Bavaria, the south-east of Germany, is a region full of beauty and natural wonders. Königssee Lake (King’s Lake) part of Berchtesgaden National Park is one of those natural wonders. With its emerald color, surrounded by impressive mountains, the Königssee Lake is one of the nature’s jewel in the area. The lake is framed by impressive mountain peaks among which The Watzmann, one of the highest mountain in Germany.
There is so much to discover and explore in Berchtesgaden National Park. Beside Königssee Lake there are Eagles Nest, Berchtesgaden Town, Watzmann Mountain, Ramsau, Hintersee Lake, Obersee Lake to name only a few. The nature there is incredible and the views are spectacular in every direction you will look. That’s why it is worth to spend several days in the region to explore all its beauty.
Currently I live in Salzburg, and since Berchtesgaden National Park is located within a walking distance to the Austrian border, the attractions in the area can be easily visit as a day-trip too. A bus ride to Schönau am Königssee takes less than an hour.
The boat ride to Königssee Lake starts at Schönau am Königssee and it leads to St. Bartholomew Church. Once arrived at St. Bartholomew, one of the main attraction of the region, it is possible to continue the boat ride to Lake Obersee. The boat ride to Lake Obersee operates from the 1st of April, so it wasn’t possible to visit it when we traveled there in March.
Getting to Königssee Lake
Besides by car, Königssee Lake as many other attractions of Berchtesgaden National Park, can be easily visited by public transport.
Getting to Königssee Lake by public transport from Salzburg was pretty easy and convenient. The bus ride (two buses 840 and 841) takes around 1 hour and it costs around 11 euro for a day ticket.
If you opt for the bus, take the bus 840 from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden, Germany which is the last stop. The bus ride takes around 40 minutes. From Berchtesgaden, take the bus 841 to Schönau am Königssee where starts the magical boat ride to Königssee Lake.
The boat ride to Königssee Lake operates all year-round, beginning 8 a.m. during the high season or 9 a.m in the winter. The exact timetable can be found on the official website, here.
The nature in Berchtesgaden National Park is a bliss and a boat trip to the emerald water of Königssee Lake is so picturesque and unforgettable.
The boat beautifully decorated with wood and the traditional Bavarian costumes of the members of the crew transform the ride into a idyllic experience. During the trip, the boat stops and the boatman start playing the trumpet which attracts the echo from the echo wall of the mountains. In the quietness of the mountains, the sound of the trumpet and its echo is pretty magical.
Once arrived in Sankt Bartholomä there are several hiking highlights among which Eiskapelle is the most popular.
After exploring the surroundings a traditional Bavarian Apple strudel served at the restaurant located at the shore of the lake (actually the only one in Sankt Bartholomä) was truly rewarding.
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