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Königssee, Bavaria

3 Seestraße, Schönau am Königssee, Bayern

Description

The Königssee is a natural lake in Germany's south-eastern Bavarian Alps, near the border with Austria and for the most part within the Berchtesgaden National Park. Its shape is reminiscent of a fjord: 7.7km long and 1.7km across for a total area of 5.2 km2 and, with a max. depth of 190m, it the country's 3rd deepest lake. The area is popular with hikers, the quality of its echo (bouncing off the surrounding rock walls) and for its boat tours. The picturesque St. Bartholomä church is located on a peninsula about halfway down the western lake shore. This Roman Catholic pilgrimage church can only be reached by ship or trail.

Access & Transport

The closest main city is Salzburg, Austria - 50mins / 30km away across the border. Munich is 2h15 / 160km away. It is possible to reach by train + bus via Freilassing and Berchtesgaden but this is time consuming. Some companies also seem to offer direct tourist bus services from Munich but not in a consistent fashion, so it is worth looking into it.

Instructions & Recommendations

Check the boat tours schedule ahead of time - advance booking is likely to be required during the peak summer season. Other nearby activities include the Eagle's Nest (Das Kehlsteinhaus).

Meta review

The lake is heavily featured in travel guides and magazines for Bavaria and social media have only amplified the amount of tourists heading there. Whilst almost every visitor does confirm the emerald waters and scenery are visually enchanting, there are recurring comments that come July & August it is turning into a commercial circus of sorts: expensive and booked out boat rides, flocks of people eager to take selfies, etc. and unfortunately, there aren't many hiking trails immediately around the lake to provide an escape route.

Environmental & Social

This is a green activity unless you are planning to use a motorboat. Revenues from tourism help the rural economy but, in this case, there is a clear issue of over-commercialization

Conclusion

Königssee is without a doubt one of the most charming lakes in Southern Germany; on a clear day its clear waters and mountains rising almost vertically around it are a sight to behold. The problem though is the bucket list phenomenon and photo sharing frenzy has thrown more tourists at the area than it could handle during the summer. Our recommendation: avoid July & August and, if that is not possible, choose another lake.

Key positive

Gorgeous scenery

Plenty to see and do in the region for outdoor enthusiasts

Key negative

Overly touristic and commercialized

Time consuming to get to without a car

Suitability

Visitors with reduced mobility will be able to get near the lakeshore and on some of the boats

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:2h 15m

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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