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Lake Königssee

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

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Lake Königssee, positioned in the massive mountain world of the Berchtesgaden National Park, is considered one of Germany's cleanest and most spectacular lakes. With a maximum depth of approximately 190 meters, it is the deepest lake in Bavaria and captivates with its emerald green water, enclosed by steep rock walls, including the famous Watzmann East Face. A special feature of the lake is its fjord-like character, shaped by glacial movements during the last Ice Age. On the Hirschau peninsula sits the Baroque pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, which is accessible only by boat or via demanding hiking trails. Since 1909, shipping on Lake Königssee has been operated exclusively with silent electric motors to protect the sensitive ecology of the mountain lake. The famous echo at the Echo Wall, traditionally demonstrated with a flugelhorn, is an integral part of every boat crossing and fascinates visitors from all over the world.

Location: Bavaria, Germany
Top sights: Seeaukopf · Gotzenstein · Feuerpalfen
Nearby: Berchtesgaden (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-5	-4	0	5	10	14	15	15	11	7	1	-3
Rain mm	91	72	89	85	151	176	184	184	135	102	76	82

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reaching this fjord-like mountain lake usually involves traveling to the Berchtesgaden area, followed by a short bus ride or drive to the Schönau starting point. Public transport connections from major Bavarian cities are generally reliable, making it highly accessible without a private vehicle.

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Best season

The warmest summer months are generally considered the prime time for boat tours and hiking along the pristine shores, though they naturally draw the largest crowds. Spring and early autumn typically offer a quieter, yet still beautiful, experience with milder weather and colorful foliage.

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Terrain & paths

The immediate lakeside area features mostly paved and easily walkable promenades suitable for casual strollers and families. Venturing further into the surrounding national park typically involves steeper, rocky mountain paths requiring good physical fitness and surefootedness.

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What to bring

Standard comfortable walking shoes are sufficient for the main tourist paths near the boat docks, but sturdy hiking boots are strongly recommended for longer mountain trails. Layers of clothing and reliable rain protection are advisable as the alpine weather can change quite rapidly.

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Parking

A large centralized visitor car park is typically available near the Schönau lakeside area, serving as the primary base for exploring the crystal clear waters. During the peak summer season, this facility can fill up quickly, making early morning arrivals highly advantageous.

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Safety

It is crucial to stick to the marked trails to avoid getting lost in the dense national park forests or encountering sudden steep drop-offs. If renting a rowboat or participating in water activities, always adhere strictly to the local navigation rules and watch out for larger tour vessels.

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Time needed

A basic visit to the immediate lakeside and a short, classic boat trip typically takes about half a day for most casual tourists. Those planning to embark on extended mountain hikes or fully cross the lake to explore the remote corners should realistically allocate a full day.

Geography

Coordinates

47.55500, 12.98800

Facts

Maximum depth of approx. 190 meters
The length of the lake is about 7.7 kilometers
Electric motors in use since the year 1909
St. Bartholomä dates back to the 12th century
Echo Wall reflects sound up to two times
Formed by glaciers during the Würm glaciation

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Watzmann5 km · WExplore →

Hoher Göll6 km · NEExplore →

Obersalzberg – Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest)8 km · NEExplore →

Berchtesgaden8 km · NExplore →

Wimbachgries9 km · WExplore →

Golling Castle14 km · EExplore →

Kuchl14 km · NEExplore →

Werfen Ice Giants World16 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lake Königssee (9)

Seeaukopf

Seeaukopf is a mountain in Germany, in the Berchtesgaden Alps, near Lake Königssee.

Gotzenstein

Gotzenstein is a mountain in Germany, located in the Berchtesgaden Alps above Lake Königssee.

Feuerpalfen

Feuerpalfen is a mountain in Germany, a viewpoint overlooking Lake Königssee.

Echo vom Königssee

Famous echo at Lake Königssee, caused by steep rock walls, often triggered by trumpet.

St. Bartholomä

Pilgrimage church on Lake Königssee, with a red dome, situated on a peninsula.

Archenkopf

Archenkopf is a mountain in the Berchtesgaden Alps in Bavaria, above Lake Königssee.

Archenkanzel

Archenkanzel is a mountain, a viewpoint with a steep drop towards Lake Königssee.

St. Johann und Paul - Kapelle

Chapel in Schönau am Königssee, Upper Bavaria, a protected building.

St. Bernhard

Roman Catholic chapel on the Kührointalm, municipality of Schönau am Königssee, Berchtesgadener Land district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How long does the boat trip take?

The trip to St. Bartholomä takes about 35 minutes, and to the final stop, Salet, about an hour.

Is swimming allowed in Lake Königssee?

Yes, swimming is allowed, but the water is very refreshingly cold even in summer (around 16-18 degrees).

Is there a circular path around the lake?

No, due to the steep rock walls, it is not possible to walk completely around the lake.

What is the Königssee echo?

During the boat trip, a staff member plays a flugelhorn to demonstrate the famous echo from the rock face.

Do the boats run in winter?

Yes, the electric boats run year-round to St. Bartholomä, unless the lake is frozen over.

Lake Königssee: where is it located?

Lake Königssee is located in Bavaria, Germany.

Lake Königssee: what is there to see?

Highlights include Seeaukopf, Gotzenstein, Feuerpalfen.

Lake Königssee: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lake Königssee: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Königssee, positioned in the massive mountain world of the Berchtesgaden National Park, is considered one of Germany's cleanest and most spectacular lakes.

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