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Königssee Lake Ferry Boat Tour:

Location :  Kings Lake Berchtesgaden ( Königssee ) Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Boat and lift costs below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Start :  Königssee Village & Boat Dock Time Required :  The full round-trip boat ride without getting off will take 2 hours ( 35 minutes to the church, 20 minutes to the end, and back ).  If you are getting out to explore then expect an average of 4-5 hours total. Seasonality : In July-September, arrive before 10am and return by 2pm to avoid long lines.  In the Winter the ferry still runs daily, but only goes as far as Saint Bartholomew’s Church and back as a half tour.  Many mountain hikes will also be closed in the Winter, but the ferry journey is great year round. Fun Scale :  9.5 out of 10

The King’s Lake ( Königssee ) is one of the most majestic places in Europe.  It is an angelic emerald fjord lined by powerful Alpine mountains that never fails to wow its visitors.  Nestled in a valley between the Jenner, Hagen, and Watzmann Mountains, Königssee is  Bavaria’s deepest lake  at 630 feet deep.  Rare species of fish swim in the 5 mile long lake’s crystal clear waters and the local restaurants serve them up fresh.

Tours on the lake take place on vintage  electric passenger ferries  which quietly glide past lazy boathouses, roaring waterfalls, and lofty mountain faces.  The red onion domes of Saint Bartholomä Church are breath-taking and the Obersee at the end of the lake is on of the most beautiful place in the Alps.  Every minute of the journey is picturesque and very relaxing.  We also love to take the cable car up nearby Jenner Mountain after taking the King’s Lake ferry boat tour.

Getting To Königssee From Berchtesgaden:

The easiest way to get to the King’s Lake from the Berchtesgaden Train Station is  Bus 841 ( Timetable Summer – Timetable Winter ) which goes directly to Königssee in just 10-15 minutes twice an hour.  Taxis are often available 24 hours a day from the station as well and the quick journey to the lake is only a couple Euros.  If you choose to hike instead it will take around 1.5 hours down the former Königssee train tracks which are now an excellent trail which used to be a railroad line.

Königssee Ferry Boat Information:

Ferry Boat Overview : The Lake Königssee Ferry Line has used only electric boats since 1909 to both reduce polution but also to keep the lake quite for the local wildlife.  Today there are 19 boats continuously shuttle visitors down the long fiord-like lake and service runs 365 days a year (shorten in Winter).  Each boat can hold 93 passengers but only 80 tickets are sold for each to leave room for strollers, wheelchairs, and backpacks.

Hours Of Operation : Ferries depart year round at least once an hour from and are increased to every 15 minutes in peak season.  During the Winter they only go halfway down the lake to Saint Bartholomä Church and cut out the Salet/Obersee stop at the end.  Check the current schedule for departure times.  In the peak Summer months, boats usually depart from 8am-5pm, in the Fall 9am-4pm, and in the Winter half tours run with shorter hours.  It’s very rare and only once every ten years that the lake freezes enough in Winter to shut down the ferries for a few days, however, in 2006 the ice lasted 29 days.

Trip Length :  The full ferry route to the end of the lake and back takes 2 hours round trip.  The route takes 35 minutes to reach Saint Bartholomä Church and another 20 to reach Obersee then follows the same route back.  You can get out at either stop and jump right back on any of the other return ferries, just make note on the time of the last return trip so you don’t miss it.  There is NO footpath to get you all the way back you really must make the last ferry.  In the Winter the ferry only does half of the tour, going just to Saint Bartholomä Church and back.

Peak Summer Months :  In the peak months of July through September the lines in the afternoon can get long so go early in the day.  Boats run every 15-30 minutes in these peak months leaving the main dock from 8am to 5pm ( current schedule ).  We recommend starting your journey as early as possible and no later than 10:30am to avoid a long wait.  If you plan on hiking around Obersee at the end of King’s Lake we suggest riding all the way through to it at the start and then on the way back get out at Saint Bartholomä Church.  This way you can have Obersee to yourself while it is quite and peaceful.

Round Trip Ferry Cost :  Adults 16.90€; Children 8.50€; Kids 5 and under Free; Family ( 2 Adults & up to 4 kids ) 42.30€; Dog 3€.  Fare is cheaper if you do the half tour only to St. Bartholomä and skip the Salet/Obersee Stop.   Online Advance Ferry Ticket : ( Here ).

King’s Lake Lake Tour Attractions:

1. königssee ferry boat dock :.

About The Boat Dock :  Whether you are arriving by bus, car, or taxi the boat dock is only a short walk down from the Königssee parking lot.  On our first visit to the lake we were just expecting a boat dock, but it’s actually a beautiful little village.  There are tons of cute little shops leading the way to the lake and the iconic half-timber lodge called  Hotel Schiffmeister  ( website ) sitting at the water’s edge.  If you were to work your way back toward Berchtesgaden by foot you’ll find even more shops and an excellent hiking trail of the former train tracks that once connected the train station to Schönau am Königssee.

The boat dock is impossible to miss as you reach the King’s Lake.  We love watching the graceful and silent electric ferry boats pull into the dock on the lake’s crystal clear water.  If you have time to kill between ferries, consider grabbing a drink at the tree-lined outdoor Franzinkaner Beer Garden next to the ticket booth.

Getting To  The Boat Dock :  From central Berchtesgaden, take Bus 841 to the Königssee parking lot and take a short walk.   360 Degree Photo : ( From Above ).  Ferry Company Website : ( Here ).  Online Advance Ticket : ( Here ).

2. Christlieger Island & Boat Houses :

About Christlieger Island :  As you pull out of the ferry boat dock you quickly pass Christlieger Island, the only island in King’s Lake .  The small tree-covered island has a grotto and marble statue from 1711 of Saint John of Nepomuk ( Patron Saint of Sailors ).  From there Königssee begins to open up and the views get better and better along the way.

To the left of the island are a collection of covered ferry boat houses lining the lake’s Eastern shore.  These historic wooden houses are where the fleet of electric ferry boats are stored and recharged overnight.  When fully charged the boats can glide on the calm waters for a full 12-14 hours at a time.  In total there are 17 electric boats which can carry 80 passengers at a time plus one smaller 25-person boat.  When the boats were first put into operation in 1909 they were electric from the start as Prince Regent Luitpold was afraid that motor noise would scare away the deer in his favorite Royal hunting grounds.  The result is a quiet relaxing ride, but the lack of pollution has also helped to maintain the purity of the water in Bavaria’s deepest lake making it the  cleanest lake in Germany .

3. Falcon Stone Memorial ( Falkenstein ):

About The Falcon Stone Memorial :  Since as early as 1635 religious visitors have made the mountain pilgrimage on foot every August from Maria Alm in Austria, over the Sea Of Rock Mountain Range ( Steinerness ) behind Watzmann, and down Kings Lake to Saint Bartholomä Church.  On August 23rd, 1688, a boat carrying 100 of these travelers capsized and 70 pilgrims drown before they could reach the shore.  The large red cross in the rock face of Falcon Stone Wall honors the 70 that died and a wreath is laid near it every August during the annual pilgrimage.

Research has shown that the real location of the crash wasn’t at Falcon Stone, but instead at the rock wall near the Reitl Ditch on the shore opposite of Saint Bartholomä Church.  The water here is only 6-10 feet deep compared to up to 630 feet in deepest part of the center of the lake.  In 1913, the Falcon Stone Wall almost had a giant Assyrian lion carved into, but thankful that idea was left untouched.

Sitting across the lake from the cross is the popular Painters’ Viewpoint ( Malerwinkel )  which can be reached by foot with 10 minutes of the main ferry boat docks.  The viewpoint is very popular with painters as you can see far down the King’s Lake with a view of Saint Bartholomä Church.  More an even more breathtaking perspective , you can hike an additional 30 minutes up a switchback trail to Raven Wall ( Rabenwand ).  From its elevated perch 130 meters above the water, Rabenwand has one of the most beautiful views in Germany.  You’ll not only be able to see the church over 2.5 miles away but will also be able to see the end of the angelic King’s Lake 4.5 miles to the South.  This hiking trail stays open even in Winter as the path is cleared of snow.

4. Echo Chamber ( Echowand ):

About The Echo Chamber :  As your ferry boat rounds the only bend in the King’s Lake, you will enter it famous Echo Chamber.  The sheer rock wall of the fjord creates a natural echo surface that bounces even small sounds back at the boat.  Your boat captain will provide an excellent demonstration of the world-famous echo chamber by sounding his trumpet to show off a reverberating tune.  When the ferry boats first started in 1909 the phenomenon was demonstrated by firing off a loud Böllerschuss powder gun echo up to seven times .  Due to safety and fire concerns, the guns were traded out for flugelhorn trumpets in the 1930s and the echo seems to sound just a little different each time they are played.

5. Saint Bartholomä Church :

About The King’s Lake :   Just a little more than halfway down the lake you’ll reach your first ferry stop at quaint white Church of Saint Bartholomä.  With its red onion domes, the unique church is the most photographed attraction on Königssee Lake. The church was first built in 1134 AD before being rebuilt in the current style in 1697.  After Berchtesgaden joined Bavaria in 1810, the St. Bartholomä Church quickly became a hunting lodge for the Bavarian Kings.

Many visitors taking our King’s Lake ferry boat tour get off the boat at the church to check out the grounds then jump back on the next boat which is every 15-30 minutes.  There is food, beer garden, and bathrooms available at the church grounds.  We highly suggest taking some time to stroll down the lakeside walking path where you can relax in peace at one of the benches.   Admission Cost :  Free.   Website :   Here .

6. Ice Chapel Cave & Glacier ( Eiskapelle ):

About The Ice Chapel Cave : Probably the best hidden gem on the lake is the year-round glacier sitting above Saint Bartholomä Church.  The small glacier is set gas the perfect spot to preserve even though the snow much higher up the Watzmann Mountain melts away each Summer.  Winds tunnel into the glacier to create a natural ice cave and frozen overhang.  About 1/3 of the glaciers ice retreats in the Summer and the cave entrance can grow to be as big as 60 high by 80 feet wide.

The water from the same system that supplies water to the glacier has over time also created the fanning delta which the Saint Bartholomä Church sits on.  As you hike up the rift toward the Ice Chapel Cave, you’ll notice how the sand turns to gravel and then from rocks into large boulders .  The rugged trail will take you across the Ice Stream ( Eisbach ) Bridge and the small Chapel of Saint John and Paul.  As the trail begins to break up into a field of boulders you’ll be able to see the glacier.   Because the Ice Chapel is more of an overhanging ice sheet than a cave they suggest not going inside as it always has a risk of collapse.

Getting Here : It’s a 2 mile, 90-minute hike up from the church.  Time Required : Roundtrip it will take you 2.5-3 hours from the church to reach the Ice Chapel.    Clothing :  Make sure to wear sturdy shoes on the rocky mountain trail, flip-flop sandals won’t get you very far down the trail.

7. Upper Lake ( Obersee ):

About Obersee : The final ferry boat stop on the lake is called Salet which has restrooms and is close to two cozy restaurant huts called the Gaststätte Saletalm and Mooskaser Saletalm.  The ferry dock is only a 10-minute walk from the beautifully secluded Upper Lake ( Obersee ) .  The mirror-like Obersee was cut off from the rest of Königssee Lake by a massive landslide in 1172 AD.  Because of this natural dam, the cold water in Obersee so  unbelievable clear  that it makes wooden boats here look like they are almost floating in the air.

Sitting at the peaceful pier on the edge of Obersee will send you into an instant state of relaxation.  Some of the photos we have taken near the dock it is almost impossible to tell where the reflecting water ends and the sky begins because the lake is so clear and still.  If you are getting off at Obersee make sure to double check what time the next Ferry will come so you don’t miss it.

8. Fischunkelalm Farm & Pasture :

About Fischunkelalm :  Hiking the 30 minutes around the shore of the mirror-like Obersee leads to a special treat for any visitor called the Fischunkelalm Farm & Pasture.  From mid-May through early-October the farm is fully operational with their doors open for hungry visitors and their cows free roaming the valley.  The farm is known for having great organic milk, creamy buttermilk, cold beer, fresh bread with cheese, and a bunch of delicious berry jams.  While the name Fischunkelalm in German may lead you to believe it is an Alpine Fish Farm, the name actually slightly Latin-based meaning Narrow Strip Of Alpine Meadow.

At the end of the season, the owners herd all of their cattle onto a barge and float them across the King’s Lake for their Winter pasture.  It is a huge celebration in Berchtesgaden known as Queen of the Pastures ( Almabtrieb ) and includes the parading cows being fitted with flowered collars and floral headdresses.

From the picturesque farm, you can explore the surrounding pasture that takes up most of the rest of the Obersee valley.  It takes about 30 minutes to hike all the way to the back rim where you can find the 1,540-foot-tall Röthbach Waterfall.  This is the tallest waterfall in Germany !  Near the base of the waterfall is the cottage-like Wasser Alm Guesthouse which is very basic but popular with overnight hikers.

Getting Here : 30-minute hike from Obersee to the farm and another 30-minute hike to the back of the valley.

9. Jennerbahn Valley Station ( Talstation ):

About The Valley Station : The very popular Jenner Mountain got its first cable car system in 1953 which opened the mountain peak to a whole new group of tourists.   At 1,874 meters ( 6,148 ft ) tall, Jenner Mountain offers an entirely different perspective on the Kings Lake below to go along with its excellent Alpine hiking and Winter ski runs.  In 2016, construction started on an entirely new cable car system with large modern stations at all three levels.  Opening in stages from the Fall of 2018 through the Summer of 2019, the project is truly stunning.

The entirely redesigned Valley Station near the Konigssee parking lot is very accessible even for wheelchairs or strollers.  This goes along with the cable cars themselves being upgraded from tiny 2-4 person cabins to spacious 10 person cabins.  The Winter ski lifts are bumping up from 2-person to 6-person chairs.  The elegant Valley Station as a sports shop, storage lockers, a restaurant, a bar, and a large open-air terrace.

Jennerbahn Lift Cost : The full round trip is 27.50€ for Adults or 11€ for Kids.   Cable Car Lift Hours : Daily 9-6pm ( Spring and late Fall until 5pm ).  Jennerbahn Lift Website : ( Here ).  Online Advance Tickets : ( Here ).

10. Jennerbahn Middle Station ( Mittelstation ):

About The Middle Station : We highly suggest checking out the Middle Station as you ride up the Jenner Mountain Cable Car.  The stop has great views of Watzmann Mountain across Königssee Lake, excellent access to barrier-free hiking , and a small spring-fed Alpine pond called Lake On The Mount ( Bergsee ).  You can take some really really great photos at the pond which reflects the mountains and sky like a mirror.  The best thing about the pond is that because it is spring fed with warm water it  never freezes  over in the Winter.  This is a very rare quality for an Alpine pond.

This the Middle Station also has a very modern restaurant with indoor and patio seating.  We especially love stopping here for a wonderful ice cream dish and beer.  If you want to go a little more rustic you will love the really fun Dr. Hugo Beck Haus Beer Hall  ( website ) which doubles as a hotel and has a great patio.  Like the reflecting pond, Dr. Hugo’s is basically just a short hike from the Middle Station.

To the West of the Middle Station, it is about a 25 minute hike to the Hinterbrand Parking Lot or an additional 20 minutes to the Bus 838 Stop ( Christophorusschule ) which can take you to/from the Nazi Documentation Center.

Jennerbahn Lift Cost : The full round trip is 27.50€ for Adults or 11€ for Kids.   Cable Car Lift Hours : Daily 9-6pm ( Spring and late Fall until 5pm ).  Dr Hugo Beer Hall Hours : Open in the Spring through Fall Wednesday-Monday 11am-6pm; Closed Tuesdays.  Jennerbahn Lift Website : ( Here ).  Online Advance Tickets : ( Here ).

11. Jennerbahn Mountain Station ( Bergstation ):

About Jennerbahn Mountain Station : At 6,100 feet in elevation, the top of Jenner Mountain truly has the best view anywhere around Königssee.  You’ll feel like you are hovering above the King’s Lake below you, see hang-gliders flying by you, and can take in miles upon miles of Alpine beauty in every direction.  In the Summer months the top of Jenner Mountain has unbelievable mountain hiking trails, and in the Winter there are a ton of thrilling skiing opportunities.

With a modern Mountain Station since 2019, a large panoramic restaurant called Jenneralm also opened with stunning outdoor terraces is bound to be a highlight of your visit.  The very best views of Königssee are at the main platform just a short 400-yard walk down from the restaurant.  If you are feeling a little more adventurous there are a couple guesthouse and the true Mount Jenner summit within an hour’s hike of the Mountain Station.  One of the guesthouse sites right on the border of Austria and German.

Other Sites Near Königssee:

12. bobsled track rides :.

About The Bobsled Track :  You know you are truly in the Alps when one of the attractions lets you ride in an authentic bobsled going  80 miles an hour  down a mountain!  Each sled is manned by a German, Austrian, or European bobsled champion driver and will truly get your blood pumping.  In the Winter you will have the full authentic experience on an ice track, but it is open on a limited basis in the Summer also.  In the warmer months, the skates on the sled are switched out for tires and you ride down the bare concrete of the bobsled course.

If you aren’t looking for the full heart-pounding experience you can opt for the  Kini-bobberl  instead.  This bulky version of the bobsled goes at half the speed and is made out of think foam rubber instead of metal.  Either option you choose it is a very fun and safe experience behind an expert driver.  You must be 18 years old to join and each sled can have up to 3 passengers.

Summer Ride Hours :  They have rides available May-June on a limited basis of 3-4 days a month.  Winter Hours :  The Winter schedule comes out each Summer and is much more frequent than the Summer rides.   Cost :  In Summer it is 65€ a person and in Winter it’s 90€ a person.  Kini-bobberl is 30€ a person.  Includes professional driver, insurance, and an award certificate.   Website :   Here .

13. Greenstone Mountain Climbing ( Grünstein Klettersteig ):

About Greenstone Mountain Climbing : The most popular peak near Königsee for rock climbers is Greenstone Mountain.  The rewarding climb has built-in handholds, metal ladders and an amazing wooden suspension bridge along its route.  The summit can also be reached by hiking along the South side of the peak and the top has incredible views of Watzmann Mountain.  If you are looking to climb we suggest joining a tour group unless you bring your own rock climbing gear.  Full climbing gear is required and children are not allowed to rock climb.

Hiking Time :  You can hike to the summit and back in a little of 2 hours.   Climbing Time :  To rock climb to the summit it takes around 2.5 hours.   Mountain Website :  ( Here ).

14. Saint Sebastian Church ( Ramsau, Germany ):

About Saint Sebastian Church : Photographers will love taking photos at this riverside church in the nearby village of Ramsau.  As you approach the church it becomes perfectly framed by lush trees and quaint footbridge completed with the Reiter Alpe Mountain range as a backdrop.  The setting is so awesome that you’ll quickly understand why the church ends up being put on so many local postcards.  The age of St Sebastion Church is also impressive as it was built in 1512 before being remodeled in 1692 in the baroque style.

Getting to St Sebastian Church :  Bus 846 from Berchtesgaden’s Train Station stops right in front of the Church ( Ramsau b.Berchtesgaden Kirche ).  Buses leave a couple times an hour, it is the 9th stop from the train station, and it takes less than 15 minutes.   Live Webcam :   here .

15. Wimbachklamm Waterfalls ( Ramsau, Germany ):

About Wimbachklamm Waterfalls :  The Wimbach River is a small tributary to the Ramsau and runs down a narrow gorge cut into Watzmann Mountain.  About a half mile down the Wimbach River it a weeping wall covered with a series of finger-like waterfalls in a tight canyon setting.  The well maintained wooden footpaths and the unique setting will make you feel you are on the set of Lord of the Rings.  It is truly a hidden gem in a region of wonders.

Getting to Wimbachklamm :  Bus 846 stops right in front of the Church 9 stops from Berchtesgaden’s Main Station ( Ramsau b.Berchtesgaden Wimbachbrücke ) and 7 minutes from the Church and 8 minutes from Berchtesgaden.  From the Bus Stop follow the signs and other tourists a short .5 miles South to the Waterfall.  If you skip the bus and walk the whole way, the Waterfall is 1.5 miles from the Church.

16. Watzmann Mountain & Guest House :

About Watzmann Mountain & Guest House :  The iconic Watzmann Mountain dominates Berchtesgaden from almost every angle you can think of.  At 8,900 feet Watzmann is the  3rd tallest peak in Germany  ( behind Hochwanner & Zugspitze ), but is overall is the tallest mountain to be located completely on German soil as the others are on the Austrian border.  The mountain’s main dual peaks poke up like horns around a center dimple almost like someone took a big bite right off the top of the summit.  Sitting at the about halfway up the Alpine face is a large 200 person guest house called the  Watzmann Haus  ( website ).   Built in 1888, this hostel is one of the highest hotels in Europe at 6332 feet above sea level.  The average room is only 28 €  a night.

Watzmann is considered the center of the Berchtesgaden National Park and the area provides great rock climbing and unbeatable Alpine hiking.   During your hike, you feel like you are in Switzerland the entire time and the views are that good. You have to be in pretty good shape to do the hiking and should dedicate a full day to visiting the Watzmann if you plan on doing so.

Legend has it that the highest peak is King Watzmann, the second highest is his wife, and the peaks between them are their seven children.  Because the King was a mean tyrant, God turned him and his family into stone.

Hiking Time Required :  It takes about 4-4.5 hours to reach Watzman Haus from the valley and another 2.5-3 hours from the Watzmann Haus to the mountain summit.  The hike is strenuous and some stretches toward the top are not for the faint of heart.   You can do the whole thing round trip in around 12 hours, but we recommend staying at Watzmann Haus or just hiking to the hostel and back if you only have 1 day.

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A Boat Ride on Lake Königssee

Berchtesgaden, 23,81 km from salzburg residence palace.

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• A Boat Ride on Lake Königssee | Berchtesgaden

Lake Königssee – sheer Bavarian pleasure

Walled in by huge rock faces, the emerald green lake Königssee near Berchtesgaden is the main point of attraction down Berchtesgaden way.

The lake, embedded as it is in the landscape, like a fjord, is 8 km in length and up to 1250 m wide and it lies just 602 m above sea level. With a maximum depth of 190 m, the water is relatively cold, even in the height of summer, since the lake is mainly fed by deep underground inflows.

The lake was in fact generated from the hollow that was formed before the ice age and became increasingly deeper as a result of the powerful ice movements.

With the dwindling of the glaciers, the water that had melted collected in the valley. Between Watzmann to the west and Jenner and Gotzenberg to the east, the Königssee completely fills the valley and has a surface of 5.2 sq. km. The idyllic upper part of Königsee became separated by a terminal moraine. A professional fisherman runs the fishery in St. Bartholomä.

Because of the excellent quality of the water, the fish (saibling, brook trout, salmon, pike, perch, minnows, whitefish, eelpout) are accustomed to a limited diet. Since it is not exactly overfed, the saibling, served as smoked “Schwarzreuther”, makes for a particular delicacy. In earlier times, splendid samples of trout used to be depicted in portrait form. Such a collection of paintings can be seen at the St. Bartholomä guesthouse. In 1976 a fantastic trout weighing 27.5 kilos was caught and can be viewed there, prepared in a glass display stand.

The jetties – an encounter with nature

The Königssee fleet comprises 19 electrical boats accommodating 1650 persons. Each year it transports about 650,000 people over the lake. There are three landing stages:

• St. Bartholomä

Lake Königssee: Near the landing stage there is a car park. You can obtain everything you need there for your journey. There are Bavarian postcards, souvenirs, maps as well as restaurants. The boats leave here every 30 minutes

St. Bartholomä: The one-way trip takes about 35 minutes. The royal hunting lodge and the St. Bartholomä church dating back to 1134 is worth seeing and makes an ideal starting point for a visit to the so-called Eiskapelle, the ice chapel, a dome-like vault out of ice, which never melts, even in summer.

Salet: From Königssee, the return journey takes about two hours. You can break your journey in St. Bartholomä and Salet. A short walk will give you a splendid view of the upper lake and Röthbachfall. The Fischunkel alpine pastures are another 45 minutes away.

Kessel: This landing stage is the starting point for a great number of alpine tours, such as to Gotzenalm (1685m), Königsbachalm (1150 m) or Kahlersberg (2350 m). But careful! You need to be really fit!

Schifffahrt am Königssee Seestraße 55 83471 Schönau am Königssee

T.: +49 8652 96360 E.: [email protected]

Places nearby

• Harz Mountains
• Quedlinburg
• Wernigerode
• Harz Fairy Tales
• Berchtesgaden Area
• Berchtesgaden Town
• Eagle's Nest
• Hitler's Berghof
• Obersalzberg
• Braunau am Inn
• Wartburg Castle
• Martin Luther
• Hogan's Heroes
• Colditz Castle
• Flights to Germany

Updated May 11, 2023.

Lake Königssee

Germany's most beautiful alpine lake.

Lake Königssee (or just Königssee, "See" meaning lake) lies just a couple of miles south of the town of Berchtesgaden and is Germany's deepest and cleanest lake.

This area has been used for outdoor recreation for centuries; Bavarian royalty and the local rulers of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg hunted here, Hitler went boating on the lake, and Eva Braun liked to sunbathe on the shore.

Eva Braun sunbathing at the  Königssee

The photos below were taken by Captain Harry Long, 14th Armored Division, U.S. Army, in June 1945.

The Königssee is a wonderful example of a crystal-clear alpine lake. It's easy to get to from Berchtesgaden, just inside the Berchtesgaden National Park, and doesn't require any strenuous hiking.

A short bus ride from town takes you to the parking lot; then it's a 10 minute walk to the lake and the boat dock.

Visitors can glide along the length of the lake in an quiet electric boat, right past vertical mountain walls to the much-photographed baroque church of Sankt Bartholomä, and further on to the dock at Salet at the southern end.

Along the way, the boatman blows a blast on his trumpet and the echoes bounce back from the mountain walls.

There are only two stops:  St. Bartholomä  and  Salet . The mountain walls are so sheer, there is no path around the lake, so the boat is the only way to explore the Königssee.

The lake is about 5 miles (8 km) long and rather narrow, like a fjord (it was carved by glaciers). About two-thirds of the way out, roughly 30 minutes, is the church of  Sankt Bartholomä .

You can get there off and explore, hike a bit along the edge of the lake (or climb 6 km up to the Ice Chapel ), and eat at the restaurant in the former hunting lodge next to the church.

During the summer, they serve fresh and smoked trout and whitefish, pulled from right the lake. No other fishing is allowed on the water.

St. Bartholomä church was originally built in the 12th century, then remodeled in the 16th century using a domed style influenced by Ottoman architecture.

After stopping at the church, the boat continues for another 30 minutes to the southern end of the Königssee, at Salet.

If you have time, I recommend you also ride out to Salet and do the 15 minute walk to a smaller lake, the  Obersee , and enjoy gorgeous views of the mountains reflected in the mirror-like surface, and the tall Röthbach waterfall.

Suggestions for the Boat Trip

This is a very popular excursion, so expect crowds, especially during beautiful weather. 

My advice : go early and leave well before the last hour that the boats are running, so you don't stand in the long lines at St. Bartholomä waiting to get on the last boats back to town. Ditto for avoiding the long lines to get on the bus back to Berchtesgaden.

But don't let the crowds discourage you! This place is so beautiful and peaceful, in spite the people; once you are out sailing and walking around, it doesn't feel crowded. And the silence is magical.

Taking the Electric Boats

The boats run every day except December 24, unless the weather is bad (in storms, heavy fog, or when the lake is frozen). They only go out to Salet April through October.

Check for the current  boating hours .

Prices:  Roundtrip to St.Bartholomä: Euro 22. Roundtrip to Salet (not in winter): a little more. Children 6-17 are half-price.

Rowboat Rentals

If you want to go out on the lake yourself, you can rent a rowboat (at the second boathouse after the toilets). Available if the weather is good, 11-5. 2-4 people.

How to get to the Königssee

From berchtesgaden:.

Several buses stop at the Königssee: #'s 839 , 841 and 843 ; they run hourly.

Where: you can catch it from the bus stop in front of the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, or in town at the stop on Maximillianstrasse near the Kurhaus.

From Salzburg:

By bus:  Bus #840 (The Watzmann Express) leaves from the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof and the Salzburg Rathaus, and takes you to the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, a 45 minute ride.

By train:  Depart from the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, change at Freilassing, and arrive at the main station in Berchtesgaden in about one hour and 15 minutes. 

From the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, take bus #839, 841 or 843 to the Königssee parking lot.

Map of Lakes Königssee and Obersee

Map data (c)  OpenStreetMap  and contributors,  CC-BY-SA

Lake Königssee Dock Area

Cable Car up to the Jenner Mountain

A five minute walk from the Königssee parking lot brings you to the Jennerbahn, a small cable car that will take you to the top of Jenner mountain.

In winter it's a ski run, but in summer there are wonderful views of the lake and mountains (as good as the one from the Eagle's Nest!)

For the energetic and fit, there are hiking paths down to the lake from the half-way station.

Roundtrip to the top costs Euro 38. 

 See  Jennerbahn   for more info, booking and photos .

More to explore...

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• Königssee Schifffahrt

Königssee Shipping

Another highlight in the Salzburg area is the Königsee lake in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria. A boat trip on the emerald green water amidst the steep rock faces is a memorable experience.

The 8-km-long Königssee with its crystal-clear water is located near the town of Salzburg in the Berchtesgaden district of Bavaria and is a popular destination for families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts. During the trip on the electric passenger boat, you glide silently and in an environmentally friendly way along the east face of the Watzmann mountain towards the famous pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, which can be seen from afar with its striking red onion domes.

The boat trip to the peninsula of St. Bartholomä takes about 35 minutes. It concludes at Salet another 20 minutes away. In St. Bartholomä, a visit to the historic pilgrimage church and a walk along the shore are a must. The shady beer garden of the St. Bartholomä restaurant, the former hunting lodge of the Bavarian royal family, is ideal for refreshments. From Salet, it is a fifteen-minute walk to the Obersee lake, in which you can observe a reflection of the Hagen Mountain Range. At the head of the valley is the Röthbach waterfall, with a drop of over 450 metres, Germany's highest waterfall.

About 20 minutes into the trip, the boat stops and there is a demonstration how the sound of a flugelhorn or trumpet echoes off the "echo wall".

• Schönau am Königssee is only 30 minutes by car from Salzburg
• year-round service (except 24.12.)
• affordable family tickets
• Children up to age 17 pay only half the adult price

Opening times

The opening hours can be found on the official website .

The prices can be found on the official website .

Impressions

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Plan your visit

Here you will find your ideal accommodations, sightseeing tours of Salzburg, special events and tickets, along with all the benefits of the Salzburg Card.

Book guided city tours and excursions in and around Salzburg online:

The many-and-varied cultural events represent the heart & soul of Salzburg. Book your tickets right here:

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The Salzburg Card provides you with free or discounted admission to numerous sightseeing attractions, along with free use of public transportation.

Ostrich Trails

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Visiting Königssee

Home » Europe » Germany » Visiting Königssee

By Vicky · Published Jan. 10th, 2024 · Updated Jan. 12th, 2024

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Visiting Königssee is one of the top things to do in Germany. It’s a gorgeous lake surrounded by the towering Bavarian Alps with plenty of short hikes and other things to do. You should allow at least one day to explore the lake, relax and go on a couple of walks.

Page Contents:

How to Reach Königssee

Königssee from munich.

To get to Lake Königssee from Munich you can either drive or take the train and bus. Alternatively, you can go on a guided tour from Munich * in a comfy van. Taking the train is more relaxing and doesn’t take much longer than driving. The train and bus are included in the German monthly €49 ticket and you miss the hassle of parking.

Königssee from Munich via Car

If you’re driving, it’s takes roughly 2hr30 . There’s a large car park by the lake , just next to where the boat leaves. It’s €7 for 3 hours, or €8 for a day ticket. Payment is via coins or with the Parkster App. A few of the payment machines accept cards but these are sometimes out of order.

Königssee from Munich via Train and Bus

It’s 3 hours on a train and bus from Munich to Königssee, all included in the €49 ticket. On the train, you have to change once at Freilassing, and the next train brings you to Berchtesgaden. From here, it’s an easy 10-minute bus ride on Bus 843 to Königssee. The bus stop you want to get off at is called Königssee, Schönau a. Königssee, and it’s where almost everyone gets off.

Königssee from Salzburg

Salzburg is fairly close to Königssee and it’s easy to reach on public transport with a direct bus. Alternatively, you can go on a tour from Salzburg to Königssee * and be driven via beautiful mountainous scenery.

Königssee from Salzburg via Car

It’s about 40 minutes drive from Salzburg to Lake Königssee. If you’ve rented a car, check that you’re allowed to take it over the border from Austria to Germany. See above for parking details.

Königssee from Salzburg via Bus

It’s just over 1 hour on a direct bus from Salzburg main station to the bus stop at Königssee Lake. The bus to take is Bus 840 and it leaves every hour.

Visiting Königssee Map

Things to do when visiting lake königssee, 1. take a boat tour on lake königssee.

If you’re visiting Königssee, taking the boat tour is a must. On the boat trip, you’ll cruise across the beautiful turquoise waters of Konigssee to St. Batholema and perhaps Salet at the end of the lake.

Boat Tour Stops

There are two main and one irregular stop (Kessel) on the boat tour. The main stops are St. Bartholomew’s Church and Salet. It takes 35 minutes to St. Bartholomew’s and another 20 minutes from there to Salet. It’s definitely worth leaving the boat at both these stops to explore. You can go on great short hikes from both stops, for example to the Eiskapelle or to Lake Obersee. See below for more information.

Boat Tour Times

The first boat is at roughly 8am June-Sept, and at roughly 9am Oct-May. Check out the full timetable here . If it’s very busy, for example on summer weekends, boats leave more regularly when they are full. NOTE: the boat only goes as far as St. Bartholomew’s Church in winter, and does not continue to Salet, the stop at the far end.

Boat Tour Prices

It’s €22.50 for a roundtrip and half-price if you’re just going one-way. Children under 5 are free and those 6-17 get a 50% discount. Check out the official price list here , where you can also buy advanced tickets online. In summer it’s best to book these tickets in advance, else you might have to wait in a queue for a long time.

Boat Tour Tips

The ticket booth is just by the boats and opens roughly 30 minutes before the first boat ride of the day. Taking the first boat is a great idea as it can get very crowded later in the day. If you’re early it will be much more peaceful walking around the lakeshore and at the lake viewpoints.

2. Visit St. Bartholomew’s Church

This unique onion-domed church, called Kirche St. Bartholomä in German, is an icon of Königssee. It’s a stop on the boat tour and it’s definitely worth getting out and wandering around. There’s also a Biergarten here, Gäststätte Sankt Bartholomä, which serves traditional Bavarian food.

3. Hike to the Ice Chapel from St. Bartholomew’s

The Ice Chapel, or Eiskapelle, isn’t really a chapel, but a cave-like hole at the bottom of a glacier, the lowest ice field in the German Alps. You can go inside the Ice Chapel, and it’s a really unique experience to be surrounded by a large tunnel of ice. The first part of the hike is easy and well-signed, just follow the signs pointing to ‘Eiskapelle’. After about 45 minutes of walking, the official trail ends and the signs stop. You can see the ice chapel in the distance from here.

If you want to reach the ice-chapel itself, the final section involves scrambling over rocks and the trail isn’t marked. In winter, and after snowfall, it’s not possible to see the ice chapel as it’s covered in snow. Don’t attempt to walk over the snow or ice here since it can conceal dangerous cracks in the glacier. This section is only recommended for experienced hikers wearing sturdy footwear. The hike takes about 1 hour each way.

4. Go Swimming in the Lake

Königssee is perhaps the cleanest lake in Germany since only electric and man-powered boats cross the water. You’re allowed to swim anywhere away from the boats, but it’s always very cold, even in mid-summer. You can also swim in Obersee, which is equally cold. Two good places are at the beach near St. Batholomew’s Church, and at the far end of Lake Obersee.

4. Walk up to Lake Obersee & the Waterfall

From Salet, the stop at the far end, you can walk to Obersee, a smaller but equally scenic lake nearby. When you arrive on the boat, take the only footpath leading away from the lake. You’ll soon come to the shores of Lake Obersee. From here it’s roughly 30 minutes around the lake to walk to Fishunkelalm, a picturesque mountain hut that serves food and drink.

From this hut, you can hike further into the mountains to see Röthbach Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Germany. The main trail stops some distance from the base of the waterfall, so you just have a viewpoint from afar. It’s very impressive to see the water streaming over the large cliff. If you want to, you can walk a little nearer but the trail is less defined and it soon becomes rocky. It takes about 45 minutes each way from Fischunkelalm.

5. Hike up to Rabenwand Viewpoint

If you’re visiting Lake Königssee, it’s definitely worth walking up to Rabenwand Viewpoint. It’s a fairly easy, 2 km hike from the ticket booth by the boats to the fantastic viewpoint. When facing the boats, head left behind the boathouses and keep left at the fork onto the smaller track. The path then winds its way up the hillside to the Rabenwand Viewpoint. On the way is another viewpoint called Malerwinkel, so make sure to take a break here. It takes about 45 minutes up and 30 minutes down to reach the top viewpoint.

6. Take the Jennerbahn to the Summit of Mt Jenner

Key Information: It’s €42/32/22 per adult/youth/child for the return trip to the top, or €32/27/18 for a one-way trip. In summer the cable car opens from 08:30 until 5pm. Check the official website for more information.

The Jennerbahn viewpoint is another classic viewpoint of Lake Königssee. It’s a 10-minute easy stroll gently uphill from the top cable car station of Jennerbahn. The Jennerbahn cable car starts just 200 metres from the car park or bus stop by Lake Königssee so it’s very easy to visit both. At the top station there’s also a mountain hut serving food and drink.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can also walk back down from the top station back to the car park at the bottom. This is a fairly easy but long descent on good tracks and trails. It’s 8 km with no uphill but roughly 1100 metres of downhill.

7. Go on a Longer Hike

There are plenty of long hikes you can do from Lake Königssee. One example is the fantastic three-day hike across the Steinernes Meer (Stony Sea), a large rocky plateau in the middle of the Alps. There are several mountain huts in the region, but make sure to book in advance, especially on summer weekends.

8. Visit the Eagle’s Nest

A very popular trip near Königssee is to visit the Eagle’s Nest. It’s 15 minutes drive or 40 minutes on two buses to travel between the two. The Eagle’s Nest is a mountain retreat used by Hitler, where he had several famous meetings with other politicians. Today you take a bus (and elevator) up to the house, now a restaurant. You can wander along the nearby trails and there are great views of the nearby mountains.

Guidebooks to explore more of Germany

For more walking tours and hikes in Germany, see our Germany hiking page .

FAQS for Visiting Königssee

To explore Königssee you should allow one full day if you want to go on the boat trip, take a few short walks and relax at one of the Biergardens. If you’re not interested in walking at all, then allow half a day.

Königssee is definitely a lake worth visiting for its clear, turquoise waters and idyllic setting in the Bavarian Alps. You can take a lovely boat trip across the water and go on many short strolls by the lakeshore.

You can swim anywhere in Königssee, apart from where the boats leave from. There’s a nice beach not far from St. Batholomew’s Church. You can also swim in Obersee, the lake above, with a great launch point for swimming at the far end.

The lake is 2hr30 from Munich or 40 minutes drive from Salzburg. You can also take public transport. From Munich take the train to Berchtesgaden train station, and then a short bus ride to the lake. From Salzburg there’s a direct bus to the lake from the main station.

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Lake Königssee

A natural kingdom.

A boat ride along the sheer rock faces of Lake Königssee, the jewel among Berchtesgaden lakes, makes for a special experience - rent a paddleboat and enjoy the National Park's nature in peace and quiet, away from the commercial boat traffic.

Lake Königssee with its emerald green color and nestled at the foot of the imposing eastern wall of Mount Watzmann in the heart of the Berchtesgaden National Park is one of nature's true masterpieces. The greatest luxury in these fast-paced times is silence. As soon as you board one of the attractive electric passenger boats all the noise, hustle and bustle is left behind. During the crossing to St. Bartholomew the boatman plays his trumpet to lure out the world-famous Königssee echo from the steep rock face. In St. Bartholomew the lovely pilgrimage church is world-renowned for its wine-red onion domes.

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Malerwinkl, the so-called painter's corner, is the only point easily reached on foot on the lake's banks. The steep mountains surrounding the lake forbid the development of any trails or roads around lake Königssee making it unique among Central Europe's larger lakes.

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A Day Trip to Germany’s Most Beautiful Lake: Königssee Lake

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Home » A Day Trip to Germany’s Most Beautiful Lake: Königssee Lake

Nestled in the Alps, Königssee is a prime example of Germany’s natural beauty. Located near the town of Berchtesgaden, it is Germany’s deepest and cleanest lake.

If you happen to be near Salzburg or Berchtesgaden, a trip to the Lake Königssee is absolutely necessary.

The history of the Königsee Lake has been rich and varied, with the royalty of Bavaria and rulers of Berchtesgaden using the lake as a hunting spot.

Without further ado, let’s explore the Königssee, Germany’s hidden treasure!

Boat Tour Prices

Lake Königsee can only be explored via electric boats.

• A Lake Konigsee boat tour round-trip to St.Bartholomä costs 13 euros.
• A round-trip ticket to Salet costs 16 euros

Note: Be aware that Salet is closed off from November to March, and the boats stop only at St.Bartholomä.

• Children from 6 years to 14 years of age get half-priced tickets.

The tickets are available at the lake office just in front of where the boats are located.

Hours of Operation

• October – May: The first boat to St.Bartholomä departs at 9:00 am, and the last boat returns at 6:05 pm.
• June to September: The first boat goes at 8:00 am, and the boat returns at 7:05 pm.

The boats move at a frequency of 15 to 30 minutes subject to passenger demand.

The boats run every day except December 24, unless the weather is bad (in storms, heavy fog, or when the lake is frozen). You can find the timetable here .

Watch our Video of our Day

Watch our video to see what we did during our day at Lake Königssee.

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Things to do at Lake Königssee, Germany

A day at Lake Königssee is nothing but relaxing and serene. The boat travels pretty slowly, which allows for plenty of time to simply relax and be impressed with the views.

On the way to the first stop, the boatman blows a blast on his trumpet, to showcase the beautiful echoes that bounce back from the mountain walls.

There are only two stops on this lake: St. Bartholomä and Salet . About two-thirds of the way out into the lake, 30 minutes, is the church of Sankt Bartholomä. It will take another 30 minutes to the last stop of Salet.

Stop 1: St. Bartholomä

The first and most popular stop, after exploring the majesty of the lake, is the church of Saint Bartholomä. This is a quaint and uniquely designed church – yet not very large in stature.

Once you’re done soaking in the scenery, hike a bit along the edge of the lake to reach Malerwinkl, the so-called painter’s corner.

Or, if you are keen, tackle the 6 km climb up to the Ice Chapel (Eiskapelle).

Before heading off to the next stop, why not take a seat and enjoy a lunch at the restaurant in the former hunting lodge next to the church.

After stopping at Saint Bartholomä, the boat continues for another 30 minutes to the southern end of the Lake, at Salet.

Stop 2: Salet & Lake Obersee

The second stop on the lake is Salet. Most people come to Salet to enjoy some hiking. The most popular hike here leads to the beautiful Obersee Lake.

The hike is a short 15-minute walk. The pathway is pretty level and easy. We found it really easy to stroll our 2-year-old along as well.

Along the walk, you will come across a restaurant (for those who might be hungry).

Overall the views are truly spectacular. And the end result? Well, let’s just say that photos won’t do Lake Obersee any justice.

The Obersee is incredible, with a mirror reflection of the majestic Alps, as well as the beautiful Röthbach waterfall in the background. WOW!

Both the Konigsee Lake and the Obersee Lake are some of the most beautiful European lakes that I have seen.

Jennerbahn Cable Car

After the boat ride, catch the cable car up to Jenner Mountain for some wonderful views.

1. Cable Car up to Jenner Mountain

If you’re done with the Königsee boat trip with time to spare, the best option is to go and explore Jenner Mountain.

The Jennerbahn Cable Car entrance is located in the same car park as for Lake Königssee.

The cable car trip is short, and you get to see one of the best views of natural beauty in the entirety of Germany – comparable even to the Eagle’s Nest.

Important to Note: Currently you can only go up to Mittelstation as they are replacing the old 2 person cable cars with some beautiful larger cable cars. The first half of the replacement is complete, but they are still working on changing over the 2nd half of the cable car journey.

This is the view you will currently get from Mittelstation.  You can also enjoy some hiking from here as well.

In the winter, Jenner Mountain is popularly known as a skiing destination. You can watch their official site to see when the full cable car trip will be back up and running.

The round trip to the mountain and back costs around 21 euros.

You can easily do a day trip from Salzburg to visit the lake. It is only 25 minutes away by car. A day at Lake Königssee is always a brilliant day. We were so impressed with the scenery and the wonderful views. We drove back to our accommodation fully relaxed and happy.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Berchtesgaden Land Tourism for organising our tickets for both the Lake Konigssee Boat Tour as well as the Jennerbahn Cable Cars.

Jolene Ejmont

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Good that you're here...

Are you interested in Bavaria? Then come join us onboard!

You cannot go wrong, whichever lake you choose.

The fjord-like Lake Königssee takes you across the emerald green waters on quiet electric boats through this majestic environment. Glide over to the world-famous pilgrimage Church of St. Bartholomä. On your journey you will experience breathtaking waterfalls and the Königssee Echo, which your boat captain will coax from the rock face with his flugelhorn.

Who cannot help but fall in love with Lake Tegernsee? It sits idyllically nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Set sail with us on the lake and let your soul simply dangle - what could be more beautiful!

Lake Starnberg is just a short distance from Munich and on its banks, there are numerous churches, villas and castles. Only onboard can you enjoy the most beautiful views of these magnificent buildings. The characterful and expansive decks of the steamers offer plenty of room for strolling and marvelling. In the South, you will be captivated by the highest mountains in the Bavarian Alps.

Discover the good old days on Lake Ammersee. You cannot escape the charm of the nostalgic paddle steamers DIESSEN and HERRSCHING. You will be amazed by the elegant salons and the rhythmic rippling of the paddle wheels - we promise! Your trip on Lake Ammersee will be rewarded with a wonderful Alpine panorama.

Now all you have to do is decide! Not so easy? That’s true, but you don’t have to do everything all at once. Just take your time.

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The stories behind Lake Königssee

Read on to understand to understand how tourism on lake königssee has evolved over the years and why there’s a volkswagen beetle at the bottom of the lake….

• 1. Boats on lake Königssee: A long tradition started by early visionaries 

2. Tourism at lake Obersee and the Saletalm

3. a brief history of the chapel of st bartholomew, 4. the berchtesgaden-königssee railway, 5. the sunken volkswagen beetle, 6. unexpected guests cross lake königssee: almabtrieb, 7. the waters of lake königssee remain drinkable, despite millions of tourist visits, 8. the schönau am königssee bobsleigh run: a world first at lake königssee, 1. boats on lake königssee: a long tradition started by early visionaries.

Gliding away from the boat piers, you are starting a journey across one of Germany’s deepest, purest and most picturesque lakes. Whilst you today travel courtesy of battery-powered electric boats, boating on the lake goes back centuries and started with sheer manpower alone.

At the end of the 1800s, around 200 oarsmen worked for the lake Königssee boating company. They catered for the thousands of visitors who came to make the same journey as you do today, with a total of 57 rowing boats carrying almost 80,000 visitors a year.

This changed in 1909 when electric boats, and an electric railway from Berchtesgaden to Königssee, were introduced by royal decree. 

The new electric boats appeared in July 1909. The first to set sail was the Accumulator, making its maiden voyage on the 15th of July with 38 passengers, silently gliding across lake Königssee to the St Bartholomew peninsula. These new boats were built by German firm Siemens-Schuckert and were only around half the size of the one you ride in today.

Since 1909 the boats of lake Königssee have safely carried over 45 million passengers to the St Bartholomew peninsula and beyond. 

The Bavarian Lake Shipping Company has operated the current group of 17 identical boats since 1997. In contrast to those original manned boats, these now transport around 600,000 passengers across the lake each year.

Believe it or not, tourism at lake Obersee began with a wedding gift from the then 91-year-old Bavarian Prince Regent to a couple from Berchtesgaden.

In 1912, a young couple from Berchtesgaden were to marry and their wish was to start a tourist kiosk on the Saletalm meadows. The only hurdle was the need to gain permission from the then 91-year-old prince regent Luitpold of Bavaria. 

The prince granted the couple permission on their wedding day and allowed them to build a small timber kiosk. They then began their married life together on the Saletalm. 

With the construction of the kiosk and boatloads of tourists on a daily basis in the summer, it wasn’t long before a guesthouse was added in 1936. Between 1952 and 1958 the kiosk became a fully-blown tourist destination, with electric lighting, beer cellar, telephone and staff accommodation. The large building you see before you today (Alpengaststätte Saletalm) was built in place of the original kiosk in 1966. 

But if you stop here, you’re missing the best part of the Saletalm. Walking past the Alpengaststätte Saletalm and following the gravel path for around 10 minutes brings you to what is you perhaps one of the most photographed views in all of Bavaria: the magnificent mirror-like view over lake Obersee. 

Legend has it that it was a rockfall in 1172 that actually separated this lake from lake Königssee. Although the small distance between the two lakes supports this story, experts agree that the two lakes have most likely always been separated. At a maximum depth of 51 meters, lake Obersee is by no means as deep as lake Königssee, which is over 190m deep at some points.

Standing next to the fisherman’s hut you’ll also see the Röthbach waterfall in the far distance. This is in fact Germany’s highest waterfall, with a drop of over 490m.

With domes that wouldn’t look out of place in St. Petersburg, the Chapel of St Bartholomew is one of the most remote – and most photographed – chapels in Germany. 

There has been a chapel on lake Königssee since 1134, built by the Berchtesgaden Prince-provosts. These were the leaders of the Monastery in Berchtesgaden, and from 1134 until 1803 they used the entire St Bartholomew peninsula as their own private residence. 

The Prince-Provosts built and dedicated the chapel to St. Bartholomäus, the patron saint of alpine farmers and milk maids. According to accounts of the time it was a modest building, with a spire instead of the domes we see today. 

During their long reign, the Provosts improved the chapel and surrounding buildings as the wealth of the monastery in Berchtesgaden grew. Almost everything you now see in front of you is the result of work that took place in 1697. 

Strangely, though, what you see today looks more like St Basil’s cathedral in Moscow than what you would imagine an alpine chapel to look like. This is due to the preferred style of the architects and craftsmen the Prince-provosts chose for the work in 1697.

As you make your way along the lakeside path, you will notice the huge extension of the chapel. Believe it or not, this extension was actually a hunting lodge also built by the Prince-provosts.

From 1910 onwards, thanks to the Napoleonic Wars, the Bavarian Royal Family took control the St Bartholomew peninsula, replacing the Prince-provosts. 

The hunting lodge was upgraded to the status of a royal hunting lodge and you can still see their regal hunting trophies inside. Entering through door opposite to the beer garden, you’ll see that the hallway and ground floor are still decorated with skulls and antlers from this period.

The keenest hunter of them all was Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria, who reigned from 1886 to 1912. His hunting trips were often disrupted by the noise of the petrol-powered boats of the time as they passed the peninsula. To keep the noise down, Luitpold made sure that by 1909 most of the boats on lake Königssee were electric. Finally, he could hunt in peace.  

Luitpold’s passion for hunting is in fact the main reason that your boat to St Bartholomew today is also electrically powered! What he would make of the other 600,000 visitors to the peninsula each year, however, is anyone’s guess.

Over a hundred years ago, a railway line from Berchtesgaden to lake Königssee once brought tourists – and electrical power – to the lake. Today the railway is gone, but its path remains for those who wish to walk it. 

Not far from the car park at lake Königssee is an art deco building with columns and a clock tower, which reveal it was once in fact a railway station. 

From 1909 to 1965 tourists could enjoy the mountain breeze as they sped along the railway line between Berchtesgaden and lake Königssee. The line itself was only 4.3 kilometres long (2.7 miles) but was key in getting tourists to visit the lake in a time before cars for the masses. 

Construction of the railway link between Berchtesgaden and the lake was approved in August 1908 by the Bavarian State Government, since they knew that the new electric tourist boats would soon be running. Thanks to the relatively short distance, the line was formally opened just eight months later, on the 29 May 1909. 

From the beginning the line was electrified, using an overhead line which also served the local railway to Salzburg. Something very few people know is that this power line was also used to re-charge the electric boats at lake Königssee overnight. It was no coincidence that the railway line and electrically powered boats were introduced at the same time. 

The family car meant the end of the boom-years for the trainline and so the state stopped investing in the line from the late 1950s. 

With passenger numbers still falling, the service ran until the beginning of winter in 1965, when on the 2nd of October the very final train ran. 

That it was the last trip was not publicised, and it was only in the spring of 1966 that the operators finally announced the full switch to busses from trains. 

The tracks were removed in the spring of 1971; however, you can now enjoy a small part of the former railway line by walking or cycling the path between Berchtesgaden and Königssee.

Lying at the bottom of lake Königssee is a mystery. A mystery that began in 1968 and was only solved nearly 30 years later…

Picture the scene: It’s the evening of the 28th January 1968. JH from Salzburg has braved the icy weather to visit his partner who is working on the St Bartholomew peninsula. He sets off from Salzburg in his Volkswagen Beetle. 

Low temperatures at this time of year mean that the lake has almost entirely frozen over, with ice as thick as 40cm (16in) in some places. Residents are usually allowed to walk and drive over the lake in these conditions, however, tonight, driving on the lake is forbidden as the ice has already started to melt. 

Despite the ban, JH finds an alternative route onto the lake and makes the most of the clear ice ahead of him, driving through the crisp night to the St Bartholomew peninsula…

But On the morning of the 29th January, local Berchtesgaden residents pick up their morning papers to headlines of tragedy on lake Königssee. 

On his return journey from St Bartholomew, JH had disappeared. 

A search by police discovered his tyre tracks, following them to a break in the ice. There were no signs of skid marks or swerving, instead, it seemed that JH had accidentally driven off the ice and into the freezing waters of the lake.

Neither JH nor his Volkswagen Beetle were found. It was only thanks to a scientific study of the lake floor in 1997 that they were eventually discovered, lying on the lake bed close to the Falkenwand.

 JH’s family decided to let the vehicle and driver rest in peace at the bottom of the lake. With the purity and low oxygen content of its waters, this unusual memorial will most likely remain there for many decades to come.

Every year the herds of cows who call the Saletalm their summer home make their way back to the mainland by boat. Called Almabtrieb in German, this process is steeped in history…

Whether watching you from the cool shade of the pine trees or standing in the middle of the path you wanted to take, the cows that live on the meadows around lake Obersee certainly act like they’re the masters of this remote alpine paradise.

Masters perhaps, but they are only seasonal guests. The 30-40 cows who live on the Salet meadows (Saletalm in German) are in fact only summer tourists. Come October an extraordinary process takes place where they are transferred back to the “mainland” of Schönau am Königssee, known in German as Almabtrieb.

The tradition of Almabtrieb takes place in Austria, Switzerland and Germany, but the cows of lake Königssee are a very special case indeed. The only way to reach their summer meadows is by boat – just like your journey today. 

Come the first week of October, the alpine farmers meet at the Saletalm and watch over their cows as they are herded through the early autumn mist down to the shore of lake Königssee. They look on with mixed emotions as their companions of the last few months depart for another year. 

Once at the shore the cows are loaded into flat-bottomed rafts known as Landau, making use of a loading ramp designed especially for four-legged sailors. Each Landau can carry around 30 cows, along with a crew including farmers and musicians in traditional local costume.

Once loaded it takes the Landau an hour to cross lake Königssee, cruising past the St Bartholomew chapel before finally reaching dry land at Schönau am Königssee. 

When the Landau reach the mainland, the cows are dressed with beautiful hand-made Fuikl. These colourful hand-made headdresses represent around 60 man-hours of work each. They are typically made from pine branches intertwined with ribbons and decorative knots.

The cows wear the Fuikl mostly on their heads; mature cows receive full height Fuikl, whilst younger cows typically wear smaller pieces. Once appropriately dressed, they process majestically back to their mainland farms. 

So, if you find yourself cruising on lake Königssee in early October and think you’ve had one schnapps too many, think again – you may well indeed have seen a boat load of cows passing in the other direction. 

Ice ages. Not the kind of thing you’d give much thought to on a hot summer’s day, but without them we wouldn’t have the jaw-dropping scenery that surrounds us right now. 

Let’s rewind approximately 10,000 years: the most recent ice age is ending and much of the area today known as the Alps is in fact covered with gigantic bodies of dense frozen seawater – glaciers.

As these glaciers moved and melted, they cut deep rifts in the soft limestone rock underneath them, leaving great cuts and tears in the landscape. 

These carvings are still with us today and are in fact one of the most obvious reminders of the last ice age. The U-shaped Königssee valley (presently underwater!) is one such carving, with a maximum depth of around 200 meters at its centre.

As the glacier that formed this valley cut through the limestone it also produced a huge amount of limestone dust, giving rise to a layer of fine rock and shingle which now forms the lake bed. 

It’s these tiny particles of limestone present in the waters that give the lake its characteristic green colour. The water is also crystal clear thanks to its extremely low nutrient content. A few specialised types of trout and whitefish call the lake home, but very few species can survive in these waters. 

An expedition in 1997 led by Marine Biologist Professor Hans Fricke discovered a number of previously unseen and unidentifiable species lurking at the bottom of the lake.

But did you know that the waters of lake Königssee are actually clean enough to drink? We’re not exaggerating. The lake holds a drinking water quality certification and the local authorities are determined to keep it that way. 

An excellent example of their determination was the renewal of the lake’s sewage pipes in the 1980s. Rather than allowing organic waste from the St Bartholomew peninsula and Saletalm to be discharged into the lake, the authorities built a 7 kilometre (4.3 mile) long sewage pipe back to the mainland to ensure that no sewage made its way into lake Königssee.

So, thanks to the almost exclusive use of electric boats on the lake since 1909 and continued efforts to minimise the human impact on the lake, we can enjoy this glacial lake as nature intended – right down to re-filling our water bottles.

Tucked away in the western corner of Schönau am Königssee is a world first which helped to almost bring the Winter Olympics to Berchtesgaden in 2018… 

Completed in 1968, Schönau am Königssee is home to the world’s very first artificially refrigerated bobsled, luge and skeleton track. 

Today branded as the Deutsche Post Eisarena Königssee, the original track from 1968 has been refurbished several times over the years. Athletes tackling the world-class course you see today have to master 18 curves over 1640 meters (5380 feet), including a 320° loop known as the Turbodrom – all at speeds of up to 125kph (77mph). 

The track is remains one of the world’s most challenging and regularly hosts both European and World Championships.

In 2007 it was announced that Munich would be putting forward a bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympic games, alongside strong rival bids from Pyeongchang in South Korea and Annecy in France. 

As part of the bid the track at Schönau am Königssee was to host the bobsled, luge and skeleton events. Many local residents, however, warned of the negative effects the games would bring, especially the potential impact on the natural environment. 

As you may already know, in July 2011 it was announced that Munich had lost the bid. Pyeongchang was to host the 23rd Winter Olympics, but the track at Schönau am Königssee still hosts European and world championships to this day. 

If you’d like to try it yourself, a Bobsled experience can be booked. Further information and booking details can be found  HERE .

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Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

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Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

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It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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