Steinernes Meer

A sea of stone between Watzmann, Königssee, and Hochkönig

The Steinernes Meer—literally “Sea of Stone”—is a vast karst plateau set between the Watzmann massif, Königssee, the Hagen Mountains, the Hochkönig massif, and Hochkalter. The largest mountain range in the Berchtesgaden Alps feels like a sea turned to stone, with rolling formations that resemble frozen waves—giving the Steinernes Meer its evocative name.

If you love mountain hiking, the Steinernes Meer is your kind of place.

Mountain huts in the Steinernes Meer

In the western part of the Steinernes Meer, alpine huts make it easy for you to explore the area on hikes and mountain tours. On the German side, you can stay at Kärlingerhaus (1,630 meters) by Lake Funtensee. Across the border in Austria, Riemannhaus (2,177 meters) at the Ramseider Scharte and Ingolstädter Haus (2,119 meters) below Großer Hundstod are open to you.

In the more remote eastern section of Steinernes Meer, you’ll find a simple bivouac shelter (2,457 meters) below the Wildalmkirchl—serving as a base and emergency refuge. In the Röth valley, at the transition to the Hagen Mountains, you can also stay overnight at Wasseralm (1,423 meters).

Kärlingerhaus at Lake Funtensee
Closed now
Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden
Ingolstädter Haus
Salzburger Land
Closed now
Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden
Riemannhaus in Steinernes Meer
Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden
Wasseralm in Röth
Closed now
Wildalmkirchl bivouac shelter
Salzburger Land
Open at all times

Lake Funtensee

Covering around 2.5 hectares and reaching depths of up to 5.3 meters, Lake Funtensee is a place full of quiet intrigue. You won’t see an outlet on the surface—but listen closely at the so-called “Devil’s Hole,” and you’ll hear the water draining away underground.

Funtensee is famous as the coldest spot in Germany. In summer, though, you wouldn’t guess it—on warm days, you can even take a refreshing dip in the lake.

Maria Alm pilgrimage

Every year, up to 2,000 pilgrims take part in the traditional pilgrimage from Maria Alm across Steinernes Meer to Lake Königssee. It is considered the oldest high-alpine pilgrimage in Europe.