Großer Arbersee, nestled in the scenic region of Bavaria, lies just beyond the Bohemian Forest. This stunning spot offers breathtaking views and inviting walks around a glacier lake, surrounded by lush Bavarian trees. It’s a perfect, easy hike for families (even with a pram), older adults, and people with mobility challenges, as the pathway around the lake is well-maintained.
It was actually my mum’s idea to visit Großer Arbersee, since it’s not too far from her home, and she knows how much I enjoyed our last trip to the Bavarian Alps last summer. During our visit, it turned out to be a wonderful choice for a day trip. When we set off, the weather in the Bohemian valleys and nearby villages was misty, moody, and quite cold, so I was a bit skeptical about how our trip would go. But I was in for a surprise! In October and November, you’ll often find that the Bavarian and Czech forests and rural villages are enveloped in thick mist, limiting visibility. However, as you climb into the mountains, above around 1000 meters, the skies often clear up, revealing a sunny, beautiful day with noticeably warmer temperatures.
Imagine this – in the Czech village where we started, it was 6 degrees in the morning. By midday at Arbersee, we were enjoying 18 degrees! So, if you find yourself in a foggy valley, remember to head for the mountains – this is what an inversion looks like!
Mid-October greeted us with a stunning autumn palette: warm yellows, terracotta tones, vibrant maple reds, and the deep greens of evergreen pines. The drive to Großer Arbersee was only about an hour, and as we got closer, the beauty of the road surrounded by autumn colors reminded me of photos from Vermont—a place I’d love to visit someday.
I absolutely love autumn and the change of seasons, something I truly missed during our time in the UK, where the milder weather means autumn isn’t quite the same. In England, it felt like there were only a few days to play in the leaves before they became soggy from the rain and broke down quickly. In contrast, places like Prague’s Kampa or Bavaria have those dry, soft leaves perfect for crunching underfoot.
When we arrived at Großer Arber, the scenery was breathtaking, complete with a traditional Bavarian wooden restaurant that added to the autumn charm. We took a short walk through the forest; the kids were eager to explore, and I was overjoyed by the beautiful colors, capturing them in countless photos!
By the lake, there’s a small playground, a wooden crocodile that the kids loved, and a few boats available to rent for a relaxing trip on the water. Besides the restaurant, there’s also a lovely tourist shop where I picked up some gifts to remember our visit.
Bavaria isn’t just enchanting for its fairy-tale landscapes; from what I’ve experienced, it’s also home to incredibly kind and friendly people who are more than happy to speak English. I truly love the Bavarian spirit—people are so warm, and many smiled at us, clearly delighted to see small children. It’s also wonderfully dog-friendly.
And did I mention that I lost my iPhone at a tourist center? I had set it down on a windowsill while helping all three of my kids wash their hands, keeping a close watch to make sure no one wandered off. After a nerve-wracking 20 minutes, a lady in the gift shop informed me that her colleague had my phone, thanks to a wonderfully honest person who turned it in.
Relieved, I stepped out of the center, thinking that surely nothing else could go wrong that day—only to realize my camera was missing! My mind raced, and I retraced my steps back to the wooden playground, where my energetic two-year-old had been enthusiastically swinging. No camera in sight. I hurried back to the tourist center, where the same lady greeted me with a smile and a single word: “Camera?” I nodded, laughing, and added, “Thank you so much—I have three kids…”
This experience reminded me how polite, helpful, and truly well-mannered Germans are.
Großer Arbersee offers an unforgettable experience for families and nature lovers alike. The entire walk around the lake took us about an hour and a half, with spectacular views in every direction, invigorating fresh air, and vibrant autumn colors lighting up the woodland. We even came across some bright red fly agaric mushrooms—a true sign of autumn!
After our walk, we stopped by the restaurant to try a few dishes, though I have to say, it’s a challenge to find veggie-friendly options in traditional Bavarian spots like this. But oh, the fries were delicious everywhere we went—no complaints there, haha.
Overall, Großer Arbersee is the perfect day trip for families seeking an easy, scenic hike with a touch of Bavarian charm. Between the enchanting landscapes, the warm hospitality, and the relaxed pace, it’s a place where you can truly unwind and feel connected to nature. Just remember to bring a camera for all those stunning views—and maybe pack a little snack if you’re plant-based!
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