One of the jewels of Bavaria is the fabulous Königssee, the outstanding jewel and symbol of the Berchtesgaden National Park. Lake König is just a few kilometres from Austria, close to the area's best-known gorge, Almbachklamm.
The lake was formed naturally by the glaciers of the huge mountains. It is 7.7 km long, 1.7 km wide and 190 meters deep at its deepest point. You can swim in Königssee, but be careful not to swim in the lane used by the electric boats.
Overview
The lake is not only famous for its beauty. Many easy, family-friendly, or challenging hiking trails start from its shores.
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| Königssee | Details |
| Country | Germany |
| Location | Bavaria, Berchtesgaden National Park |
| Address | 83471 Schönau am Königssee, Germany |
| Distance from Munich | 2 hours / 160 km |
| Distance from Salzburg | 45 mins / 40 km |
| Opening hours | 0-24 |
| Prices | 0 euro |
| Time you need to explore it | 1 day |
| Attractions nearby | Obersee, Hintersee, Almbachklamm and Wimbachklamm gorges |
| Website | - |
Photos
Map - Where is Königssee?
Address, map, parking, distance, approach
The lake is located in the Berchtesgaden National Park, in the southern part of Germany, in Bavaria. The park is bordered to the south and east by the Austrian province of Salzburg. The city of Salzburg is only 30 km away. It is worth approaching the lake at Schönau am Königssee.
- Address: Königssee, 83471 Schönau am Königssee, Germany
- Distance from Munich: 2 hours / 160 km
- Distance from Salzburg: 45 mins / 40 km
Tourist Information
Nationalpark-Infostelle St. Bartholomä
The Nationalpark-Infostelle St. Bartholomä tourist centre is located on the lake's western shore. You can see the centre's opening hours on the website.
- Address: 83471 Schönau am Königssee, Germany
Hiking around the lake
Unfortunately, it is not possible to walk around the lake in the classical sense, as there is no route between the foot of the mountain and the lake's shore. If you want to get to the other side, you can use the boat from one side of the lake to the other.
Attractions around the lake
There are several interesting sights around the lake. One day might not be enough to see all of them. Königssee is famous for its waterfalls, as there is more than one nearby.
#1 Obersee
Lake Königssee and Obersee have almost merged in mind. No wonder the two lakes are so close to each other that they make one.
The two lakes are separated by "debris and silt", which is no less than 1,172 meters long. The most likely theory is that the two lakes never met but formed independently. Behind the lake, you find the Fischunkelalm meadow, behind which is the Röthbachfall waterfall.
You can't visit Obersee directly; you must park near Königssee, use a boat through the lake, and then reach Obersee.
#2 Röthbach waterfall
If you want to admire the highest waterfall in Germany, you've come to the right place. A little further from the lake, behind the Obersee, you will locate the majestic Röthbach waterfall.
The waterfall rushes down from a huge height - 470 meters. In proper hiking boots, you can go very close to the waterfall. It is worth a closer look so that a raincoat will come in handy.
Don't be surprised if you have to avoid cows getting close to Röthbach, as they rest on the rich pasture before the waterfall. They won't be scared of you, as they're used to hikers.
#3 Christlieger Island
The most charming sight of the lake is the tiny island on the northern side of the lake, which can be seen even from the starting point. The island of Christlieger is so small that there are only a few trees. You can see the island from the boat, but it does not stop there.
#4 Saint Bartholomew's Church (Kirche St. Bartholomew)
You find the characteristic church where the lake narrows. The white-walled, rust-coloured domed building is open to the public.
#5 Schrainbach Waterfalls
The 80-meter-high Schrainbach waterfall is another wonder on the palette of Königssee. The waterfall can be found on the lake's western side and can be reached on a forest route. The hiking trail is approximately 8 km long and can be completed in approximately 3 hours.
#6 Königsbach Waterfall
On the eastern side of the lake, you find Königsbachwasserfall. The waterfall is not small; it has a 200 meters drop, while the Königsbach river feeds it. Its water yield is greatest in summer when it collects the melted snow from the mountains of the Hagengebirge. The hike is 2.5 km long and takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
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