Königssee: A Bavarian Gem
If you're traveling in Bavaria, Germany, you absolutely must dedicate a day to visiting Königssee. I rarely call natural landscapes the "most beautiful," but in this case, I'll make an exception. This lake truly deserves the title.
This was my second time at the lake. The first time, the weather was terrible, so I decided against the boat tour. I wanted to save that experience for when I could truly appreciate its perfection. I especially wanted to see St. Bartholomä church reflected in the emerald green waters. It was definitely worth the wait to take the boat on a beautiful day.
Getting to Königssee:
- By Car: From Munich (Hauptbahnhof), the drive to Königssee is about 160 km, or roughly 1.5 hours. If you drive, the parking lot is very close to the boat launch. Parking costs €9 per day.
- By Public Transport: Public transportation is available, but it requires multiple transfers and takes considerably longer to reach the lake from Munich (around 3-4 hours). However, you can use the €49 Deutschland-Ticket to travel to Salzburg (Mozart's birthplace). The €49 ticket covers the train journey to Salzburg's main station, eliminating the need for an additional ticket. From Salzburg, it's about a 2-hour trip to Königssee.
Exploring the Lake by Boat:
I recommend purchasing a ticket to the final stop, Salet. This ticket allows you to visit both St. Bartholomä church and Salet (where Obersee lake is located). The round trip costs €28.5. From Salet, it's a short 15-minute hike to Obersee. I always keep my trekking shoes in the car for places like this. You should wear sturdy shoes, as there's a relatively slippery section of stone steps along the lake's edge.
Make sure to walk all the way to the end of the path. The view from the very end is the most rewarding, offering a stunning connection with nature. You'll feel completely rejuvenated, and your camera roll will be overflowing. If you need to refuel for the return trip, there's a small hut (Hütte) where you can get refreshments.
Anyone living in Bavaria who hasn't visited Königssee is truly missing out! I'm feeling incredibly blissful here. Discover the beauty of Königssee for yourself.
