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  • Königssee - Hiker's Paradise in Berchtesgadener Land
    Königssee - Hiker's Paradise in Berchtesgadener Land Photo: Karl Ibri, @karlibri / unsplash.com

Hikes in Königssee

Bavaria,Germany

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For some, the Königssee is the most beautiful and idyllic lake in Germany. Above all, the surrounding mountains, which give the lake distinct contours and drop steeply into the water, shape the picture. It is therefore hardly surprising that it is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Berchtesgadener Land region and attracts countless visitors every year for hiking. Among the hills are those of the Watzmann, the second highest mountain in Germany, which crowns the panorama.

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The 10 most beautiful hikes in Königssee

Sun terrace at Funtensee
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgadener Land
Kärlingerhaus nach St. Bartholomä
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 moderate Stage 4
15.5 km
4:35 h
88 m
1,113 m
Vom Kärlingerhaus geht es durch die Saugasse hinab nach St. Bartholomä am Königssee. Von dort kommt man mit der Königssee-Schifffahrt nach  Königssee Seelände.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Sun terrace at Funtensee
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgadener Land
Kärlingerhaus nach St. Bartholomä
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 moderate Stage 4
15.5 km
4:35 h
88 m
1,113 m
Vom Kärlingerhaus geht es durch die Saugasse hinab nach St. Bartholomä am Königssee. Von dort kommt man mit der Königssee-Schifffahrt nach  Königssee Seelände.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Blick hinüber zum Watzmann
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgadener Land
10 Rupertiweg, E13: Stöhrhaus – Kärlingerhaus
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 13
32.4 km
9:00 h
1,224 m
1,490 m
Einer der abwechslungsreichsten Tage am Rupertiweg steht bevor - zwei Gebirgsstöcke plus Bootsfahrt.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Relikt aus der Luftfahrt: Nicht zu übersehende Markierung in der Weite des Steinernen Meeres.
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgaden Alps
Wanderung durch das Steinerne Meer zum Königssee in den Berchtesgadener Alpen
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
18.7 km
8:00 h
320 m
1,900 m
18 Kilometer Einsamkeit Auf der Runde vom Riemannhaus über Hochbrunnsulzen zum Königssee taucht man über Stunden in die wilde Schönheit des Steinernen Meeres ein.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
Imposant: der Schrainbachfall kurz nach dem Beginn der Wanderung zum Kärlingerhaus.
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgaden Alps
Wanderung zum Kärlingerhaus in den Berchtesgadener Alpen
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
10.2 km
4:30 h
1,120 m
90 m
Durch die Saugasse Langer, aber ungemein abwechslungsreicher Hüttenaufstieg vom Königssee bis hinauf an die Ufer des Steinernen Meeres.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
View of the Röthbachfall, the highest waterfall in Germany.
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgaden Alps
Hike to Gotzenalm in the Berchtesgaden Alps
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
11.6 km
5:30 h
1,280 m
200 m
Pure nature in Berchtesgaden National Park Varied and scenically exciting hut approach to one of the most traditional alms in the region.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
Bench on the Grünstein
Hiking Trail · Königssee
From Königssee to Grünstein
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
1
7.5 km
3:30 h
761 m
761 m
Past the artificial ice bobsleigh and toboggan run to Grünstein
Berchtesgaden & Bad Reichenhall
Eiskapelle_12
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgaden
Ice Chapel Route – Hiking in the Berchtesgaden National Park
Toprecommended route Difficulty T3 moderate
6.3 km
2:00 h
238 m
238 m
Unique route with a view of a year-round low-lying snow and ice field beneath the Watzmann East Face. Please do not enter the "Ice Chapel" – RISK TO LIFE!
Nationalpark Berchtesgaden
Gotzenalmroute_42
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgaden
Route to Gotzenalm – Hiking in Berchtesgaden National Park
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 difficult
22 km
8:25 h
1,486 m
1,486 m
Long mountain route with very steep ascents from the parking lot at Königssee via the Königsbachalm to the Gotzenalm. Once at the top, you will have a magnificent panoramic view!
Nationalpark Berchtesgaden
Salet_20
Hiking Trail · Berchtesgadener Land
Route to Obersee – Barrier-free hiking trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty T1 easy
2 km
1:00 h
0 m
0 m
Dreamlike barrier-free hike from the boat dock "Salet" to the Obersee. There you have a magnificent view of the mountain backdrop and the picturesque lake.
Nationalpark Berchtesgaden
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Hikes around the Königssee

Lake Königssee is located in the Berchtesgaden Alps not far from the border with Austria in the southeasternmost tip of Bavaria. Its impressive steep slopes are formed by the adjacent Hagengebirge on the east side and the Watzmann in the west. In the south, the Steinerne Meer (Stone Sea) adjoins Lake Königssee, while in the north are the towns of Königssee, Schönau and the town of Berchtesgaden, where the railway station and connection to the long-distance railway network are located.

For many visitors who come to Berchtesgadener Land to hike, this is already the starting point for numerous hikes. Whether beginner or experienced hiker, the hiking trails at Königssee offer the right alternative for every requirement. Those who set out for Königssee in autumn or even winter may even be reminded of the Norwegian fjords by the picture that presents itself from the shore.

Berchtesgaden Alps
Recommended route Over the Hochbahn to the Jenner summit
Berchtesgadener Land
Recommended route Kärlingerhaus und Rückweg über Hundstodgatterl

Is it possible to hike along the shores of Königssee?

Despite the numerous hiking trails in the region, it is no longer possible to walk around the Königssee along the shore. For demanding sportsmen, however, it is possible to go round the lake on an extended mountain tour of 40-50 kilometres. For this, however, a good physical condition and technique is necessary.

How long does a hike around Lake Königssee take?

Whoever sets out on a mountain tour around the Königssee will be on the move for a good 24 hours. On the way, there are huts where you can spend the night and split the demanding tour into two stages.

For less ambitious hikers, there is also a way to get to know every corner of Lake Königssee: by boat.

But even if you can't simply go around Lake Königssee on a path along the shore, there are plenty of easy and beautiful hiking trails around the lake. A must is, of course, the circular route to the Malerwinkel. It is best to start very early here – this way there is much less traffic and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Berchtesgaden
Recommended route Malerwinkl circular route
Berchtesgadener Land
Recommended route Königssee Umrundung

Hikes at Königssee and far beyond

From Schönau there are numerous opportunities for hiking at Königssee. Whether you want to put your physical condition to the test or prefer an easy tour with a fantastic view, there is something for everyone around Schönau.

Several hiking trails lead up into the neighbouring Hagen Mountains, where the tours up the Jenner are particularly noteworthy. If you want to get right to the top, you can take the Jenner cable car to just below the summit. The middle station is at 1200 m, the top station at 1800 m.

High above the Königssee, there are hikes to the Königsbachalm and Gotzenalm. This way, impressive impressions and culinary delights can be combined during hiking at Lake Königssee. In addition, there are several tours that connect the middle station and the top station.

Berchtesgadener Land
Recommended route Via the Königsbachalm to the Königssee
Berchtesgaden
Recommended route Route to Gotzenalm – Hiking in Berchtesgaden National Park

Boat trip to the St. Bartholomä peninsula

In addition to hiking at Königssee passenger boat trips also have a long tradition. In the summer months, electric motorboats regularly call at the peninsula of St. Bartholomew with its famous pilgrimage church. From there, the journey continues to the Saletalm landing stage. Both destinations are again the starting point for hikes either directly at the Königssee or in the surrounding mountains.

Berchtesgaden Alps
Recommended route Ascent to Kärlingerhaus from St. Bartholomä / Königssee
Berchtesgadener Land
Recommended route Rundwanderung Halbinsel Hirschau - St. Bartholomä - Eiskapelle - Schrainbachwasserfall
Berchtesgadener Land
Recommended route SalzAlpenTour - Kühroint - Archenkanzel - Schönau
Schoenau am Koenigssee
Municipality Schoenau am Koenigssee

Can you hike from Königssee to Obersee?

The hike from Königssee to Obersee is almost a must for anyone making a trip to Berchtesgardener Land. With its clear water reflecting the mountains, Obersee is one of the hotspots for photographers. You don't even need to be in great shape for this, because the best way to cross the Königssee is by ferry. From the Salet landing stage, it's just a kilometre of flat hiking trail to the Obersee.

How do I get to the waterfall at Königssee?

To get to the Röthbachfall, follow the described tour to the Obersee. Along the west side of the lake you will first hike to the Fischunkelalm and then on to the Röthbachfall.

Berchtesgadener Land
Recommended route Route to Obersee – Barrier-free hiking trail
Berchtesgaden Alps
Recommended route Obersee with Röthbachfall and Fischunkelalm
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Reviews

  475
Obersee with Röthbachfall and Fischunkelalm by Wander
October 03, 2025 · Community
Eine wunderschöne Runde mit tollen Blicken auf den Obersee. Der Weg ist zwar stark frequentiert, aber dafür ist die Landschaft auch wirklich ein wahres Juwel. Die Bootsfahrt vorbei an St. Bartholomä sowie der beeindruckende Wasserfall runden das Erlebnis ab.
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Route done on August 10, 2025
Video: Wander Verliebt, WanderVerliebt
Comment
Hike to Fischunkelalm at Obersee by Margarete
September 03, 2025 · Community
Sehr schöne Landschaft, früh morgens machen
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Photo: Margarete Kurz, Community
Photo: Margarete Kurz, Community
Photo: Margarete Kurz, Community
Photo: Margarete Kurz, Community
Photo: Margarete Kurz, Community
Photo: Margarete Kurz, Community
Comment
Malerwinkl circular route by Benjamin
May 01, 2025 · Community
Route done on May 01, 2025
Photo: Benjamin, Community
Photo: Benjamin, Community
Photo: Benjamin, Community
Photo: Benjamin, Community
Comment
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Similar activities in Königssee

long-distance hikes pilgrim walks

Localization

Parts of this content were machine translated using German as the source language

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