Top 10 photo spots – The most beautiful places in the Bavarian Alps

Steep mountains, gentle hills, picturesque lakes, breathtaking sights for outdoor photographers – the most beautiful places in the Bavarian Alps attract photographers like magnets. The most beautiful places in Germany are lined up for photographers along the German Alpine Road, and they have the most beautiful landscapes.

Many of these photo spots are not unknown hidden gems, rather, they are world-famous sights.

Mountain Moments Tip: Be inspired by these tips but be sure to discover your own photo locations.

It is important to us that you observe the following basic rules when searching for a photo location:

• Don’t leave garbage! In case of doubt, leave the photo spot cleaner than you found it in.
• Follow the special rules on site: Some of the photo spots mentioned are located on private property. Treat them as if it were your own property and treat the owners with respect and gratitude. There are some specific rules for publishing the pictures, you should follow them as well.
• Respects other photographers, people, animals and nature. We only have one life and one planet. It would be a pity if we were unable to enjoy the beauty of nature together and not preserve it for posterity.

If you follow these basic rules, you will not only ensure yourself a beautiful photo experience, but you will also be able to enjoy the most beautiful photo locations for landscape photographers in the Bavarian Alps together with others. It is a well-known adage that joy increases when you share it.

We would love to share your joy with you by viewing the pictures of your discovered photo spots in our gallery of the best photo spots in the Alps and Europe. So, be sure to share the amazing beauty of the photo locations, which you discover, with us!

The best photo spots in the Bavarian Alps – handpicked by the mountain professional

Our tips for beautiful places in the Bavarian Alps are ideal for a week or weekend full of landscape photography. Please also consider the environmental aspect: Try to save energy when travelling to the airport, travel in carpools or, as far as possible, by public transport. Those who travel particularly far, should also consider staying on site for several days rather than just a weekend. In our experience, time is one of the most important design tools in photography anyway.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany is the land of castles and palaces. The fairytale castle, par excellence, lies in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and has been rebuilt several times worldwide.

Since the area is swarmed by tourists, it is hard to find an unexplored territory that, no matter where you take a photograph from. Nevertheless, the view of the castle from almost all sides is a cultural treat that is unique in the world.

Especially in autumn, and when the first snow is already in the higher regions of the Alps, or after a fresh snowfall, Neuschwanstein Castle unfolds its dreamlike character on your landscape photographs.

Nearby, we hold one of our popular photo workshops that include hiking and an overnight stay in a traditional hut. The Bavarian foothills of the Alps are probably our favourite region in Germany – not without reason.

The insider tip: Geroldsee

Our favourite place among the Bavarian and Alpine lakes: the Geroldsee. A classic postcard motif with alpine huts, a perfectly formed lake and a view of the impressive Karwendel massif.

Important: When photographing please pay attention to environment and property, the photo spot is on private ground.

Imperial views: Herzogstand (Duke’s view)

 It is not without reason that we offer a unique photo workshop here. Although Bavaria’s Alps are only a small part of the entire Alpine arc, they are enormously suitable for photography.

The Herzogstand is one of the northernmost vantage points in the Bavarian Alps and is surrounded to the west by the Walchensee and Kochelsee lakes. This natural location results in a classic photo motif. Another highlight is the hike to the Heimgarten.

Kaiser Wilhelm discovered this alpine jewel where one can reach an alpine accommodation at the summit at an exquisite location. Nowadays, the Herzogstand can be reached with a cable car ride and a 30-minute hike.

The ascent by gondola and the easy accessibility from Munich fascinate thousands of mountain lovers, especially on weekends.

Natural paradise Kochelsee

The Kochelsee is located just south of Penzberg near Kochel am See and is one of the natural gates to the Northern Alps.

The location of the lake, which is surrounded by the mountains, often gives the lake a veil of mist in spring, winter and autumn. With a little luck, the sun will break through the fog banks during the course of the day and open up the view of Lake Kochelsee.

On the northern shore you will find unspoilt shores with some weathered fishermen’s huts.

Attention, this is a nature reserve: Please stay on the marked paths only!

The postcard pictures: Maria Gern with Watzmann

The almost inconspicuous church of Maria Gern has been a classic photo for postcards and a sight for hundreds of years. As you glance towards the street, you can place the church in the foreground and with a good view, the impressive Watzmann mountain range contrasts in the background.

Photo spots at Königsee and St. Bartholomäe

In Berchtesgaden, visitors encounter a wonderful combination of mountain culture and nature. The market town lies in the southeastern corner of Upper Bavaria, at the foot of the 2713 metre high Watzmann.

The Königssee, the Obersee with an old fishermen’s hut and the dividing mountain walls behind it are fascinating landscapes.

From the boat, you can take great photos of the pilgrimage church St. Bartholomä with Watzmann east wall in the background, as well as the church in Ramsau, and the Hintersee popular photo sceneries.

The Instagram spot: Hintersee near Berchtesgaden

The Hintersee, near Berchtesgaden, is particularly popular with landscape photographers. A walk around the lake invites you to linger around the area for a little while. The known photo spots with the trees on small rocks in the lake can be found at the east shore. A tripod is an advantage here.

Photo hike at the Wallberg

The Wallberg is one of the most famous local mountains in Munich. Tens of thousands of pilgrims from Munich are sure to come on a weekend to see and be seen in the region around Lake Tegernsee. Situated at the southern end of the Tegernsee Lake, the Wallberg cable car takes you up to the top of the mountain.

The view from the Wallberg Mountain onto the Tegernsee Lake and the well-kept alpine pasture landscape are particularly attractive here and invite you to take a photographic hike.

Geographical-photographic immersion in the Partnach Canyon

In the Bavarian Alps, water has gradually sought its way in millions of years. Grain after grain, the flowing water gnaws small rivulets into the mountain landscape and finally forms deep valleys into the rock.

A nice example is the Partnachklamm (german “klamm” = engl. “canyon”). Here, as in other similar geographically interesting streams, you can admire the power of the water and cool off on a hot summer day.

Mountain Moments Tip: Take a tripod and splash water protection with you, in daylight an ND filter can also be useful.

Germany’s highest photo point: The Zugspitze

Germany’s highest mountain attracts a lot of people. every day, who want to get a taste of the fast air at 3000m above sea level. The ascent on foot is quite sporty from all sides with almost 2000 meters of altitude difference and can only be recommended for experienced mountain hikers. On the other hand, it is much easier to reach the pre-summit from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or the Tyrolean side by cable car or rack railway.

The sunrise and sunset are especially impressive here, as one can imagine. You can view a beautiful and impressive view of the Zugspitze from the Fernpass-Road (resting place of Gasthof Zugspitzblick).

Tour tip: If you can’t manage the difficult ascent on foot, you can take the cable car from Ehrwald (Austria) or Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the summit. On beautiful weekend days the summit is heavily overcrowded. The view is nevertheless breathtaking. Experienced mountain hikers usually do not take the well-known climbs, such as the “Gatterl” to the Zugspitze due to the crowd.