Lake Königssee

The journey begins in silence. Gliding across the crystal-clear water for half an hour on electrically powered passenger ships, you reach the St. Bartholomew peninsula. It is a journey of deceleration, where the famous Königssee echo momentarily breaks the mountain stillness. Upon arrival at the peninsula, you are faced directly with the imposing Watzmann East Face—a sight that leaves hikers and nature lovers alike in reverent awe.

Beside the world-famous baroque pilgrimage church with its wine-red onion domes, the former royal hunting lodge beckons. Here, you can enjoy typical Bavarian hospitality and cozy atmosphere. A particular highlight for gourmets is the Lake Königssee fisherman: in a smokehouse over 400 years old, trout, char, and whitefish are refined into exquisite delicacies that could not be enjoyed fresher anywhere else.

Germany's highest lake sits at an altitude of 603 meters and captivates with its fjord-like depth and drinking-water quality. Located just 5 kilometers from Berchtesgaden, this emerald-green jewel is easily accessible even without a car—the 841 bus line runs hourly. Those looking to escape the bustle of the tourist village of Schönau will find the sought-after alpine silence on the west shore and the surrounding trails.