Funtensee
Lake Alpine lake in Berchtesgaden, known for extreme cold
A high-mountain sinkhole lake in the Berchtesgaden Alps noted for very cold microclimates; hikers use the area as a starting point for routes on surrounding peaks and alpine trails.
Funtensee is a small karst lake in the Berchtesgaden Alps of Bavaria, Germany, located in a high mountain basin near the Hochkalter massif. The site is notable for its cold-air pooling, which produces some of the lowest recorded temperatures in Germany.
The lake occupies a closed basin and the surrounding topography traps cold air, creating extreme nocturnal temperature inversions. The immediate area is visited by hikers and glaciological or meteorological observers interested in the lake and its unique microclimate.
Geologically the basin is shaped by alpine and karst processes and lies within the mountainous terrain of southeastern Bavaria, close to the German-Austrian border.
- Elevation: Sits in a high mountain basin at roughly 1,600 metres above sea level and forms a small karst lake in the Berchtesgaden Alps.
- Microclimate: Known for intense nocturnal temperature inversions that can produce exceptionally low winter temperatures compared with surrounding valleys.
How to Get to Funtensee #
Funtensee is reached from the Ramsau/Feldwies area near Berchtesgaden. Park at designated trailheads (e.g., Funtensee parking) and follow marked mountain trails; expect steep, alpine hiking. Public transport reaches Berchtesgaden; local buses or taxis to trailheads are typical.
Tips for Visiting Funtensee #
- Approach Funtensee with caution: it lies inside the Berchtesgaden/Hoher Göll region and paths can be steep and exposed.
- Check the Berchtesgaden National Park service or local mountain hut (Feldwies) for trail conditions and avalanche risk in winter.
- Bring layers-Funtensee sits in a bowl that traps cold and wind; temperatures can be much cooler than nearby valleys.
Best Time to Visit Funtensee #
Summer for hiking; winter attracts those interested in its famous temperature inversions and extreme cold readings-but travel with expertise.
Weather & Climate near Funtensee #
Funtensee's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1451 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (191 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
