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Lake · Berchtesgaden, Baviera
Königssee
A narrow lake between steep mountain walls, inside the Nationalpark Berchtesgaden. Electric boats take about 35 minutes to the church of St. Bartholomä, with a stop for the echo played by the boatman. In season they continue to Salet.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Königssee
Königssee is a long, narrow lake between the Watzmann and Hagengebirge mountains, in the municipality of Schönau am Königssee, about 5 km from Berchtesgaden centre. The slopes drop almost straight into the water, which resembles a fjord. It is one of the cleanest lakes in Germany, and almost all of it lies within the national park.
Private boats are not allowed, and transport is done by electric boats, used there since 1909. The trip to St. Bartholomä takes about 35 minutes. Halfway, the boatman stops in front of a cliff and plays trumpet or flugelhorn to demonstrate the echo.
St. Bartholomä is a pilgrimage church on a peninsula on the west shore, with red domes and two onion-shaped towers, rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. Next to it, the former hunting pavilion of the prince-prebendaries became a restaurant. From there a trail of about an hour leads to the Eiskapelle, a permanent snow field at the foot of Watzmann's east face.
In the warmest season, boats continue to Salet, at the end of the lake, in around an hour. From there a 15-minute walk leads to the Obersee, a smaller lake surrounded by cliffs. In winter, boats usually only run as far as St. Bartholomä, on a reduced schedule.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
3 to 4 hours to go and return to St. Bartholomä with time on the shore. With Salet and the Obersee, allow 5 to 6 hours.
Best time
Take one of the first boats in the morning. During school holidays and sunny public holidays the operator recommends going before 10:30 and returning by 14:30. The line to Salet usually runs only from spring to autumn. Fog, strong wind or high water can suspend boat services.
How to get there
By regional bus from Berchtesgaden Hbf station to the Königssee stop in about 15 minutes. By car there is a large paid parking area next to the pier. From the parking to the jetty is a few minutes on foot.
Tip
Always return on the last boat: there is no easy path along the shore, and only well-prepared mountaineers walk it. Do not enter the ice vault of the Eiskapelle, because blocks can fall. For the classic view of the lake, take the short trail to the Malerwinkel viewpoint.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Königssee
How long does the boat take to St. Bartholomä?
About 35 minutes each way. To Salet, at the end of the lake, the trip takes about one hour.
Does the boat run in winter?
It usually operates to St. Bartholomä on a reduced winter schedule. The line to Salet runs only in the warmer season. Fog, ice or wind can suspend crossings.
What is the echo at the Königssee like?
Midway through the crossing, the boatman stops before a cliff and plays a trumpet or flugelhorn; the sound returns once or twice.
Can you walk all the way around the lake?
No. The shores are sheer cliffs. Only long and difficult mountain trails reach St. Bartholomä on foot; for the average visitor, access is by boat.