Königssee
Schönau am Königssee, Germany
A fjord-like lake below the Watzmann. Electric boats cross to the chapel of St. Bartholomä.
Most of the Königssee lies within Berchtesgaden National Park. The lake is about 7.7 km long, up to around 190 m deep and sits at roughly 603 m above sea level. Sheer rock walls drop straight into the water, and on the western side the Watzmann rises with its famous east face – which gives the lake its fjord-like look. Private motorboats are banned; the passenger boats run on electric power. The lake is known for its echo, demonstrated during the trip on a flugelhorn or trumpet.
The crossing to St. Bartholomä, with its pilgrimage church and red onion domes, takes about 35 minutes. From late April to mid-October boats continue to Salet, from where it is around a 15-minute walk to the Obersee. Allow at least half a day. In summer it is best to set off before 10am. A large car park lies near the boat landing in Schönau am Königssee.
- Nearest town
- Schönau am Königssee, Germany
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.5530, 12.9786
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
© Philipp Münch · CC BY-SA 4.0German Alpine Road
© Ricardalovesmonuments · CC BY-SA 4.0From Lake Constance to the Königssee: by camper along the German Alpine Road from Lindau to Berchtesgaden
Photo by Marija L on UnsplashLakeshores, salt mines and Schnürlregen – by motorhome through Salzburg and the Salzkammergut
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- GrafenlehenCampsite5 km from KönigsseeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping AllweglehenCampsite11 km from KönigsseeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campingplatz SimonhofCampsite12 km from KönigsseeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campingplatz Winkl-LandthalCampsite14 km from KönigsseeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping MartinaCampsite15 km from KönigsseeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- CamperplatzlMotorhome stopover20 km from Königssee · 6 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Königssee?
Königssee is in Schönau am Königssee, Germany, at GPS 47.5530, 12.9786. It is about 9 km from Berchtesgaden.
Can you camp near Königssee?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wohnmobilstellplatz Großparkplatz Königssee, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Königssee?
Königssee is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: German Alpine Road, From Lake Constance to the Königssee: by camper along the German Alpine Road from Lindau to Berchtesgaden and Lakeshores, salt mines and Schnürlregen – by motorhome through Salzburg and the Salzkammergut.
What is there to see near Königssee?
Places worth a stop nearby: Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) (8 km), Eisriesenwelt (17 km), Hohenwerfen Castle (18 km) and Hellbrunn Palace and trick fountains (24 km).
When is the best time to visit Königssee?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)