Königssee
Germany's clearest fjord-like alpine lake, where the boatman sounds a trumpet to demonstrate the echo; the red-roofed St. Bartholomew's Church on the shore makes a picture-perfect scene.
Königssee lies in Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany, about 25 km from Salzburg. Steep cliffs enclose it in a fjord-like shape 8 km long, and its water is emerald and exceptionally clear. The only way to tour the lake is by quiet electric boat. En route, the boat stops at the 'Echo Wall', where a crew member plays a trumpet to demonstrate seven echoes. About 35 minutes later, the boat reaches the red onion-domed St. Bartholomew's Church. You can continue to Salet and then walk 15 minutes to the Upper Lake (Obersee), the most beautiful stretch of the whole trip. A round trip to the Upper Lake costs about €26. From Salzburg, take bus 840 to Berchtesgaden and transfer to bus 841, or drive for about 40 minutes; the car park is in Schönau. In peak season, arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid the queues.
Opening hours
Ferries approx. 08:00–17:15 (shorter in winter; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest)
- Berchtesgaden Salt Mine
- Untersberg Cable Car
- Salt Mine Hallein (Salzwelten)
- Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
- Hohenwerfen Castle
- Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
- Hangar-7