koenigssee cruise

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Another highlight in the Salzburg area is the Königsee lake in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria. A boat trip on the emerald green water amidst the steep rock faces is a memorable experience.

The 8-km-long Königssee with its crystal-clear water is located near the town of Salzburg in the Berchtesgaden district of Bavaria and is a popular destination for families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts. During the trip on the electric passenger boat, you glide silently and in an environmentally friendly way along the east face of the Watzmann mountain towards the famous pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, which can be seen from afar with its striking red onion domes.

The boat trip to the peninsula of St. Bartholomä takes about 35 minutes. It concludes at Salet another 20 minutes away. In St. Bartholomä, a visit to the historic pilgrimage church and a walk along the shore are a must. The shady beer garden of the St. Bartholomä restaurant, the former hunting lodge of the Bavarian royal family, is ideal for refreshments. From Salet, it is a fifteen-minute walk to the Obersee lake, in which you can observe a reflection of the Hagen Mountain Range. At the head of the valley is the Röthbach waterfall, with a drop of over 450 metres, Germany's highest waterfall.

About 20 minutes into the trip, the boat stops and there is a demonstration how the sound of a flugelhorn or trumpet echoes off the "echo wall".

• Schönau am Königssee is only 30 minutes by car from Salzburg
• year-round service (except 24.12.)
• affordable family tickets
• Children up to age 17 pay only half the adult price

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The opening hours can be found on the official website .

The prices can be found on the official website .

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Germany ‎ > Berchtesgaden > Königssee Lake Ferry Boat Tour

Suggested Itineraries for Berchtesgaden  | Getting To Berchtesgaden

• Berchtesgaden
• Top 10 Things To Do
• Hitler's Eagles Nest Tour
• King's Lake Ferry Tour
• Old Town Walking Tour
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Visitor Tips
• Getting To Berctesgaden
• Suggested Itineraries
• Best Festivals

Königssee Lake Ferry Boat Tour:

Location :  Kings Lake Berchtesgaden ( Königssee ) Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Boat and lift costs below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Start :  Königssee Village & Boat Dock Time Required :  The full round-trip boat ride without getting off will take 2 hours ( 35 minutes to the church, 20 minutes to the end, and back ).  If you are getting out to explore then expect an average of 4-5 hours total. Seasonality : In July-September, arrive before 10am and return by 2pm to avoid long lines.  In the Winter the ferry still runs daily, but only goes as far as Saint Bartholomew’s Church and back as a half tour.  Many mountain hikes will also be closed in the Winter, but the ferry journey is great year round. Fun Scale :  9.5 out of 10

The King’s Lake ( Königssee ) is one of the most majestic places in Europe.  It is an angelic emerald fjord lined by powerful Alpine mountains that never fails to wow its visitors.  Nestled in a valley between the Jenner, Hagen, and Watzmann Mountains, Königssee is  Bavaria’s deepest lake  at 630 feet deep.  Rare species of fish swim in the 5 mile long lake’s crystal clear waters and the local restaurants serve them up fresh.

Tours on the lake take place on vintage  electric passenger ferries  which quietly glide past lazy boathouses, roaring waterfalls, and lofty mountain faces.  The red onion domes of Saint Bartholomä Church are breath-taking and the Obersee at the end of the lake is on of the most beautiful place in the Alps.  Every minute of the journey is picturesque and very relaxing.  We also love to take the cable car up nearby Jenner Mountain after taking the King’s Lake ferry boat tour.

Getting To Königssee From Berchtesgaden:

The easiest way to get to the King’s Lake from the Berchtesgaden Train Station is  Bus 841 ( Timetable Summer – Timetable Winter ) which goes directly to Königssee in just 10-15 minutes twice an hour.  Taxis are often available 24 hours a day from the station as well and the quick journey to the lake is only a couple Euros.  If you choose to hike instead it will take around 1.5 hours down the former Königssee train tracks which are now an excellent trail which used to be a railroad line.

Königssee Ferry Boat Information:

Ferry Boat Overview : The Lake Königssee Ferry Line has used only electric boats since 1909 to both reduce polution but also to keep the lake quite for the local wildlife.  Today there are 19 boats continuously shuttle visitors down the long fiord-like lake and service runs 365 days a year (shorten in Winter).  Each boat can hold 93 passengers but only 80 tickets are sold for each to leave room for strollers, wheelchairs, and backpacks.

Hours Of Operation : Ferries depart year round at least once an hour from and are increased to every 15 minutes in peak season.  During the Winter they only go halfway down the lake to Saint Bartholomä Church and cut out the Salet/Obersee stop at the end.  Check the current schedule for departure times.  In the peak Summer months, boats usually depart from 8am-5pm, in the Fall 9am-4pm, and in the Winter half tours run with shorter hours.  It’s very rare and only once every ten years that the lake freezes enough in Winter to shut down the ferries for a few days, however, in 2006 the ice lasted 29 days.

Trip Length :  The full ferry route to the end of the lake and back takes 2 hours round trip.  The route takes 35 minutes to reach Saint Bartholomä Church and another 20 to reach Obersee then follows the same route back.  You can get out at either stop and jump right back on any of the other return ferries, just make note on the time of the last return trip so you don’t miss it.  There is NO footpath to get you all the way back you really must make the last ferry.  In the Winter the ferry only does half of the tour, going just to Saint Bartholomä Church and back.

Peak Summer Months :  In the peak months of July through September the lines in the afternoon can get long so go early in the day.  Boats run every 15-30 minutes in these peak months leaving the main dock from 8am to 5pm ( current schedule ).  We recommend starting your journey as early as possible and no later than 10:30am to avoid a long wait.  If you plan on hiking around Obersee at the end of King’s Lake we suggest riding all the way through to it at the start and then on the way back get out at Saint Bartholomä Church.  This way you can have Obersee to yourself while it is quite and peaceful.

Round Trip Ferry Cost :  Adults 16.90€; Children 8.50€; Kids 5 and under Free; Family ( 2 Adults & up to 4 kids ) 42.30€; Dog 3€.  Fare is cheaper if you do the half tour only to St. Bartholomä and skip the Salet/Obersee Stop.   Online Advance Ferry Ticket : ( Here ).

King’s Lake Lake Tour Attractions:

1. königssee ferry boat dock :.

About The Boat Dock :  Whether you are arriving by bus, car, or taxi the boat dock is only a short walk down from the Königssee parking lot.  On our first visit to the lake we were just expecting a boat dock, but it’s actually a beautiful little village.  There are tons of cute little shops leading the way to the lake and the iconic half-timber lodge called  Hotel Schiffmeister  ( website ) sitting at the water’s edge.  If you were to work your way back toward Berchtesgaden by foot you’ll find even more shops and an excellent hiking trail of the former train tracks that once connected the train station to Schönau am Königssee.

The boat dock is impossible to miss as you reach the King’s Lake.  We love watching the graceful and silent electric ferry boats pull into the dock on the lake’s crystal clear water.  If you have time to kill between ferries, consider grabbing a drink at the tree-lined outdoor Franzinkaner Beer Garden next to the ticket booth.

Getting To  The Boat Dock :  From central Berchtesgaden, take Bus 841 to the Königssee parking lot and take a short walk.   360 Degree Photo : ( From Above ).  Ferry Company Website : ( Here ).  Online Advance Ticket : ( Here ).

2. Christlieger Island & Boat Houses :

About Christlieger Island :  As you pull out of the ferry boat dock you quickly pass Christlieger Island, the only island in King’s Lake .  The small tree-covered island has a grotto and marble statue from 1711 of Saint John of Nepomuk ( Patron Saint of Sailors ).  From there Königssee begins to open up and the views get better and better along the way.

To the left of the island are a collection of covered ferry boat houses lining the lake’s Eastern shore.  These historic wooden houses are where the fleet of electric ferry boats are stored and recharged overnight.  When fully charged the boats can glide on the calm waters for a full 12-14 hours at a time.  In total there are 17 electric boats which can carry 80 passengers at a time plus one smaller 25-person boat.  When the boats were first put into operation in 1909 they were electric from the start as Prince Regent Luitpold was afraid that motor noise would scare away the deer in his favorite Royal hunting grounds.  The result is a quiet relaxing ride, but the lack of pollution has also helped to maintain the purity of the water in Bavaria’s deepest lake making it the  cleanest lake in Germany .

3. Falcon Stone Memorial ( Falkenstein ):

About The Falcon Stone Memorial :  Since as early as 1635 religious visitors have made the mountain pilgrimage on foot every August from Maria Alm in Austria, over the Sea Of Rock Mountain Range ( Steinerness ) behind Watzmann, and down Kings Lake to Saint Bartholomä Church.  On August 23rd, 1688, a boat carrying 100 of these travelers capsized and 70 pilgrims drown before they could reach the shore.  The large red cross in the rock face of Falcon Stone Wall honors the 70 that died and a wreath is laid near it every August during the annual pilgrimage.

Research has shown that the real location of the crash wasn’t at Falcon Stone, but instead at the rock wall near the Reitl Ditch on the shore opposite of Saint Bartholomä Church.  The water here is only 6-10 feet deep compared to up to 630 feet in deepest part of the center of the lake.  In 1913, the Falcon Stone Wall almost had a giant Assyrian lion carved into, but thankful that idea was left untouched.

Sitting across the lake from the cross is the popular Painters’ Viewpoint ( Malerwinkel )  which can be reached by foot with 10 minutes of the main ferry boat docks.  The viewpoint is very popular with painters as you can see far down the King’s Lake with a view of Saint Bartholomä Church.  More an even more breathtaking perspective , you can hike an additional 30 minutes up a switchback trail to Raven Wall ( Rabenwand ).  From its elevated perch 130 meters above the water, Rabenwand has one of the most beautiful views in Germany.  You’ll not only be able to see the church over 2.5 miles away but will also be able to see the end of the angelic King’s Lake 4.5 miles to the South.  This hiking trail stays open even in Winter as the path is cleared of snow.

4. Echo Chamber ( Echowand ):

About The Echo Chamber :  As your ferry boat rounds the only bend in the King’s Lake, you will enter it famous Echo Chamber.  The sheer rock wall of the fjord creates a natural echo surface that bounces even small sounds back at the boat.  Your boat captain will provide an excellent demonstration of the world-famous echo chamber by sounding his trumpet to show off a reverberating tune.  When the ferry boats first started in 1909 the phenomenon was demonstrated by firing off a loud Böllerschuss powder gun echo up to seven times .  Due to safety and fire concerns, the guns were traded out for flugelhorn trumpets in the 1930s and the echo seems to sound just a little different each time they are played.

5. Saint Bartholomä Church :

About The King’s Lake :   Just a little more than halfway down the lake you’ll reach your first ferry stop at quaint white Church of Saint Bartholomä.  With its red onion domes, the unique church is the most photographed attraction on Königssee Lake. The church was first built in 1134 AD before being rebuilt in the current style in 1697.  After Berchtesgaden joined Bavaria in 1810, the St. Bartholomä Church quickly became a hunting lodge for the Bavarian Kings.

Many visitors taking our King’s Lake ferry boat tour get off the boat at the church to check out the grounds then jump back on the next boat which is every 15-30 minutes.  There is food, beer garden, and bathrooms available at the church grounds.  We highly suggest taking some time to stroll down the lakeside walking path where you can relax in peace at one of the benches.   Admission Cost :  Free.   Website :   Here .

6. Ice Chapel Cave & Glacier ( Eiskapelle ):

About The Ice Chapel Cave : Probably the best hidden gem on the lake is the year-round glacier sitting above Saint Bartholomä Church.  The small glacier is set gas the perfect spot to preserve even though the snow much higher up the Watzmann Mountain melts away each Summer.  Winds tunnel into the glacier to create a natural ice cave and frozen overhang.  About 1/3 of the glaciers ice retreats in the Summer and the cave entrance can grow to be as big as 60 high by 80 feet wide.

The water from the same system that supplies water to the glacier has over time also created the fanning delta which the Saint Bartholomä Church sits on.  As you hike up the rift toward the Ice Chapel Cave, you’ll notice how the sand turns to gravel and then from rocks into large boulders .  The rugged trail will take you across the Ice Stream ( Eisbach ) Bridge and the small Chapel of Saint John and Paul.  As the trail begins to break up into a field of boulders you’ll be able to see the glacier.   Because the Ice Chapel is more of an overhanging ice sheet than a cave they suggest not going inside as it always has a risk of collapse.

Getting Here : It’s a 2 mile, 90-minute hike up from the church.  Time Required : Roundtrip it will take you 2.5-3 hours from the church to reach the Ice Chapel.    Clothing :  Make sure to wear sturdy shoes on the rocky mountain trail, flip-flop sandals won’t get you very far down the trail.

7. Upper Lake ( Obersee ):

About Obersee : The final ferry boat stop on the lake is called Salet which has restrooms and is close to two cozy restaurant huts called the Gaststätte Saletalm and Mooskaser Saletalm.  The ferry dock is only a 10-minute walk from the beautifully secluded Upper Lake ( Obersee ) .  The mirror-like Obersee was cut off from the rest of Königssee Lake by a massive landslide in 1172 AD.  Because of this natural dam, the cold water in Obersee so  unbelievable clear  that it makes wooden boats here look like they are almost floating in the air.

Sitting at the peaceful pier on the edge of Obersee will send you into an instant state of relaxation.  Some of the photos we have taken near the dock it is almost impossible to tell where the reflecting water ends and the sky begins because the lake is so clear and still.  If you are getting off at Obersee make sure to double check what time the next Ferry will come so you don’t miss it.

8. Fischunkelalm Farm & Pasture :

About Fischunkelalm :  Hiking the 30 minutes around the shore of the mirror-like Obersee leads to a special treat for any visitor called the Fischunkelalm Farm & Pasture.  From mid-May through early-October the farm is fully operational with their doors open for hungry visitors and their cows free roaming the valley.  The farm is known for having great organic milk, creamy buttermilk, cold beer, fresh bread with cheese, and a bunch of delicious berry jams.  While the name Fischunkelalm in German may lead you to believe it is an Alpine Fish Farm, the name actually slightly Latin-based meaning Narrow Strip Of Alpine Meadow.

At the end of the season, the owners herd all of their cattle onto a barge and float them across the King’s Lake for their Winter pasture.  It is a huge celebration in Berchtesgaden known as Queen of the Pastures ( Almabtrieb ) and includes the parading cows being fitted with flowered collars and floral headdresses.

From the picturesque farm, you can explore the surrounding pasture that takes up most of the rest of the Obersee valley.  It takes about 30 minutes to hike all the way to the back rim where you can find the 1,540-foot-tall Röthbach Waterfall.  This is the tallest waterfall in Germany !  Near the base of the waterfall is the cottage-like Wasser Alm Guesthouse which is very basic but popular with overnight hikers.

Getting Here : 30-minute hike from Obersee to the farm and another 30-minute hike to the back of the valley.

9. Jennerbahn Valley Station ( Talstation ):

About The Valley Station : The very popular Jenner Mountain got its first cable car system in 1953 which opened the mountain peak to a whole new group of tourists.   At 1,874 meters ( 6,148 ft ) tall, Jenner Mountain offers an entirely different perspective on the Kings Lake below to go along with its excellent Alpine hiking and Winter ski runs.  In 2016, construction started on an entirely new cable car system with large modern stations at all three levels.  Opening in stages from the Fall of 2018 through the Summer of 2019, the project is truly stunning.

The entirely redesigned Valley Station near the Konigssee parking lot is very accessible even for wheelchairs or strollers.  This goes along with the cable cars themselves being upgraded from tiny 2-4 person cabins to spacious 10 person cabins.  The Winter ski lifts are bumping up from 2-person to 6-person chairs.  The elegant Valley Station as a sports shop, storage lockers, a restaurant, a bar, and a large open-air terrace.

Jennerbahn Lift Cost : The full round trip is 27.50€ for Adults or 11€ for Kids.   Cable Car Lift Hours : Daily 9-6pm ( Spring and late Fall until 5pm ).  Jennerbahn Lift Website : ( Here ).  Online Advance Tickets : ( Here ).

10. Jennerbahn Middle Station ( Mittelstation ):

About The Middle Station : We highly suggest checking out the Middle Station as you ride up the Jenner Mountain Cable Car.  The stop has great views of Watzmann Mountain across Königssee Lake, excellent access to barrier-free hiking , and a small spring-fed Alpine pond called Lake On The Mount ( Bergsee ).  You can take some really really great photos at the pond which reflects the mountains and sky like a mirror.  The best thing about the pond is that because it is spring fed with warm water it  never freezes  over in the Winter.  This is a very rare quality for an Alpine pond.

This the Middle Station also has a very modern restaurant with indoor and patio seating.  We especially love stopping here for a wonderful ice cream dish and beer.  If you want to go a little more rustic you will love the really fun Dr. Hugo Beck Haus Beer Hall  ( website ) which doubles as a hotel and has a great patio.  Like the reflecting pond, Dr. Hugo’s is basically just a short hike from the Middle Station.

To the West of the Middle Station, it is about a 25 minute hike to the Hinterbrand Parking Lot or an additional 20 minutes to the Bus 838 Stop ( Christophorusschule ) which can take you to/from the Nazi Documentation Center.

Jennerbahn Lift Cost : The full round trip is 27.50€ for Adults or 11€ for Kids.   Cable Car Lift Hours : Daily 9-6pm ( Spring and late Fall until 5pm ).  Dr Hugo Beer Hall Hours : Open in the Spring through Fall Wednesday-Monday 11am-6pm; Closed Tuesdays.  Jennerbahn Lift Website : ( Here ).  Online Advance Tickets : ( Here ).

11. Jennerbahn Mountain Station ( Bergstation ):

About Jennerbahn Mountain Station : At 6,100 feet in elevation, the top of Jenner Mountain truly has the best view anywhere around Königssee.  You’ll feel like you are hovering above the King’s Lake below you, see hang-gliders flying by you, and can take in miles upon miles of Alpine beauty in every direction.  In the Summer months the top of Jenner Mountain has unbelievable mountain hiking trails, and in the Winter there are a ton of thrilling skiing opportunities.

With a modern Mountain Station since 2019, a large panoramic restaurant called Jenneralm also opened with stunning outdoor terraces is bound to be a highlight of your visit.  The very best views of Königssee are at the main platform just a short 400-yard walk down from the restaurant.  If you are feeling a little more adventurous there are a couple guesthouse and the true Mount Jenner summit within an hour’s hike of the Mountain Station.  One of the guesthouse sites right on the border of Austria and German.

Other Sites Near Königssee:

12. bobsled track rides :.

About The Bobsled Track :  You know you are truly in the Alps when one of the attractions lets you ride in an authentic bobsled going  80 miles an hour  down a mountain!  Each sled is manned by a German, Austrian, or European bobsled champion driver and will truly get your blood pumping.  In the Winter you will have the full authentic experience on an ice track, but it is open on a limited basis in the Summer also.  In the warmer months, the skates on the sled are switched out for tires and you ride down the bare concrete of the bobsled course.

If you aren’t looking for the full heart-pounding experience you can opt for the  Kini-bobberl  instead.  This bulky version of the bobsled goes at half the speed and is made out of think foam rubber instead of metal.  Either option you choose it is a very fun and safe experience behind an expert driver.  You must be 18 years old to join and each sled can have up to 3 passengers.

Summer Ride Hours :  They have rides available May-June on a limited basis of 3-4 days a month.  Winter Hours :  The Winter schedule comes out each Summer and is much more frequent than the Summer rides.   Cost :  In Summer it is 65€ a person and in Winter it’s 90€ a person.  Kini-bobberl is 30€ a person.  Includes professional driver, insurance, and an award certificate.   Website :   Here .

13. Greenstone Mountain Climbing ( Grünstein Klettersteig ):

About Greenstone Mountain Climbing : The most popular peak near Königsee for rock climbers is Greenstone Mountain.  The rewarding climb has built-in handholds, metal ladders and an amazing wooden suspension bridge along its route.  The summit can also be reached by hiking along the South side of the peak and the top has incredible views of Watzmann Mountain.  If you are looking to climb we suggest joining a tour group unless you bring your own rock climbing gear.  Full climbing gear is required and children are not allowed to rock climb.

Hiking Time :  You can hike to the summit and back in a little of 2 hours.   Climbing Time :  To rock climb to the summit it takes around 2.5 hours.   Mountain Website :  ( Here ).

14. Saint Sebastian Church ( Ramsau, Germany ):

About Saint Sebastian Church : Photographers will love taking photos at this riverside church in the nearby village of Ramsau.  As you approach the church it becomes perfectly framed by lush trees and quaint footbridge completed with the Reiter Alpe Mountain range as a backdrop.  The setting is so awesome that you’ll quickly understand why the church ends up being put on so many local postcards.  The age of St Sebastion Church is also impressive as it was built in 1512 before being remodeled in 1692 in the baroque style.

Getting to St Sebastian Church :  Bus 846 from Berchtesgaden’s Train Station stops right in front of the Church ( Ramsau b.Berchtesgaden Kirche ).  Buses leave a couple times an hour, it is the 9th stop from the train station, and it takes less than 15 minutes.   Live Webcam :   here .

15. Wimbachklamm Waterfalls ( Ramsau, Germany ):

About Wimbachklamm Waterfalls :  The Wimbach River is a small tributary to the Ramsau and runs down a narrow gorge cut into Watzmann Mountain.  About a half mile down the Wimbach River it a weeping wall covered with a series of finger-like waterfalls in a tight canyon setting.  The well maintained wooden footpaths and the unique setting will make you feel you are on the set of Lord of the Rings.  It is truly a hidden gem in a region of wonders.

Getting to Wimbachklamm :  Bus 846 stops right in front of the Church 9 stops from Berchtesgaden’s Main Station ( Ramsau b.Berchtesgaden Wimbachbrücke ) and 7 minutes from the Church and 8 minutes from Berchtesgaden.  From the Bus Stop follow the signs and other tourists a short .5 miles South to the Waterfall.  If you skip the bus and walk the whole way, the Waterfall is 1.5 miles from the Church.

16. Watzmann Mountain & Guest House :

About Watzmann Mountain & Guest House :  The iconic Watzmann Mountain dominates Berchtesgaden from almost every angle you can think of.  At 8,900 feet Watzmann is the  3rd tallest peak in Germany  ( behind Hochwanner & Zugspitze ), but is overall is the tallest mountain to be located completely on German soil as the others are on the Austrian border.  The mountain’s main dual peaks poke up like horns around a center dimple almost like someone took a big bite right off the top of the summit.  Sitting at the about halfway up the Alpine face is a large 200 person guest house called the  Watzmann Haus  ( website ).   Built in 1888, this hostel is one of the highest hotels in Europe at 6332 feet above sea level.  The average room is only 28 €  a night.

Watzmann is considered the center of the Berchtesgaden National Park and the area provides great rock climbing and unbeatable Alpine hiking.   During your hike, you feel like you are in Switzerland the entire time and the views are that good. You have to be in pretty good shape to do the hiking and should dedicate a full day to visiting the Watzmann if you plan on doing so.

Legend has it that the highest peak is King Watzmann, the second highest is his wife, and the peaks between them are their seven children.  Because the King was a mean tyrant, God turned him and his family into stone.

Hiking Time Required :  It takes about 4-4.5 hours to reach Watzman Haus from the valley and another 2.5-3 hours from the Watzmann Haus to the mountain summit.  The hike is strenuous and some stretches toward the top are not for the faint of heart.   You can do the whole thing round trip in around 12 hours, but we recommend staying at Watzmann Haus or just hiking to the hostel and back if you only have 1 day.

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Königssee cruise, Malerwinkel and Jennerbahn

Only a few minutes away: your holiday home in berchtesgaden, staying near the königssee.

Your holiday home in the Ferienparadies Alpenglühn is only nine kilometres away from the hiking and nature paradise Königssee. Cover this distance by car within eleven minutes. Take the B 305 to the roundabout at Berchtesgaden station, then take the B 20 to Schönau and go to the parking facilities at the Königssee ship landing stage. Alternatively, you can take a 20-minute bike trip.

The holiday region around the Königssee is crossed by numerous marked hiking and bike trails. Walkers, hikers and mountaineers find a great selection of tours. The hiking trail “An der Königssee Ache” was even voted the most beautiful hiking trail in the category “land & nature” by the Deutscher Volkssportverband in 2016! Due to its easy route, this idyllic hiking trail is particularly suited for families. Host Peter Juhre has many more suggestions around the Königssee for you!

Cycling at the Königssee

Königssee cruise

Ship cruise on the königssee.

Start your two-hour cruise on the Königssee at the Seelände in Schönau according to the current schedule, at least every half hour in summer and even more frequently if necessary. Glide into an alpine fairy-tale world on a ship and enjoy the views of the Watzmann, the surrounding high mountains, waterfalls and romantic corners. The captain elicits an echo with the flugelhorn reliably sounding back once or twice from the steep mountain hills.

During the warm season you can embark on hikes from the landing stages, such as from St. Bartholomä to the ice chapel, which is located inside the year-round snowfield on the foot of the Watzmann Ostwand, one of Bavaria’s most beautiful geotopes. Plan around two hours for the hike. If you have some time left after returning to the pilgrimage church, why not enjoy a snack in the inn with the lake view!

Here you find all prices for your ship cruise on the Königssee.

Malerwinkel and Jennerbahn

A particularly romantic walk leads you from the ship’s landing stage in Schönau to the Malerwinkel. You shouldn’t miss out on the view of the Watzmann and the distinctive pilgrimage church St. Bartholomä. The name of this place stems from the painters (German “Maler”) that eternalised the beauty of the mountains in their paintings during the Romanticism period in the 19 th century. Peter’s tip: the Malerwinkel is the perfect place for a declaration of love or a marriage proposal!

The Jennerbahn, the gondola cable car at the Königssee, quickly leads onto the mountain inviting hikers in summer and skiers in winter. Numerous hiking trails start at the middle and at the mountain station. Don’t miss out on the short path from the mountain station to the Jenner summit on 1,874 m. The view of the steep Watzmann Ostwand, the Königssee and the summit panorama are simply breath-taking! Six cable cars and lifts ensure skiing fun on eight kilometres of slopes in winter.

Here you find all prices for your trip with the Jennerbahn.

Hiking fun in Bavaria

St. Bartholomä

Exursion to the alpine pastures

Biking in the Bavarian mountains

Ferienparadies Alpenglühn Berchtesgaden Wiesenweg 4, D-83471 Berchtesgaden

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The international Salzburg Airport is only 15 km away, Berchtesgaden train station is a 15-minute walk from the Ferienparadies Alpenglühn.

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A Boat Trip on the Königssee

Königssee boat trip, flyctory.com pros.

• Beautiful views and nice location
• Great stops, good for hiking
• Nice commentary on the outbound trip

Flyctory.com Cons

• Too narrow seating in Covid-19 times
• Commentary in Bavarian German only

The Königssee (literally: “King’s Lake”) is a beautiful lake in Southeastern Bavaria, not too far away from the Austrian border. During my trip to the region, I luckily managed to squeeze in a boat trip over the lake before I headed to the  Rennbobtaxi , the sommer bob ride on the Bobsleigh World Cup track at Königssee . Here are my impressions from a lovely summer day trip in July 2020.

Königsee Boat Cruise – Locations & Prices

The typical starting point for your cruise,  Königssee Seelände , is located at the Northern tip of the lake, not too far away from Berchtesgaden. You may use a bus to get here, but most people arrive by car and make use of the massive central parking lot. The boat trip is very popular, but others also go for the cable car to have a hike up the mountains. Daily parking at Schönau am Königssee, which is the city where it is located, is 5 Euro. If you are staying at a nearby hotel and have the visitor card, you solely pay 2.50 Euro per day.

The ticket price of course depends on the distance you are travelling. The return ticket (adult) to Salet, which is the full cruise (see below) was 20.20 at my visit. The one-way is half of the price. If you have a ticket to Salet, you may interrupt your trip on one way at St. Bartholomä. The schedule slightly differs by season: the daily trips at off-peak start at 9:00 at  Königssee Seelände and 9:55 at Salet Obersee . The last trips are scheduled for 16:15/17:10. In high season, boats start one hour earlier and operate until half an hour later.

Königsee Boat Cruise – Route Map & Ships

The cruises on Königsee are having four stops (please note that in the map below, the North is at the bottom of the map): as said above, you typically will start your trip at Seelände . The total cruise time to the final stop Salet is roughly 55 minutes. St. Bartholomä is very popular for hiking, but also the old monastry and a beer garden. Cruise time from Seelände is roughly 35 minutes, the stop will be serviced each way. On demand, boats also allow passengers to disembark and embark from  Kessel , which has hardly any infrastructure, but can be a waypoint for hiking.  Kessel  to  Seelände  is about 25 minutes.

Bayerische Seenschifffahrt (“Bavarian Lake Ship Cruises”, the drive of the Königssee and other lake transfer ships in Bavaria) operates up to 19 ships in parallel. The are driven electric, also due to ecologic restrictions. The boats are similar, but not equivalent. The differ in the seat layout, some have special roof features and the way you open the windows alters (which may be important for photography). On the way from the main port, Königssee Seelände , you are assigned to a boat already so that you cannot choose. When you embark a ship at other harbors, you may theoretically wait and opt for certain models. Apart from Salet , however, boats will likely already be quite crowded.

Especially on my noon trip Southbound, the boat felt comparably packed, even though masks are compulsory during Covid-19 times. The boats do not feature sanitary facilities – they are, however, available at all stops but  Kessel.  There was no registration of passengers at my visit.

Königsee Boat Cruise – The Trip

Right after leaving Schönau, I of course looked to the right and watched the bobsleigh track, looking forward to the bob experience. The lake gets significantly more narrow thereafter, passing a small island. The boat crew consisted of two people, one steering the boat and the other one explaining the sights and telling stories. This is done in German only – and to be fair, the “guide” we had on our trip spoke a quite heavy local / Bavarian accent – so even if you do speak German somehow well, you might run into trouble. The quality of the stories was good, even though you could feel a certain routine – or boredom – in them.

The boat stopped at a certain point on the lake, where there is a very impressive echo and the sound of a trumped can be heard up to seven times.

The key mountain of the area, the Watzmann, becomes visible and the boat is also heading towards St. Bartholomä, which is not just the starting point for Watzmann hikes, but also a beautiful spot by itself.

The trip to Salet was comparably short afterwards. The route stayed very picturesque cruising on the lake between the mountains. There are a lot of hikes from that point as well – in addition, there is a biergarden close to the harbor.

Same route – No Commentary: The Way Back

Due to timing, I could not really profit from unboarding the ship. I just had a short break and took the next boat back to Schönau. The key difference of the return trip is that there is no commentary. I really enjoyed the lovely summer day and the views from the boat.

Königsee Boat Cruise – Services

The key services are at the harbor stations / villages. The boats do neither feature internet connection nor sanitary equipment. Only  Seelände features public WiFi.  Kessel  is not serviced at all. In case you need a boat trip, you have to turn a large sign to the desired direction of travel.

Königsee Boat Cruise – My View

The scenery at Königssee is just lovely. Under normal circumstances, there is no doubt that you should go for this boat trip. However, under Covid-19 times, you just have to mention that the social distancing measures are very limited. You are exposed to your very close neighbors for 55 minutes plus boarding if you go for the full trip and there is average ventilation. On other boat trips I took during this period, there was so much more distance between the seats that the Königssee performance is somehow confusing.

Kölnigssee Cruise map taken from Bayerische Seenschiffahrt Website.

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2 thoughts on “ A Boat Trip on the Königssee ”

What an epic looking boat tour! I really enjoyed reading this. How big is the lake? Did you happen to see any other vessels out on the water other than the tour boats? I can only imagine that spending a week or two on the lake there would make for some pretty great memories – all you’d need is a boat! Ill have to put this one on my bucket list boat destinations for sure!

Hi, the lake is not overwhelmingly large, some 7 kms long, 1.2 kms wide. They do have boats for hire. But as far as I remember, they have have rowing and pedal boats. I even feel that gasoline-driven boats are forbidden as it is a natural reserve something.

If you like being on lakes, there are a couple of more Bavarian lakes in the area, e.g. the Schliersee, Tegernsee and – close to Munich – the Starnberger See. Could be well worth a trip! Of course, currently, travel is very restricted…

Thx, Florian

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Updated May 11, 2023.

Lake Königssee

Germany's most beautiful alpine lake.

Lake Königssee (or just Königssee, "See" meaning lake) lies just a couple of miles south of the town of Berchtesgaden and is Germany's deepest and cleanest lake.

This area has been used for outdoor recreation for centuries; Bavarian royalty and the local rulers of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg hunted here, Hitler went boating on the lake, and Eva Braun liked to sunbathe on the shore.

Eva Braun sunbathing at the  Königssee

The photos below were taken by Captain Harry Long, 14th Armored Division, U.S. Army, in June 1945.

The Königssee is a wonderful example of a crystal-clear alpine lake. It's easy to get to from Berchtesgaden, just inside the Berchtesgaden National Park, and doesn't require any strenuous hiking.

A short bus ride from town takes you to the parking lot; then it's a 10 minute walk to the lake and the boat dock.

Visitors can glide along the length of the lake in an quiet electric boat, right past vertical mountain walls to the much-photographed baroque church of Sankt Bartholomä, and further on to the dock at Salet at the southern end.

Along the way, the boatman blows a blast on his trumpet and the echoes bounce back from the mountain walls.

There are only two stops:  St. Bartholomä  and  Salet . The mountain walls are so sheer, there is no path around the lake, so the boat is the only way to explore the Königssee.

The lake is about 5 miles (8 km) long and rather narrow, like a fjord (it was carved by glaciers). About two-thirds of the way out, roughly 30 minutes, is the church of  Sankt Bartholomä .

You can get there off and explore, hike a bit along the edge of the lake (or climb 6 km up to the Ice Chapel ), and eat at the restaurant in the former hunting lodge next to the church.

During the summer, they serve fresh and smoked trout and whitefish, pulled from right the lake. No other fishing is allowed on the water.

St. Bartholomä church was originally built in the 12th century, then remodeled in the 16th century using a domed style influenced by Ottoman architecture.

After stopping at the church, the boat continues for another 30 minutes to the southern end of the Königssee, at Salet.

If you have time, I recommend you also ride out to Salet and do the 15 minute walk to a smaller lake, the  Obersee , and enjoy gorgeous views of the mountains reflected in the mirror-like surface, and the tall Röthbach waterfall.

Suggestions for the Boat Trip

This is a very popular excursion, so expect crowds, especially during beautiful weather. 

My advice : go early and leave well before the last hour that the boats are running, so you don't stand in the long lines at St. Bartholomä waiting to get on the last boats back to town. Ditto for avoiding the long lines to get on the bus back to Berchtesgaden.

But don't let the crowds discourage you! This place is so beautiful and peaceful, in spite the people; once you are out sailing and walking around, it doesn't feel crowded. And the silence is magical.

Taking the Electric Boats

The boats run every day except December 24, unless the weather is bad (in storms, heavy fog, or when the lake is frozen). They only go out to Salet April through October.

Check for the current  boating hours .

Prices:  Roundtrip to St.Bartholomä: Euro 22. Roundtrip to Salet (not in winter): a little more. Children 6-17 are half-price.

Rowboat Rentals

If you want to go out on the lake yourself, you can rent a rowboat (at the second boathouse after the toilets). Available if the weather is good, 11-5. 2-4 people.

How to get to the Königssee

From berchtesgaden:.

Several buses stop at the Königssee: #'s 839 , 841 and 843 ; they run hourly.

Where: you can catch it from the bus stop in front of the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, or in town at the stop on Maximillianstrasse near the Kurhaus.

From Salzburg:

By bus:  Bus #840 (The Watzmann Express) leaves from the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof and the Salzburg Rathaus, and takes you to the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, a 45 minute ride.

By train:  Depart from the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, change at Freilassing, and arrive at the main station in Berchtesgaden in about one hour and 15 minutes. 

From the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, take bus #839, 841 or 843 to the Königssee parking lot.

Map of Lakes Königssee and Obersee

Map data (c)  OpenStreetMap  and contributors,  CC-BY-SA

Lake Königssee Dock Area

Cable Car up to the Jenner Mountain

A five minute walk from the Königssee parking lot brings you to the Jennerbahn, a small cable car that will take you to the top of Jenner mountain.

In winter it's a ski run, but in summer there are wonderful views of the lake and mountains (as good as the one from the Eagle's Nest!)

For the energetic and fit, there are hiking paths down to the lake from the half-way station.

Roundtrip to the top costs Euro 38. 

 See  Jennerbahn   for more info, booking and photos .

More to explore...

Traveling in Germany

Check the  German Rail website  (Deutschebahn) for train and bus schedules, prices, and ticket bookings.

The last remaining Covid restrictions in Germany , in terms of vaccination and masking requirements, ended April 7, 2023.

See  current Covid rules for more information.

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Lake Königssee, Germany: Best Things to Do + Tips for Visiting

Germany is estimated to have at least 15,000 lakes throughout the country, so there are plenty of beautiful destinations to visit. However, it’s often the iconic Lake Königssee in Bayern, Germany that steals the show! 

Situated near the charming mountain town of Berchtesgaden, this beautiful lake is surrounded by striking mountain peaks and lush forests. 

Whether you’re looking to visit as a day trip or you’d prefer to spend a couple of nights here, this is a place you don’t want to miss. 

So let’s take a look at what you need to know before visiting Königssee Lake!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

How to Get to Lake Königssee

From berchtesgaden to königssee lake.

The town of Berchtesgaden is just an 8-minute drive from Lake Königssee, so is where many people choose to base themselves.

Visiting Lake Königssee is definitely one of the best things to do in Berchtesgaden but there are also lots of other interesting destinations nearby. If you’re planning to explore more of the Bavarian Alps, then I’d recommend hiring a car that allows you plenty of flexibility when it comes to visiting Königssee!

There is a huge parking lot near the boat docks where you can park your car. Although it has lots of space, it can fill up pretty quickly due to the popularity of Königssee Lake and other nearby attractions so it’s best to arrive early.

You can either buy a 1-hour ticket for €3, a 3-hour ticket for €7, or a daily ticket for €8. If you receive a Berchtesgaden guest card from your hotel, the prices will be as follows: €2 for 1 hour, €5 for 3 hours, and €6 for a daily ticket.

I would recommend getting the daily ticket since exploring the lake will probably take more than 3 hours (the round-trip boat ride alone is around 2 hours).

Make sure to have cash with you as the parking automat only accepts coins (this is very common in this part of Germany). If you don’t have enough coins, there is a coin automat on site where you can exchange notes for coins.

The parking lot is located 600 meters (2,000 ft) from the shores of Königssee Lake so you will have to walk for around 5-10 minutes to reach the docks where you can buy your tickets (if you haven’t bought them online yet).

If you’d prefer not to hire a vehicle then you can catch the bus from Berchtesgaden instead. It takes around 10 minutes to reach the lake and you can use either bus 841 or bus 842.

You can check the timetable by clicking on the below button – you have to search for lines from ‘Berchtesgaden Hbf’ to ‘Königssee, Schönau a. Königssee’.

Read Next: 3 Day Berchtesgaden Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Berchtesgaden, Germany

From Salzburg to Königssee Lake

If you’re heading to Lake Königssee from Salzburg then you’ve got a couple of options! 

The first option is of course public transport as you can catch the No. 840 bus to Berchtesgaden. The journey takes around an hour, and from there you’ll need to catch another bus to Königssee (please refer to the section above).

There’s also a train that runs from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden which takes around 1.5 hours and you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery along the way. From there, you can take one of the transport options that I’ve previously mentioned.

You’ll also find plenty of day-tour options from Salzburg where you’ll get to see the lake including this tour of Berchtesgaden and Königssee or this Half-Day Tour of Berchtesgaden .

A word of warning though: although these tours include a stop at the lake, none of them offers enough time to actually take a boat ride and visit other parts of the lake, which is the highlight of Lake Königssee.

Without a doubt, hiring a car is by far the easiest way to travel. The journey takes around 45 minutes but since Salzburg is located in Austria, you will have to cross the border so make sure your rental allows this.

Read Next: How to Spend One Day in Salzburg, Austria

From Munich to Königssee Lake

If you’re traveling to Lake Königssee from Munich then you can either catch the train or bus to Berchtesgaden and then continue on to the lake.

The train is generally the most popular option as it takes around 2.5 hours, although a changeover is often required. 

You can choose to catch a bus to Berchtesgaden but the journey will be much longer – up to 4 hours in some cases! This won’t matter too much if you’re staying overnight, but won’t leave you with much free time if you’re heading there for the day.

Another popular option is to take a tour from Munich like this full-day tour of Königssee although it’s only suitable for groups of four or more. On the bright side, unlike the tours from Salzburg, this one leaves you enough time to actually take a boat ride on the lake and explore various sites along the shores.

Similar to Salzburg, the easiest option to reach Königssee Lake from Munich is to rent a car. The drive will take around 2 hours one way but in this case, you don’t need to cross any borders.

Where to Stay near Königssee Lake

If you’re planning to visit Lake Königssee then one of the best places to stay is Berchtesgaden. It’s just an 8-minute drive from this popular attraction and there are plenty of awesome accommodation options.

This includes Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden (luxury option), Hotel EDELWEISS Berchtesgaden (mid-range option), and Hotel Grünberger (budget option).

However, if you want to stay closer to the lake then here are some other fantastic options.

LUXURY – Chalet Watzmann

Chalet Watzmann offers two separate apartments; Apartment Watzmann and Apartment Königssee. Both of them feature a private sauna, panoramic views of the surrounding area, and a private terrace area. If you decide to stay here, not only will you be close to Lake Königssee, but you’ll be treated to underfloor heating, an open fire, and a rain shower!

MID-RANGE – Alm- & Wellnesshotel Alpenhof

This beautiful hotel is situated just 1.9 km (1.2 miles) from Königssee Lake. Boasting a spectacular mountain backdrop, gorgeous suites, and fantastic facilities; Alm & Wellnesshotel Alpenhof has so much to offer! During your stay, you’ll benefit from an indoor & outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a jacuzzi, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. 

BUDGET – Almhotel Grünsteinblick

If you’re looking for a budget option then make sure you check out Almhotel Grünsteinblick! With authentic rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant, this place has all you could need. There’s also a sun terrace, a bar, and a garden area where guests can relax and enjoy the views!

Best Time to Visit Lake Königssee, Germany 

The most popular time to visit Lake Königssee is generally the summer months of July and August. This is when temperatures are at their highest, as they can reach between 20-24°C (68-75°F).

Although the temperatures are pleasant during this time of year, you’ll also experience plenty of crowds.

For a quieter experience, I’d recommend heading there in May, June, or September. Although the temperatures will be cooler, you won’t have to fight against the crowds on the boat or at the stop-off points. 

This will give you more time to explore the area rather than queuing up for the boat!

Lake Königssee can also be visited during the winter months, however, from mid-October to the end of April, the boats only run between the boat docks and St. Bartholomä.

They don’t go all the way to Salet which means you won’t be able to visit the famous boathouses, the beautiful Obersee, or Röthbach Waterfall.

Also, in the month of January and February, the temperatures can be so low that the lake can freeze. In this case, boats are not running for obvious reasons.

How to Visit Lake Königssee

Visiting Königssee Lake is actually a bit trickier than you would think as there are no trails or roads running beside the lake, therefore it’s only accessible by boats.

The only exception is the northeast corner of the lake where the boat docks are located. This part of the lake is walkable and easy to reach, and also offers some fantastic viewpoints such as Malerwinkel or Rabenwand, if you’re willing to hike a bit further up the mountain.

Other than that, the main way to visit Lake Königssee is by electric boat. What’s really fascinating about these boats is that they’ve been operated electrically since 1909!

Getting your boat tickets for Lake Königssee

As for the tickets, you generally have two options: you can either buy them online in advance or you can buy them in person at the ticket booth located right by the docks.

If you opt to buy them on site, make sure to get there early as the queues can get pretty long, especially during high season. The ticket booth accepts both cash and card payments.

However, if you want to avoid the queues altogether, I would recommend buying your tickets online in advance.

Each boat can seat up to around 80 people but during the summer months, it’s not unusual for them to be completely full so if you want to avoid any disappointment, this is the way to go.

When booking your ticket you have to set the exact date and departure time that you want to take the boat. This is very important because once you get your tickets, you can’t change them!

The return time can’t be set in advance meaning you can come back with any boat that has available seats.

You will receive your tickets via email and you will need to print them out or have them ready to show on your phone. With the ticket, you can go directly to the boat without having to queue up at the ticket booth.

Make sure to hold onto your ticket as you will need to show it again when boarding the return boat.

Lake Königssee boat timetable

The boats operate all year round but the timetables do change depending on the season.

There are 3 different boat schedules:

• Early- and off-season: from April 23 to May 20, and from October 4 to October 16
• Mid-season: from May 21 to June 24, and September 13 to October 3
• High-season: June 25 to September 12

The first and last boats of the day generally depart as follows:

• Early- and off-season: first boat departs at 9 am, last boat comes back at 5.10 pm
• Mid-season: first boat departs at 8.30 am, last boat comes back at 5.40 pm
• High-season: first boat departs at 8 am, last boat comes back at 5.40 pm

After the first boat, boats typically run at least every 30 minutes. In high season, they typically run more frequently due to the high demand.

Make sure you get on the last boat because there is no other way to get back to the parking lot except by boat! There is no accommodation along the lake and there are no roads or hiking trails, so in case you miss the last boat, you will have to call the water rescue with comes with a high fine.

Lake Königssee boat stops

All boats run on the same route and make the same stops along the lake.

The route goes as follows:

• Königssee Seelände: departure point
• Kessel (25 minutes): this is not a regular stop, the boat will only stop when requested (it’s mostly used by mountaineers)
• St. Bartholomä (35 minutes): this is the first stop where you can disembark the boat, home to a small church and a few cafes & restaurants
• Salet (55 minutes): this is the end point of the boat trip, from here you can hike to Obersee and Rötback Waterfall

The boat will return on the exact same route. If you ride the boat all the way to the end and back, it will take around 2 hours in total.

You can get off from the boat at St. Bartholomä either on your way to Salet or on the way back. I would recommend doing the latter, especially if you’re traveling on the first boat of the day.

Not only you can be among the first people to reach Salet and Obersee (more about it later) but most people will disembark at St. Bartholomä so you will be able to enjoy a quieter ride to Salet and less people at Obersee.

Ticket prices for the Königssee Lake boat tour

The boat prices are as follows:

• Return ticket to St. Bartholomä: €20 (will increase to €22 in 2023)
• Return ticket to Salet: €25 (will increase to €27.5 in 2023)

Children under 5 years old can travel for free and children aged between 6-17 will receive a 50% discount from the adult price. If you’re traveling with a dog, you will have to pay an additional fee of €4 (which will increase to €5 in 2023) regardless of your end destination.

There are no discounts on guest cards so even if you have a Berchtesgaden guest card, you will still have to pay the full price for the boat ride.

What to expect on the boat at Lake Königssee

There are 19 electric boats in total that operate on Lake Königssee. From the outside, they look almost identical but some of them have different seating arrangements on the inside.

There are no seat assignments so seats are first come, first serve. Therefore it’s best to be among the first in line to secure the best seats!

Also, the boats leave exactly on time so if you’re not there when the boat is ready to depart, you will have to purchase another ticket if it’s the onward journey or wait for the next boat if it’s the return journey. Make sure to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the departure time!

The electric boats are very comfortable and the whole trip is very smooth and relaxing, it almost feels like you’re gliding on the water. It’s such a magical experience!

There is also a guide on board who will provide commentary about the sights along the route. Normally he only speaks in German but if you ask, he will be happy to provide a summary in English.

Lake Königssee map

Below you can find a customized map that includes all important locations around Königssee Lake, including boat stops, transportation links, and attractions.

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?

Best Things to Do at Lake Königssee

Enjoy the panorama from the electric boats.

One of the best things about Lake Königssee is that you can enjoy the stunning scenery from the comfort of an electric boat. This is definitely one of the highlights of the trip!

Make sure to secure a window seat so you can make the most of it. And if you can, try to be on the first boat of the day so you can enjoy the lake in all its tranquility.

It doesn’t really matter which side of the boat you’re sitting on because the whole lake is surrounded by towering mountains and both sides offer great views.

However, St. Bartholomew’s Church is on the right side on the way to Salet so it might be a good idea to sit on that side if you’re planning on snapping a few photos of the beautiful church!

Listen to the echo of the mountains

Just before reaching St. Bartholomä, the boat will stop for a few minutes so you can enjoy the echo of the surrounding mountains.

There is a sheer rock wall on the right side of the lake that is famous for its acoustic properties. The guide on the boat will ask everyone to be silent for a few seconds and then he will start playing his trumpet.

The sound will bounce off the rock wall and create a beautiful echo that will reverberate around the lake. It’s a really surreal and unique experience!

Find the Instagrammable boathouse at Lake Obersee 

When you reach Salet, you can disembark and explore the area on foot. There is a lovely walking trail that takes you to Lake Obersee in around 10-15 minutes.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the charming boathouse that is located on the lake. It’s a popular spot for taking photos so there might be a few people around but it’s definitely worth a visit!

Actually, there is another boat house on the far side of the lake but it requires a little hike to get there so most people just stick to the one that’s closer to Salet. It’s located just 5 minutes from Fischunkelalm restaurant so it’s the perfect place to have a little break after taking some photos.

Both boathouses offer great views of Lake Obersee and the surrounding mountains but if I had to choose, I would say the first one is slightly better in terms of photography.

Hike to the other side of Lake Obersee

Although Lake Obersee is a lot smaller than Lake Königssee, it surely makes up for it in terms of beauty!

The water is a gorgeous shade of turquoise and the mountain backdrop is simply stunning. It’s definitely worth taking the time to hike around the lake and enjoy the scenery.

There is a well-marked trail that takes you to the other side of the lake. It’s a fairly easy 2.6 km (1.6 miles) hike starting from the boat docks at Salet and ending at Fischunkelalm.

The walk takes around 1 hour but it’s a really pleasant hike with some incredible views along the way. If you have some extra time, I would definitely recommend doing it!

Have a meal at Fischunkelalm

After your hike, make sure to stop by Fischunkelalm for some refreshments. This charming mountain restaurant is located right next to Lake Obersee and it’s the perfect place to relax after a few hours of exploring.

The food menu is a tad bit limited and it only consists of bread with different toppings (usually butter, cheese, or ham). Although they are delicious, the real reason to come here is for the incredible views!

Make sure to grab a seat on the outdoor terrace so you can enjoy the scenery while munching on some bread.

And if you need something to drink, they serve fresh milk and buttermilk (made from raw milk), soft drinks, and beers as well.

Sadly they don’t have any coffee which I really missed after my hike but other than that, it’s a great place to take a break.

Visit Röthbach Waterfall

If you’re feeling active, you can tap on another hike and visit Röthbach Waterfall which is located just a short walk from Fischunkelalm.

Röthbach Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the whole of Germany with an impressive height of 470 meters (1,541 feet). Actually, you can already see it in the distance from the other side of Obersee!

The hike to the waterfall is around 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from Fischunkelalm and it takes around 30 minutes to complete.

Please note that if you want to get directly to the bottom of the falls, you will need to tackle a steep and difficult part at the end of the trail.

We personally didn’t do it as it looked quite dangerous and we were happy with the views from below but if you’re feeling brave and have the proper equipment, go for it!

If you want to hike back all the way to the boat docks in Salet from Röthbach Waterfall, it’s around 4.6 km (2.8 miles) and it will take you around 1.5 hours to complete.

Peek inside St. Bartholomew’s Church

St. Bartholomew’s Church is the first stop on the boat tour around Lake Königssee and it’s definitely worth getting off the boat to take a look inside. However, as I mentioned before, I recommend stopping on the way back from Salet instead of on the way there.

It’s a small Roman Catholic pilgrimage church that was first built in 1134. In 1754, the church was rebuilt in a Baroque style and it has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

The interior of the church is quite simple but since admission is free, it’s definitely worth taking a look inside.

And if you’re feeling hungry after all that walking, there are a couple of restaurants located right next to the church. They serve traditional Bavarian food which is always a good option!

Hike to the Eiskapelle

Another great hike you can do in the area is to the Eiskapelle (Ice Chapel). Just to avoid confusion, it’s not a real chapel, but rather a natural glacier cave which is located at the foot of Watzmann mountain.

The hike to the Ice Chapel is around 3 km (1.8 miles) from St. Bartholomew’s Church and it takes around 1.5 hours to complete.

Due to the snow and ice, the trail is inaccessible during the winter months and it can also be closed before or after winter depending on the weather conditions.

Although the cave looks absolutely spectacular from the inside, make sure you take proper precautions as the trail and the cave itself can be quite dangerous.

It’s important to have proper shoes and clothing! Even if you’re hiking in the summer months, it’s always a good idea to bring a jacket as the temperature inside the cave can be quite low and you can also come across some snow at the end of the trail.

Take a dip in Königssee Lake

If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll be pleased to know that you can actually go for a swim in Lake Königssee!

As with other mountain lakes, the water is freezing cold so make sure to manage your expectations. Even in the hottest period of the year, the water temperature barely reaches 20°C (68 °F) so it’s definitely not for everyone.

In case you’re up for the challenge, the only thing you need to be aware of is not to swim close to the boats as they might not see you. Other than that, enjoy the refreshing water and the stunning views!

Take in the views from Rabenwand

No trip to Königssee is complete without hiking up to Rabenward! It’s just a 30-minute walk from the boat terminal and the hike starts near the entrance to the dock.

The trails are clearly signposted so you just have to follow them up to the viewpoint. You’ll reach Malerwinkel first and then if you continue a bit further you’ll come to Rabenward. 

From here, you’ll get breathtaking views of Lake Königssee and its surrounding mountains so make sure you’ve got your camera with you! You’ll also want to spend some time up here just taking in the beauty of the area.

Just be wary of the trail as the route is rocky and can be extremely slippery so make sure you’ve got suitable footwear.

Tips for Visiting Lake Königssee, Germany

Wear proper shoes.

Many of the designated stop-off points on Lake Königssee offer you the chance to explore the area by trails. Although most of them aren’t located at the lakeside it’s definitely worth taking a hike during your time here.

However, the terrain can be challenging with uneven surfaces, exposed roots, and slippery rocks so make sure you’ve got good-quality footwear.

Have cash with you

Many places in the area won’t accept card payments so you need to have cash on you at all times. This is especially the case at the restaurants in Salet and St. Bartholomew!

Otherwise, you’ll be going without food and drink which isn’t ideal. I’d also recommend keeping some small changes on you too rather than just big notes.

Download Google Maps offline

The phone signal is incredibly spotty in this area – in fact, you’ll be lucky if you get any signal at all. It all depends on your provider!

To be on the safe side, I’d recommend downloading Google Maps offline. This means you’ll know exactly where you are, and you won’t have to rely on the sketchy signal.

Try to catch the first boat

There are plenty of things to do in Königssee so for the best experience, make sure you grab the first boat. This will give you a full day to explore the stop-off points and hit some of the nearby hiking trails.

Depending on the time of year you visit, the boats can become increasingly crowded towards late morning/early afternoon so catching the first boat is also ideal if you want to avoid the crowds.

Make sure to buy a return ticket to Salet

When you’re buying your boat ticket make sure you purchase a return ticket to Salet! It’s arguably the most beautiful part of the lake and also offers many great hiking trails.

Also, getting a return ticket to St. Bartholomew is just slightly cheaper and you won’t get the full experience, so it definitely doesn’t worth it.

Don’t miss the last boat

As I mentioned before, it’s impossible to hike or drive back to the boat terminal on the northern side of the lake and there is no possibility to stay overnight at any of the stops along the lake.

If you miss the last boat you’ll have to be picked up by Wasserwacht Berchtesgaden (water rescue) although be prepared to pay a huge fine. Depending on the time of day you call them, you can expect to pay a fee between €250-520 for up to 5 people.

The departure of the last return boat depends on which season you visit but generally it’s between 5-6 pm. It’s best to check the timetable before your visit just to make sure!

Lake Königssee FAQ

What is special about königssee lake.

One of the things that make Lake Königssee so special is its crystal clear water. In fact, it’s one of the clearest lakes in the world with a visibility of up to 30 meters (100 feet)!

Another thing that makes it unique is its location. Surrounded by mountains, it’s one of the deepest and most beautiful mountain lakes in Germany.

How deep is Lake Königssee?

Lake Königssee is the deepest lake in Germany with a maximum depth of 190 meters (620 feet). To put that into comparison, this lake would cover some of Frankfurt’s tallest skyscrapers including ONE, Omniturm, and the Grand Tower.

Is Königssee worth visiting?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a breathtaking place to visit in Germany, Lake Königssee should definitely be on your Germany bucket list .

Whether you’re interested in hiking, swimming, taking a boat tour, or simply admiring the stunning views, there’s something for everyone. So make sure to include Lake Königssee in your Berchtesgaden itinerary !

How do I get to Lake Königssee?

Lake Königssee is located in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, southern Germany. The nearby town of Berchtesgaden is easily reachable by car or by public transport from the likes of Salzburg or Munich.

From Berchtesgaden, you can drive to the lake in 8 minutes or you can hop on a public bus. Walking is also an option but you will have to budget an hour for the journey.

Is there an entrance fee for Lake Königssee?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Lake Königssee. However, if want to properly explore the lake, you’ll have to pay for the boat tour which takes you to St. Bartholomew’s Church and Salet, from where you can access other attractions in the area.

How do you explore Königssee?

The best way to explore Lake Königssee is by heading to the boat terminal and taking a boat out onto the lake. This will allow you to admire the breathtaking scenery, and stop off along the way at designated stops.

You can view the lake from near the terminal, but you won’t get to fully appreciate its beauty from there.

Can you hike around Königssee?

Walking around the whole of Königssee isn’t possible as there aren’t any trails or roads that run beside the lake. 

The only place that’s easy to access is Malerwinkel (otherwise known as Painter’s Corner). Other areas around the lake are only accessible to extremely experienced hikers due to the lack of trails and challenging terrain.

Can you swim at Königssee?

You are allowed to swim at Königssee although be prepared for chilly temperatures! The water only reaches temperatures close to 20°C (68 °F) during long periods of hot weather, which can be uncommon as you’ll be in the Alps! 

Just keep in mind that the lake is extremely deep too, so make sure you don’t overestimate your swimming abilities.

What happens if you miss the last boat at Lake Königssee?

You won’t find any accommodation options at the designated ferry stops and camping is illegal as the lake is in Berchtesgaden National Park. For this reason, you don’t want to miss the last ferry!

If you do, you’ll be picked up by Wasserwacht Berchtesgaden (water rescue) although be prepared to pay a huge fee of up to €520.

Planning a trip to Germany?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Germany. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Germany Bucket List: 28 Best Places to Visit in Germany
• 22 Best Things to Do in Berchtesgaden, Germany
• 3 Day Berchtesgaden Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Berchtesgaden, Germany
• Lake Königssee, Germany: Best Things to Do + Tips for Visiting
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
• How to Find the Best Neuschwanstein Castle Viewpoints

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2 thoughts on “Lake Königssee, Germany: Best Things to Do + Tips for Visiting”

You didn’t even mention the waterfall pools which are probably the main thing to see there. How is this an ultimate guide?

The trail leading to the waterfall pools have been closed down last year because it’s not safe to visit and people were careless. Therefore I don’t want to encourage anyone to try to find a closed down trail and risk their own safety, hope you understand that.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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All information

Are there any questions about your boat trip on Lake Königssee? Then check out our info sheets with all the important information for families, groups and charters.

Frequent questions

Is there a discount for seniors and students, how much is the parking fee.

The public car park in Königssee is operated by the municipality of Schönau am Königssee. Parking fees apply.

In order to enjoy the boat trip in peace, we recommend you buy a day ticket. The time required for a trip to St. Bartholomä and back, including boarding and walking from the car park is at least 90 minutes.

How long does the trip to St. Bartholomä or Salet take?

The sailing time from Königssee (lakeside) to St. Bartholomä is around 35 minutes. At St. Bartholomä, you must disembark unless you have purchased the round trip to Salet. You can sail back with any boat.

The (free) tour of the world-famous pilgrimage church in St. Bartholomä is highly recommended. For the whole excursion, you can expect it to take a minimum of about 1.5 hours.  The sailing time from Königssee (lakeside) to the terminus at Salet (= big round-trip cruise) is around 1 hour. You can break up your trip to or from Salet with a stop in St. Bartholomä.

Can I smoke on the boats?

Smoking is not permitted on the electric motor boats of Lake Königssee Shipping.

As a mountaineer, where do I get my ticket in Salet, St. Bartholomä or Kessel?

The ticket for the return journey from Salet or St. Bartholomä to Königssee is available from the pier steward.

For sailings from Kessel, the ticket must be bought directly on the boat (please have small change ready).

Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

The boats at Lake Königssee are unfortunately not built for wheelchairs. Getting in and out of the boats should be done wisely. Boarding of the identically built electric motor boats is relatively narrow, steep and down three steps. In the midships area, there is space for about one or two wheelchairs per boat. Our boat crew will be happy to help you get in and out.

It is unfortunately not possible to transport electrically operated wheelchairs because they cannot be rolled over the stairs due to their design. However, we offer a limited number of mechanical wheelchairs for rental at the cashiers. Please reserve in advance: Tel. +49 8652 9636-96.

How can I avoid waiting times at the cashiers?

Despite the use of all boats, during the holiday periods (especially July to mid-September), as well as on public holidays or in good weather and high passenger volume, there may be waiting times for the sailings.

Experience has shown that in the high season, many guests can be expected on the first beautiful day after a rainy period. On these special days it is advisable to take the trip to St. Bartholomä before 10.30 a.m. and the return from St. Bartholomä by 14.30 p.m. at the latest.

You can also purchase a ticket online in advance. With the online ticket you can go directly to the pier. Online tickets are only available for trips from the lakeside and unfortunately not as one-way trips from the piers back to the lakeside (= one-way sailings for mountaineers). This is due to the poor network coverage in Salet and St. Bartholomä. 

To the Online-Ticket .

Are there lockers at the Lake Königssee Shipping?

Lake Königssee Shipping offers a limited number of free lockers (e.g. for motorcycle helmets etc.). The lockers are located at the back of the cashiers building and are open to the public.

Are the boats pram accessible?

Baby buggies are generally transported. Due to the special design of the electric passenger boats, the space is limited. Folding prams and buggies are thus ideal. Bicycle trailers converted into prams cannot be transported. On days with a high guest rate coming with a big pram can cause delays in transportation.

The water temperature only partially reaches up to 20°C during long periods of good weather.

Swimming is allowed. Please don't swim in the shipping lane. Your head is barely visible in the green shimmering water.  

Due to the location of Lake Königssee in the middle of the Berchtesgaden National Park, air mattresses or inflatable boats are prohibited.  

Is it possible to paddle a boat or canoe on Lake Königssee?

No! Lake Königssee is located in the middle of Berchtesgaden National Park, which is why paddle boats, inflatable boats, canoes stand uo paddling and air mattresses etc. are prohibited. If the weather is nice, you can rent a rowing boat from Lake Königssee Shipping.

Where does the lake’s green colour come from?

The lake’s green colour comes from lime particles dissolved in the water, which break the sunlight. 

Does Lake Königssee freeze on a regular basis in winter?

Basically, we sail all year round on Lake Königssee. In January and February it can happen that Lake Königssee freezes. However, the ice rarely achieves a thickness that is possible to walk on. The last time this happened was in the winter of 2005/2006. Then, Lake Königssee was officially allowed to be walked on for several weeks. The landlord of St. Bartholomä even drove over the ice with a car and delivered to his restaurant. 

Information for mountaineers

Please pay attention to the last way back from the stops Salet, St. Bartholomä and Kessel (request stop) back to Seelände Königssee! You can gather the last departure of the boat from the timetable.

In Salet, St. Bartholomä und Kessel there are no accomodations, camping is prohibited according to National Park regulations! If you miss the last course boat, you will be picked up by the Wasserwacht Berchtesgaden (= water rescue). This causes in high costs up to 520 €.

Phone number: +49 8651 9999 100 - Wasserwacht Berchtesgaden (= water rescue)

Also the dogs of mountaineers have to wear a muzzle on the way back from Salet, St. Bartholomä or Kessel.

In order not to be excluded from the carriage, please take a muzzle in your backpack.

Kärlingerhaus (DAV Berchtesgaden), 1638 m

• Hutphone: +49 8652 6091010 (only during the summer months)
• Winterroom: from mid-October on the winterroom is closed. The key can only be picked up after prior registration and payment of a deposit (50 €), an overnight and wood fee in the office of the DAV Berchtesgaden section. The shelter is always opened (ceilings available, but no stove and no heating material).
• Contact DAV Berchtesgaden, Watzmannstr. 4, 83483 Bischofswiesen: phone +49 8652 97646-10, [email protected]. opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri from 3 to 5:30 pm.
• Hutclimb: From St. Bartholomä through the Saugasse in around 5 hours to Kärlingerhaus. Easiest climb around 1000m difference in altitude.

Wasseralm (DAV Berchtesgaden), 1423 m

• Hutphone: +49 8652 6091160 (only during the summer months)
• Contact DAV Berchtesgaden (please refer Kärlingerhaus)
• Hutclimb: From Salet along Obersee and either over Landtal- or Röthsteig (both partly secured hikes) to Wasseralm. Around 950m difference in altitude .

Gotzenalm (private hut), 1685 m

• Hutphone: +49 8652 690900 (only during the summer months)
• Accomodation: for just 100 people possible.
• Hutclimb: From Kessel over Reitsteig to Gotzenalm. Easy. Around 1150m difference in altitude. From Salet over Kaunersteig. Sure-footedness necessary. Around 1200m difference in altitude.

Departure last boat

Mountain hut.

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