King's Lake: A Paradise on Earth

Königssee, or King's Lake, is located within Germany's Berchtesgaden National Park. However, it is closer to reach from Salzburg, Austria, with only about an hour's drive. In contrast, traveling from Munich by bus takes over three hours. If you don't plan to stay overnight in Berchtesgaden, a day trip from Salzburg is more than sufficient. I started my journey in the morning from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Salzburg hbf) and took bus 840, alighting at the Königssee stop. Don't worry about missing your stop—just follow the other tourists on the bus, and you'll be fine 🤣. However, many passengers get off at Berchtesgaden, as another major attraction, Hitler's Eagle's Nest, is located there. Staying overnight in Berchtesgaden allows you to explore both attractions. After getting off at the Königssee stop, you can walk along the shopping street to reach the pier and ticket office. The street is lined with souvenir shops, snack stands, and restaurants. The most stunning scenery of Königssee is found in the Upper Lake area (Salet Obersee), which is open only during spring, summer, and early autumn (in 2025, from April 20 to October 12). During other times of the year, boats only stop at the Lower Lake area, home to the iconic onion-domed St. Bartholomä Church. I strongly recommend visiting during the Upper Lake's open season and purchasing a round-trip ticket to the Upper Lake. Although it's slightly more expensive, the breathtaking views are absolutely worth it. The boat departs from the Königssee pier, first stopping at the Lower Lake pier before heading to the Upper Lake pier. Onboard, the boat crew plays the trumpet, allowing the sound to echo through the mountains—a truly unique experience. I stayed on the boat all the way to the Upper Lake and explored it first. On the return trip, I stopped at the Lower Lake. Honestly, after seeing the Upper Lake, the Lower Lake felt quite ordinary 😂. Additionally, the Lower Lake pier tends to be more crowded, with a wait time of about 30 minutes to board the boat. Unless you're particularly interested in St. Bartholomä Church or dining at the nearby restaurant, I suggest skipping this stop. The church is visible from the boat, which is sufficient. Upon disembarking at the Upper Lake pier, the scenery is already stunning. A ten-minute walk leads you to the Upper Lake, showcasing the breathtaking views seen in the first two photos. When I visited, the weather was clear, and the lake's reflections were truly mesmerizing. I've heard that Königssee is beautiful in all weather conditions. If you don't wish to continue hiking, you can return from here. The trail ahead becomes more challenging, with inclines, narrow steps, and uneven paths. Many hikers use trekking poles. If you persist and hike halfway around the lake, you'll reach a hidden paradise. Here, cows graze on the slopes beside the lake, and you'll find the only shop in the Upper Lake area, the "Milk Hut." It sells fresh milk, other beverages, and light snacks. Most hikers stop here to enjoy lunch while admiring the stunning lake and mountain views—a truly relaxing experience. From this point, you can continue hiking to a waterfall, but I felt completely satisfied and decided to return to the pier. I had heard about the beauty of Königssee before visiting, but seeing it in person was even more moving and awe-inspiring.