The landmark of Berchtesgaden: Lake Königssee
It is emerald green, up to 190 m deep, and nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Watzmann and the Berchtesgaden Alps. Lake Königssee is also the only fjord-like mountain lake in all of Central Europe.
Because the steep cliffs drop directly to the shore, there are no paths around the lake. The only way to see the lake up close in Berchtesgaden National Park is to take one of the electric boats operated by the Königssee Shipping Company.
Boat Trip on Lake Königssee with the Famous Echo
Boat tours are offered on Lake Königssee, stopping at two stops. After about 40 minutes, you will reach St. Bartholomä with its famous pilgrimage church. After another 15 minutes, you will reach Salet. This is a good starting point for a hike to the Obersee with the Fischunkelalm mountain hut or to the Röthbach waterfall. A boat trip is worthwhile just for the trumpet echo of the boats reverberating off the steep rock faces.
If boating isn't your thing, you can take the Malerwinkel circular trail along the northern shore of Lake Königssee, from which you can enjoy a fantastic view across the entire lake to St. Bartholomä.
And the best part: You can reach Lake Königssee from the Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden in just a few minutes. The path leads along the lake promenade with numerous refreshment stops right to the boat dock.
For the bravest climbers at Lake Königssee: the Watzmann East Face
The Watzmann East Face begins behind the St. Bartholomä Church on Lake Königssee and is only accessible by boat. The East Face is considered the longest and most dangerous rock face in the Eastern Alps. This tour is truly reserved only for extremely experienced climbers. More than 100 mountaineers have lost their lives since the first crossing in 1881. In total, 2,150 meters of ascent and over 2,000 meters of descent must be overcome over a total distance of 18.5 kilometers.
