01.12.2025.
If you’re visiting the charming Salzburg and seeking a gorgeous alpine escape, there are plenty of places to visit. Köningssee is one of those destinations that will enchant you like a magical wand.
Nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, this crystally clear lake is known by its emerald colours and dramatic peaks around. Taking a day trip from Salzburg is the shortest way to visit Königssee, though it’s located in Germany. What makes it unforgettable, even as a day trip is the peace it reveals as nothing else exists.
Visiting in autumn is a perfect chance to admire the beautiful colours and enjoy an even more peaceful ambiance.
Another lake, Obersee, unfolds a miraculous set of alpine colours reflecting the allure of emerald waters.
Some other day trips from Munich, such as Tegernsee & Wallberg Summit or Herzogstand hiking, provide a similar retreat.
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1. How to come to Königssee from Salzburg
Visiting Köningssee from Salzburg is a cozy way to experience this wonderful lake in Germany. After one hour by bus, Königssee will shine for you in all its beauty. Though you can stay overnight in Berchtesgaden, arriving from Salzburg will give you plenty of time.
There’s a direct bus to Köningssee, passing by Salzburg train station- bus n. 840. Take a day trip in bus, costing 13,20 €. It’s a return ticket, valid for any bus to Königssee, so you can even stop in Berchtesgaden.
During the season from April to November, you can choose between two lines. One is going only to St. Bartholoma church. Takes 35 minutes and costs 22,50€ for both ways. The other is going to Salet, from where you can hike to the Obersee lake. This route is a bit longer, about 1h and costs 29€. Unfortunately, it only operates from April till November so I missed it.
2. Taking a boat ride to St. Bartholoma Church
The famous church St. Bartoloma can only be reached by boat as the cliffs surround the lake. Known by its red towers, this is one of the most famous activities on Königssee.
Seeing the smaragd lake and the scenic mountains unveils the picturesque images on your camera. While the captain on the boat plays the trumpet, you will stare in awe as the mountain echoes.
During the autumn time, the majestic mountains will reward you with its colours and incredible peace.
3. Taking photos & relaxing in nature
Köningssee is a paradise to take photos, even if you’re not a skillful photographer. What creates a fabulous scenery are the mountain reflections and emerald waters. Nature is enough to create sparkle in the eye.
As one of the most photogenic places in the whole Bavaria, Königssee literally looks like it fell off the fairy tale. The best locations to take photos are close to the St. Bartholoma church, at the Malerwinkel viewpoint, near the Obersee or on the top of Jenner.
Early morning or late afternoon have the best light to take photos, considering the contrasts during the day. Try to capture the mountain reflections when it’s calm. Most commonly, the simple compositions are the best so focus on the emerald water and the mountains. Create the landscape depth by puting people in the photo.
4. Walking routes and hiking around Königssee
Obersee
Hiking to Obersee takes you to the smaller lake, which has incredible emerald colours set in the mountain embrace. From the harbour, you’ll need to walk only 1km to reach Obersee.
Don’t hesitate to observe the nature on the adjacent trail to Fischunkelalm, a lovely hut that sells Bavarian sausages. It takes only 2 km or 25 minutes to reach the hut and enjoy in the relaxing atmosphere.
Röthbach Waterfall gives another temptation to the waterfall chasers, lying about 2,2 km from the Obersee.
Trail from St. Bartholoma church
From the church of St. Bartholoma you can take several route.
Visiting the Ice Chapel brings you to a refreshing oasis of peace near the crystally clear river. It’s an easy trail leading to a stunning glacier cave below the Watzmann Mountain. Taking 1h and 15 minutes, you’ll have a stunning opportunity to catch the forest rhythm. However, the trail tends to be a bit risky off-season so decide to go in the appropriate time.
Jennerbahn- taking a cable car for a stunning mountain view
From the village of Schönau am Königssee, the cable car is only 5 minutes. Once at the top, follow the 15-minute trail to the fantastic viewpoint. Though being pricey, it’s up to you if you have time to go with the cable car on the day trip.
Prices are as follows on the official site, which means:
A return ticket to the top station for adults 45€ and youth (6-17) 27€. Family ticket is 105€.
A return ticket to the middle station is 33€ for adults and for youth 21€.
During my visit in November, the cable car was closed so check the opening times at the Jennerbahn website.
Rebenwand viewpoint
You don’t need to take a cable car to get a stunning view. Only 45 minutes from the village, passing by the cable car station, you’ll reach the Rebenwand viewpoint.
As on the map, it’s drawn to go down- it was actually going up. This hike is pretty cozy, though at the end a bit steep.
If you’re going on a day trip, I would rather choose this trail than taking the Jennerbahn. Consider that you would visit not only St. Bartholoma, but also Obersee and the ice chapel.
In my opinion, you won’t miss anything by choosing Rabenwand rather than Jenner viewpoint, except if you’re eager to hike more.
Malerwinkel trail
Malerwinkel trail follows the same route as the Rabenwand viewpoint, letting you enjoy peace with fewer people. Admiring the panoramic view will be perfect for the morning photo, as you retreat to the meditative flow. The route is easy, taking about 45 minutes from the villages and suitable for kids.
5. Food and drink
In the village of Schönau am Königssee you can enjoy the traditional Bavarian specialities. Try Käsespätzle, local fish or simply coffe and cake while absorbing the view.
Near the St. Bartholoma, there’s also a lovely restaurant, a bit pricey, where you can enjoy a coffee.
If you love picnic, bring sandwiches and take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere by the lake at the bench.
6. When to visit Koningssee
Summer and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons when the lake shows the most beautiful scenes. Getting a boat ride will be smooth and not difficult, having also an option to visit the Obersee.
I visited in late autumn, which still allowed me to enjoy the colours, but not take a ride to Obersee.
If you plan to visit St. Bartholoma during the high season, it’s better to reserve a boat ride in advance.
7. What to wear
Bring your comfortable clothes and jacket as it can be cold near the water, except in the summer.
Besides wearing the pants, I had a dress and ballerina shoes in my bag to take the best photos.
Final thoughts
Köningssee is a place that unites natural beauty, peace and hiking opportunities. Even a day trip from Salzburg provides enough time for a boat ride, wanderings and enjoying the panoramic views. On the way back from the lake to the bus station, you can visit the Romy Schneider Museum. It’s fascinating that the popular “Sissi” grew up in this beautiful village.
If you’re looking to escape the city, the fairy Königssee will capture your imagination with unforgettable memories.
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