The towering cliffs of the Berchtesgaden Alps drop almost vertically down to the shores of Lake Königssee, which is 192 meters deep at its deepest point. If you want to explore the stunning natural scenery surrounding Bavaria’s most iconic mountain lake, the only way to do so is by boat—and there it is, waiting for you: the famous Königssee echo.
The electric boat glides silently across Lake Königssee. Emerald-green water glistens in the sun, the sky glows white and blue—and the echo of the trumpet reverberates far across the lake. Surrounded by the mountains of Berchtesgaden National Park and the mighty Watzmann East Face, this boat trip is one you won’t forget—whether you visit in summer or winter.
From the paid Königssee parking lot, it's about a five-minute walk through the pedestrian zone to the lake. You can buy tickets for the boat trip at the ticket office or online. Hikers who reach the St. Bartholomä, Salet, or Kessel boat docks via mountain trails can purchase tickets for the return trip to the Königssee lakeshore directly at the dock.
The one-way boat trip from the Königssee lakeshore to St. Bartholomä takes about 35 minutes. Plan at least 2 hours for your visit to St. Bartholomä. This gives you enough time to explore the surroundings and visit the pilgrimage church, which is free to enter.
If you book the full boat tour to Salet, the one-way trip from Königssee takes about 1 hour. Allow at least 3 hours for the entire excursion. You can stop at St. Bartholomä on either the outbound or return journey, then continue your trip on a later boat.
There are no restrooms on board, and food and drinks are not available for purchase.
Dogs are welcome on board for an additional fee and must wear a muzzle. Dogs classified as dangerous breeds are not permitted. If your dog cannot wear a muzzle, as may be the case with very small or flat-faced breeds, you must use a suitable pet carrier or crate.
Smoking is not permitted on the electric boats operating on Lake Königssee.
Especially from July through mid-September, as well as on weekends, public holidays, and long holiday weekends, sunny weather and high visitor numbers can lead to wait times for both outbound and return boat trips. The first sunny day after a stretch of rainy weather during peak season tends to be particularly busy. On these days, we recommend departing for St. Bartholomä before 10:00 a.m. and catching your return boat from St. Bartholomä no later than 2:30 p.m.
You can also buy your ticket online in advance and head straight to the dock with your online ticket. Online tickets are only available for departures from the Königssee lakeshore, not for one-way return trips for hikers traveling back from the boat stops along the lake. This is due to limited cell service in Salet and St. Bartholomä.
Buy your tickets at the online ticket shop.
Lake Königssee is a natural paradise set in the heart of Berchtesgaden National Park.
