Lake Hintersee
The picture-perfect mountain lake- Open at all times
- Im Bergsteigerdorf Ramsau
Nestled beside Zauberwald ("Magic Forest"), Lake Hintersee is the very definition of a romantic alpine lake. Crystal-clear emerald waters, towering rock formations, twisted old trees, and the dramatic peaks of the Berchtesgaden Alps create a landscape that captivates at every turn.
At Hintersee in the Bavarian mountaineering village of Ramsau, you’ll discover a landscape that could hardly be more diverse: the idyllic mountain lake, dark, mysterious forests, moss-covered trees, and an impressive mountain backdrop.
Lake Hintersee: An inspiration for famous artists
Today, the lake is a favorite subject for numerous landscape photographers. In the past, it was painters who saw their dream vision of Alpine romanticism come to life here—including such well-known landscape painters as Carl Rottmann, Ferdinand Waldmüller, Friedrich Gauermann, and Wilhelm Busch. You can gain insight into the work of significant 19th-century painters, who were magically drawn to this landscape, on the signposted themed hiking trail around the lake.
Tip: Hintersee is especially romantic in the early morning, when a fine ground fog lies over the water and Hochkalter—the second-highest mountain in Berchtesgaden National Park—and Blaueiskar with the Blaueis Glacier are reflected in the calm waters of the lake.
Boating on Lake Hintersee
Experience Lake Hintersee from the water by renting a rowboat or pedal boat and exploring its crystal-clear shoreline at your own pace. As you glide across the lake, the glowing reflection of the western face of Hoher Göll at sunset creates a truly unforgettable scene. During the summer months, the small electric boat Annerl also cruises the lake.
Fed continuously by fresh mountain springs, Lake Hintersee is exceptionally clean—and refreshingly cool, even in midsummer. If you're ready to brave the chilly water, you'll be rewarded with one of the most invigorating swims in the Berchtesgaden Alps.
