the foot of the next photo spot: the Zugspitze.
There is parking by the lake, but you should keep in mind that the car park opens at 5am and parking over night is forbidden. If you want to get those early morning shots, you have the option to park at a nearby street or simply wait until the car park opens.
Lake Eibsee is popular with water sports enthusiasts and hikers as well. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks and explore the lake from the water. When the sun comes out, the lake shines in bright turquoise.
Zugspitze
As previously mentioned, the Eibsee is located at the foot of the Zugspitze. The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany! You an either hike up or take the cable car. We’d prefer the cable car to be honest. Especially since hiking up will take several days. However, you will have insane views over the valley.
Although the Zugspitze is pretty impressive in summer as well, we prefer to visit the Zugspitze in winter since there is snow on top then.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle belongs to the most beautiful castles in Europe and is considered the most popular castle in Germany. Built in 1869 it was initially designed to live out Ludwig II’s fantasy of life from hundreds of years ago. The King of Bavaria apparently was obsessed with Wagner and the Middle Ages and designed this castle way too expensive. As a result, he went bankrupt.
However, there are 1.4 million visitors per year admiring the beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle. And honestly, the setting couldn’t be more idyllic. With beautiful mountains and a breathtaking landscape, it feels like the castle comes straight out of a fairytale.
Photo tip: The best photo spot is above the Marienbrücke, which Ludwig II built in honor of his mother. The best time for photos is sunrise or sunset. No matter what time you choose, you should be at your location early, because like the castle, it gets quite crowded outside. Sunset in particular is a very popular time, as the castle usually shines against a pink sky. We all took these photos around 9 pm and were there around 6 pm.
Read more about Neuschwanstein Castle.
Partnachklamm
The Partnachklamm in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most popular gorges in Germany. With a length of 700m and a height of approx. 70m, it is a popular photo destination. About 350,000 people visit the Partnachklamm every year. In summer, there can be stagnation in the corridors on particularly nice days.
Geroldsee
Geroldsee in Gerold near Garmisch is a very popular photo spot among Influencers. Due to its picture perfect viewpoints with snow capped mountains, dark green firs and wild flower fields, Geroldsee is very well visited.
In the past years, the Geroldsee, also known as Wagenbrüchsee, got more and more popular and many people started to take pictures here. Unfortunately, some people thought it would be fun to pull plants out to use in shootings and to throw them on the floor afterwards. Hence, the it’s actually forbidden to go up to the viewpoint. The location is on private property and you will have to ask before going up!
Of course it is still allowed to take photos at the bottom of the lake. But wherever you are or take photos: please behave, take your garbage with you again and do not crush any plants. Because that’s the only way people can take photos at the same places over and over again.
Walchensee
Bavaria’s Walchensee is also known to be the Caribbean of Bavaria. With incredible clear and turquoise water and summerly weather, you could immediately think you were in the Caribbean.
The Walchensee is also one of the largest lakes in Bavaria and popular among water sports enthusiasts, cyclists or photographers – or simpy anyone who wants to swim. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it on our last trip to Bavaria since the weather was not good enough.
Photo Spots in Bavaria | Munich
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and has a lot to offer in every season! We have been to Munich several times now, including visiting Oktoberfest, and we know the city.
There are a lot of photo spots in the city itself, but we particularly like the English garden. Especially in autumn it becomes a golden marvel and is incredibly beautiful to look at.
A list of our favorite photo spots in Munich:
- Old Town Hall & New Town Hall
- Munich Residence
- The victory gate (Siegestor)
- English Garden, especially the Monopteros
- St. Peter’s church for incredible views over Munich
Read more about photo spots in Munich or a weekend itinerary.
Photo Spots in Bavaria | Berchtesgadener Land
Besides Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgadener Land is another very popular and beautiful spot in Bavaria. The main locations here are Königssee, Maria Gern and St. Sebastian. Besides that, Salzburg is not far from Berchtesgaden.
Königssee
The Königssee is probably the most famous lake in Bavaria. It is also one of the largest and cleanest lakes in Germany and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Most of them do the boat tour across the lake in order to hike or simply enjoy the incredible beauty of the lake itself.
The Königssee belongs to the Berchtesgaden nature reserve which is why water sports and drone flights are not allowed at all. However, swimming in the lake is allowed. It could just get a little cold now and then.
When viewed from the north, the German Königssee has real fjord character and you feel like you are in Norway.
Unlike other lakes in Bavaria, the Königssee does not offer such easy walking routes directly from the parking lot. While you can easily do a circular route at Eibsee, it is impossible to circle around the Königssee in one day. Plus, it is actually only suitable for people who are familiar with alpine areas. Every year some people die because the hikes and ascents on the Königssee really should not be underestimated.
For photography purposes, we recommend to do the boat tour and go to Salet first in order to visit the Fischunkelalm. Afterwards, on your way back, visit St. Bartholomä. This makes sense once you’re there, we promise. You will notice how crowded the Königssee is even early in the morning.
Natural Pool at Königssee
We also know that the natural pool at Königssee is one of the most popular photo spots at the lake. However, please keep distance from it. Firstly, it is officially prohibited and can have legal consequences. Secondly, you could seriously die from going up and swimming in the natural pool. If you want to read more about this, click here.
Our favorite photo spots at Königssee are the Fischunkelalm, Obersee and the boat tour itself.
Hintersee
Besides the popular Königssee, the Hintersee embedded in the magical forest is also a very popular destination. With crystal clear emerald-green water next to a dark, mysterious forest, the Hintersee is perfect for anyone looking for a romantic mountain lake motif.
Photo tip: The best time for photography is early in the morning when there is fog above the lake. That makes it even more special and mysterious.
Maria Gern
The pilgrimage church Maria Gern is one of the most photographed motifs in Germany. That is because of its unique location with frontal views of the Watzmann massif.
The best time for photography is, again, early in the morning. It is best to arrive before sunset in order to take awesome photos with fog and mountain glow!
St. Sebastian
For the same reasons as Maria Gern, St. Sebastian is popular for its unique photography motif. With the Watzmann massif directly behind the parish church of St. Sebastian, it makes a beautiful photo motif.
Photo Spots in Bavaria | Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most popular cities in all of Germany. Throughout Germany you can see goods from Rothenburg ob der Tauber at Christmas markets and not only that makes them a popular destination. Especially in winter, the city in the north of Bavaria is always well attended, but many come in summer to see the popular city.
We really hope you liked these photo spots in Bavaria. Here are some more posts you might enjoy:
- Eibsee: Tips for photo spots & day trips
- Neuschwanstein Castle guide
- Top things to do in Bavaria in summer
- Photo spots in Germany
- 14-day road trip itinerary for Germany, Austria and Italy
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