Königssee

Königssee is a deep, glacial lake in Berchtesgaden National Park in southeastern Bavaria, Germany, famed for its clear emerald water and steep mountain shores. It is set beneath high alpine peaks and is a major day-visit destination for hiking and boat trips.

The lake was formed by glacial erosion and has been a local pilgrimage and leisure destination for centuries; small chapels and alpine huts on its shores document historical human use of the valley. The surrounding area is protected as part of Berchtesgaden National Park, established to conserve the alpine landscape and its biodiversity.

Königssee lies in Berchtesgaden National Park near Germany’s border with Austria in southeastern Bavaria, with the nearest town being Berchtesgaden to the north and mountain valleys rising steeply from the lake’s shoreline.

• Boat service and echo: Only electrically powered boats operate on the lake to preserve water quality and the audio commentary aboard boats explains the lake's echo phenomenon.

What to See #

• St. Bartholomä Church: The pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä occupies a small headland on the western shore and is reached by the lake's electric boat service; its red onion domes are a local landmark.
• Salet landing and trails: Salet is the western landing and trailhead area that links to mountain paths and alpine huts on the surrounding slopes.
• Watzmann massif: The Watzmann massif towers above the lake and provides the dominant alpine backdrop; its highest peak reaches 2,713 m and is a major mountaineering objective viewed from the lake.