View of the Watzmann from the Königssee Trail
Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden

The Königssee Trail

From Berchtesgaden along the Königsseer Ache to Lake Königssee
  • Nature Trail
  • Hiking
  • 3:00 h
  • 10,5 km
  • 81 hm

The Königsseer Fußweg (Königssee Trail) takes you from Berchtesgaden along the Königsseer Ache to the southern shore of Lake Königssee. Numerous signs provide more information about the history of log driving. The hiking trail along the Königsseer Ache is also part of the SalzAlpenSteig premium long-distance hiking trail, which runs from Lake Chiemsee past Lake Königssee to Lake Hallstatt.

Start your hike along the Königsseer Fußweg (Königssee Trail) at Triftplatz, on the boundary between the communities of Berchtesgaden and Schönau am Königssee. Triftplatz was once the collection point for timber floated down the Königsseer Ache and Ramsauer Ache toward Berchtesgaden. Known as log driving, this method was used to transport timber harvested in the surrounding mountain forests to Berchtesgaden. The wood was needed primarily for salt production at the saltworks. Along the Königsseer Fußweg, you’ll follow the traces of this historic tradition between Berchtesgaden and Lake Königssee, with numerous information panels bringing the history of forestry in the Berchtesgaden valley to life.

A total of 23 information panels line the trail. Written in both German and English, the panels provide information about points of interest and historical facts along the way. In addition to the timber rafting route, you’ll learn more about the fish in the river and the birds along its banks. The panels commemorate the unique “Galoppschnitzer” near the Nasse Wand, recount the history of the Königssee Railway—the former train line between Berchtesgaden and Königssee—and provide an overview of the surrounding mountain peaks. With engaging questions for kids, there’s plenty for young hikers to discover along the trail as well.

Route details

  • Difficulty
    easy
  • Start point

    Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof (central station)

  • Destination

    Königssee

    Duration3:00 h
    Distance10,5 km
    Ascent81 hm
    Descent81 hm

    Fitness level2/6
    Difficulty1/6
    Landscape5/6
    Experience5/6

J F M A M J J A S O N D

The Königsseer Fußweg is also open to cyclists. Please be considerate of others using the trail.

Directions

From Berchtesgaden train station, walk across the roundabout to Triftplatz. The Königsseer Fußweg begins behind the shopping area. The wide path initially follows the right bank of the Königsseer Ache. Before long, cross the river at Nasser Palfen and continue along the left bank toward Schönau. From here, the trail follows the winding course of the river.

Continuing toward Lake Königssee, follow the road "An der Stangermühle" for a short distance to Campingplatz Grafenlehen. From there, return to the river and follow the Königsseer Ache, passing through an underpass beneath Schornstraße before reaching Seeklause at the outlet of Lake Königssee. The Königssee lakefront is located just beyond Hotel Königsseer Hof.

For the return trip, follow the lane lined with souvenir shops to the large Königssee parking lot. From there, take the footpath heading north behind the gas station. After Gasthaus Schusterstein, cross the road at the traffic light and turn right onto Schneewinklweg. After passing Schneewinklschule, the trail leads you back to the Königsseer Fußweg and on to your starting point at Triftplatz.