Lake Königssee
Lake Königssee in Berchtesgadener Land is one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany. Surrounded by steep rock faces and Alpine peaks, the emerald-green lake fascinates with its clarity and tranquillity. The boat trip to the pilgrimage church of St Bartho
Lake Königssee - Bavaria's emerald green natural jewel
The mountain lake is known for its crystal-clear, emerald-green water and its almost fjord-like shape. Due to its particular depth, the water remains unusually cold even in summer - ideal conditions for the purity of the lake, but a challenge for anyone who dares to enter the water. The unspoilt location in the Berchtesgaden National Park makes the Königssee a unique natural experience.
History of Lake Königssee
The Königssee was already being used in the Middle Ages, primarily for fishing. Later, it served the prince princes of Berchtesgaden as a favourite hunting and excursion area. With the construction of the baroque pilgrimage church of St Bartholomä in the 17th century, the lake increasingly developed into a pilgrimage and excursion destination. With the rise of tourism in the 19th century at the latest, Königssee became a landmark of the region and one of the most popular natural destinations in Bavaria.
How can you visit the Königssee?
Access to Königssee is usually via the village of Schönau am Königssee, where the boat landing stage is located. This is where the famous electric boats depart from, taking tourists silently across the lake. A classic tour leads to the pilgrimage church of St Bartholomä, while those who have more time can continue to Salet and hike from there to the idyllic Obersee.
If you would like to take a day trip from Salzburg that takes you directly to Königssee, you should book the tour to Berchtesgaden. This includes a stop at "Germany's most beautiful lake", where you can enjoy breathtaking views of this natural jewel.
The blue HOP ON HOP OFF line from Salzburg Sightseeing stops directly at the car park. As this only operates seasonally, there are also several bus connections from Berchtesgaden railway station that take guests directly to the popular lake in Bavaria. Of course, it is also possible to arrive by car: there is a large car park, but it pays to arrive early.
What can you do at Königssee?
- Boat trip: An absolute highlight is the trip on the silent electric boat. Traditionally, the world-famous echo of the Königssee can be heard when the boatman blows the trumpet and the sound is repeatedly reflected off the rock faces.
- Hiking: From the Salet terminus, paths lead to the Obersee lake and the Röthbach waterfall, the highest waterfall in Germany.
- Swimming & enjoying nature: The water is very cold even in midsummer, but some brave souls still venture in.
- Culinary delights: There is a traditional inn right next to St. Bartholomä that serves fresh fish from the Königssee - the smoked whitefish is particularly famous.
Frequently asked questions
Lake Königssee is located in Berchtesgadener Land in Bavaria, directly in the Berchtesgaden National Park near the Austrian border.
The lake is up to 190 metres deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in Germany.
Yes, swimming is allowed - but the water is very cold even in summer (often only 10-12 °C). Many visitors therefore limit themselves to a short dip.
The easiest way to reach the lake is via the village of Schönau am Königssee. The well-known electric boats depart from there and take visitors to St. Bartholomä or as far as Salet.
This is the best way to reach Schönau am Königssee:
- By car: Via the A8 Munich-Salzburg motorway, exit Bad Reichenhall or Berchtesgaden, then continue towards Königssee. There are parking spaces directly in the village (especially at the large Königssee car park). Due to the high number of visitors, it pays to arrive early.
- By train: To Berchtesgaden main station, from there regular buses run to Schönau am Königssee in approx. 10 minutes.
- By bus: Directly from Mirabellplatz in Salzburg with the day trip to Berchtesgaden convenient for a stop at Königssee (the stay at the lake takes approx. 50 min)
- By plane: The nearest airport is Salzburg (approx. 30 km), from there by hire car, taxi or bus/train to Berchtesgaden and on to Schönau.
The journey to St. Bartholomä takes around 35 minutes, to Salet around 1 hour. You should allow at least half a day for the outward and return journey as well as your stay.
No, a complete circumnavigation is not possible due to the steep rock faces. However, hikes are possible at the Obersee and in parts around Schönau am Königssee.
During the boat trip, the boatman traditionally plays a trumpet signal or a flugelhorn. The echo reverberates off the rock faces several times and is one of the most famous experiences at Königssee.
Highlights include the pilgrimage church of St Bartholomä, the idyllic Obersee lake and the Röthbach waterfall, the highest waterfall in Germany.