YANA'S WANDERLUST

Fabulous nature, mind-blowing landscapes, crowds and skyrocketing prices are the things I remember the most from this place. Königssee & Obersee was my most awaited destination on the whole trip. Breathtaking views won my heart even before I saw them with my own eyes.

About Schönau am Königssee

It’s a small municipality in Bavaria, surrounded by the Bavarian Alps and alpine lakes. It’s a well-known, picturesque, touristic place. But it gets quiet and serene if you get further away from the lake and crowds.

There are different places to stay, but they get booked quickly and cost a lot. I started planning a few months in advance, and the cheapest option was around 800 CAD for one night, and there weren’t a lot of rooms available in the whole Schönau am Königssee. So, plan way ahead if you are looking for a better price.

The Königssee Lake Ferry Boat Tour 

It is my favourite little adventure and the most exciting activity in the area. There are different tickets, so make sure to buy one to the Salet Anlegestelle boat station. It costs a little bit more, but it is worth it. With this ticket, you can go to Salet Anlegestelle, hike to the Obersee Lake, see alpine cows and then take another boat to St Bartholomew’s Church (included in the ticket). Or you can go to St Bartholomew’s Church first, and then to Salet Anlegestelle. However, a lot of people recommend the first option.

Obersee Lake (Salet ferry station)

It is the smallest of the two lakes and further away. After getting off the boat, there’s a short hike to the Obersee Lake through lush greenery. You might encounter cows on your way, or they’ll be chilling by the crystal-clear water. 

On a sunny summer day, this place is spectacular. Lush greenery and a frame of majestic mountain peaks surround Obersee Lake, and the crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning landscapes, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect. The water in Obersse Lake was warm enough for swimming but refreshing.

But there’s something you should know about visiting at peak season. There are many people, so you’ll have to look harder for a quiet, tranquil spot here. And, of course, every photo destination, like one of the chalets or rock in the water, will have a long line of people who would like a photo.

St Bartholomew’s Church

We saved this station for the end, and I recommend spending much less time here than at the previous stop. The Church is beautiful, especially from the water, when you can see mountains behind it. There’s food, but you might wait a lot to get something, especially if you get there in the evening when everybody is as hungry as you.

The area by the water is beautiful, and people swim here with the stunning Bavarian Alps in the background. There are also some hikes, but we didn’t save enough time for one.

One thing you should prepare for is a line for the boat on your way back. Everybody is leaving approximately at the same time, so it could take ours under the sun to get on board (we waited around an hour and a half).

In conclusion, I would love to say that no matter what, this Königssee & Obersee is a fantastic place, and it should be on your Germany bucket list. Also, one day is not enough. I planned for a day and a half, but we came to Schönau am Königssee late at night because of the train delay. 

There are some amazing mountain hikes in the area, and my biggest regret is not doing one of them. Well, it’s a reason to come back!

What do you think about Königssee & Obersee? Let me know in the comments, and check my Instagram reels from Schönau am Königssee: