Berchtesgaden, Lake Königssee (50 km)
Mirror, mirror on the wall, what lake's the fairest of them all?". "Lake Königssee" is what most of our visitors would answer. Hardly surprising, with its crystal-clear emerald-green water and mystifying atmosphere. Innumerable fish swim its depths and its surface reflects the rocky walls of the Watzmann massif..
Königssee's landmark, the chapel of St. Bartholomew, can only be reached by boat. This world-famous church, originally dating back to the 12th cent., lies at the tip of a picturesque peninsula. Neighboring the chapel stands the former hunting lodge of Berchtesgaden's provosts and Bavaria's kings, today an idyllic location for an inn. In Schönau am Königssee the historical heritage is regarded with respect. The ancient boathouses near Königssee's dock bear witness to this. As early as 1909 electric boat traffic was introduced in an exemplary early effort to prevent pollution. This is still the case today. Another highlight of the lake is the trumpet - or rather Flügelhorn - tune that echoes back to each boat as it pauses at "echo wall".
This little patch of paradise has attracted artists for about two centuries: a tiny bay at the northeastern tip of the lake is still called "painters' corner", from which yesterday's and today's painters have immortalized this enchanting view of the "King's Lake".
Since time immemorial the gigantic Watzmann massif has reigned in supreme majesty, deeply impressing all those who have gazed upon it.
During the course of its long history, its rocky heights and deep crevasses have inspired many a tale and legend. Swathed in myths and mysteries, Watzmann mountain is everpresent at the Königssee. Just like in days of old, you can come and commune with this mountain, breathing in its peace and its strength. It is the heart of the Berchtesgadener Land, as it lies directly in the center of this beautiful holiday region.Vast expanses of green, flowering meadows and fresh mountain air truly make the Königssee a fairy-book setting. The second-highest mountain in Germany, it has always attracted mountaineers from near and far.
Especially the East Wall of "King Watzmann" remains a challenge for even the best mountain climbers.
This is probably why Ludwig Ganghofer once wrote: "He whom God loves, He drops into this land".