Königssee is Germany's cleanest and deepest lake, an unspoilt alpine jewel in Bavaria's Berchtesgaden Alps. This natural wonder stretches like a fjord between towering mountain walls, creating an environment so pure that only electric boats have been allowed to ply its waters since 1909.
The Königssee in the Bavarian Alps
The iconic red-domed St. Bartholomä church, once a hunting lodge for Bavarian kings, sits on a peninsula partway down the lake. Traditional restaurants serve local specialties like freshly smoked trout from the lake's crystal-clear waters, while hiking trails offer access to some of Bavaria's most spectacular mountain scenery.
Königssee is located in the south-eastern corner of Germany, nestled in Bavaria's Berchtesgaden National Park, just five kilometres south of the town of Berchtesgaden.
The lake lies at the foot of the Watzmann, Germany's third highest peak, some 30 kilometres south of Salzburg, Austria.
The lake occupies a glacial valley in the Berchtesgaden Alps, surrounded by steep mountain walls that rise dramatically from the water's edge.
These cliffs, reaching heights of up to 2,700 metres, create the fjord-like appearance that distinguishes Königssee from other Alpine lakes.
The nearest major city is Munich, some 160 kilometres to the northwest, making Königssee accessible for both day trips and longer stays.
Schönau am Königssee
The small village of Schönau am Königssee is the main access point to the lake and is home to the boat launch, tourist facilities and traditional Bavarian accommodation.
The lake's location within the Berchtesgaden National Park places it at the heart of one of Germany's most important nature reserves. This protected status ensures that the surrounding landscape remains largely unchanged, with limited development allowed along the shoreline.
The nearest major airport is Salzburg International Airport, just 30 kilometres away, which offers frequent flights to major European cities. Munich International Airport, a much further 190 kilometres away, offers a wider range of international flights.
Visitors can take a direct public bus from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden, which takes approximately 45 minutes.
The German rail network (Deutsche Bahn) connects Munich with Berchtesgaden via regular trains, usually with a change at Freilassing. The train journey takes approximately three hours and offers scenic views of the Bavarian countryside. A local bus runs every 30 minutes from Berchtesgaden train station to the Königssee Visitor Centre.
Drivers can reach the Königssee via the motorway from Munich or Salzburg and then head south on local roads near Berchtesgaden. The lake's main car park is at the northern end.
Walking enthusiasts can get to the Königssee via the many footpaths within Berchtesgaden National Park. The most popular walking tour starts in Berchtesgaden and follows well-marked paths for about five kilometres. However, this option requires a good level of fitness due to the changes in altitude.
Electric boats provide the only access to the lake's attractions, as there is no road along its shores. These boats operate all year round, weather permitting, with more frequent departures during the summer months.
Schönau am Königssee, the lakeside village, offers the most convenient accommodation. Traditional Bavarian guesthouses and family-run hotels dominate the local accommodation scene, and prices tend to be higher than in the surrounding areas due to the prime location.
Berchtesgaden, just five kilometres to the north, offers a wider range of accommodation at a more varied price point. The town has several four-star hotels, including the historic Edelweiss Hotel (check availability).
For outdoor enthusiasts, several mountain huts operate in the surrounding national park during the summer months. These simple accommodations, which can be booked through the German Alpine Club (DAV), offer an authentic mountain experience but lack modern amenities.
If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the searchbox below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.
The story of Königssee begins in the last Ice Age, when glacial movement carved out the deep valley that would become the lake.
The first human settlements in the area date back to around 1000 BC, although the steep banks of the lake limited early development.
The name 'Königssee' emerged in the 16th century, replacing the original name 'Kunigsee', which derived from the nearby Kuno monastery rather than any royal connection.
St Bartholomä church on the Königssee
The lake gained importance in the 12th century when Augustinian monks built St Bartholomew's Church on its western shore.
The church, constructed in 1134, became a popular pilgrimage site, and its current distinctive red-domed appearance dates from a 1697 renovation.
Bavarian royalty, particularly the Wittelsbach dynasty, discovered the area's hunting potential in the 16th century and transformed St Bartholomew's into a royal hunting lodge while retaining its religious function.
The lake experienced its first tourist boom in the 19th century. The arrival of artists and writers during the Romantic period drew attention to the dramatic landscape.
King Ludwig I of Bavaria encouraged the development of the region, although careful restrictions preserved the natural character of the lake.
In 1909 the local authorities took the pioneering decision to allow only electric boats on the lake, one of the world's first environmental measures for a tourist destination.
The early 20th century brought both challenges and conservation efforts.
The association of nearby Berchtesgaden with the Nazi leadership during the Second World War temporarily affected tourism, but the lake itself remained untouched by development.
The establishment of the Berchtesgaden National Park in 1978 secured long-term protection for the lake. This designation helped preserve traditional practices such as fishing for the Königssee char, a species unique to the lake's waters.
Recent decades have seen a focus on reconciling tourism and conservation.
Despite receiving over 600,000 visitors annually, Königssee maintains its status as Germany's cleanest lake through strict environmental regulations and the continued use of all-electric boats.
St Bartholomew's Church is Königssee's most photographed landmark, its red onion domes contrasting against the mountain backdrop.
Only accessible by boat, this former hunting lodge and pilgrimage church houses Baroque altars and historic artefacts. The adjacent former hunting lodge is now a restaurant serving local specialities, especially freshly smoked trout prepared according to centuries-old recipes.
Obersee, a smaller lake beyond the southern end of Königssee, requires a short hike after the boat's second stop at Salet. This little-visited gem offers views of Germany's highest waterfall, the Röthbach Waterfall, which plunges 470 metres over sheer rock faces.
The Obersee and waterfall above the Königsee lake
The Echowand, a steep rock face rising from the eastern shore of the lake, creates the famous echo effect of the Königssee. Captains on the boat tour demonstrate this natural phenomenon by blowing a trumpet towards the wall, creating several clear echoes.
Malerwinkel is the most spectacular viewpoint for photographers and artists. A 15-minute walk from the main pier, this elevated vantage point offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Early morning visits are often rewarded with mirror-like reflections on the lake's surface, especially in autumn when the mist creates a mystical atmosphere.
The Jenner cable car, located near the northern end of the lake, takes visitors to an altitude of 1,874 metres for a bird's eye view of Lake Königssee and the Berchtesgadener Land.
The summit station provides access to hiking trails for all levels, from easy walks to challenging mountain routes.
In winter the area becomes a popular ski resort, although the lake views are accessible all year round.
The National Park Information Centre near the main jetty has interactive displays on the geology, flora and fauna of the region. Its modern facilities include a theatre showing nature documentaries and detailed models explaining the formation of the lake.
There are actually two tourist information centres in the village of Schönau am Königssee. One is located in the town hall and is open weekdays only. The other is at the main car park and is open seven days a week (with shorter opening hours in the winter months).
Website: www.koenigssee.de