Map

Malerwinkl Loop Trail

A first glimpse of Königssee
  • Hiking route
  • Hiking
  • 1:30 h
  • 5,0 km
  • 160 hm

Malerwinkl is a popular viewpoint on the northern shore of Lake Königssee. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views across otherwise largely inaccessible Lake Königssee, toward St. Bartholomä pilgrimage church and all the way to Schönfeldspitze in Steinernes Meer.

From the Königssee parking lot, a trail leads you past the picturesque boathouses into Berchtesgaden National Park. Passing the former Café Malerwinkel in the impressively situated Villa Beust, you’ll reach the so-called Malerwinkl. This walk is also very popular in winter. During that time, the path to the Malerwinkl is plowed and salted.

 

The Echo of Königssee

During the boat ride across Königssee, the captains of the electric boats or a crew member will play the flugelhorn to demonstrate the famous echo. Thanks to the Malerwinkl’s elevated location, you can also hear the echo from there.

Route details

  • Difficulty
    easy
  • Start point

    Königssee parking lot

  • Destination

    Königssee parking lot

    Duration1:30 h
    Distance5,0 km
    Ascent160 hm
    Descent161 hm

    Fitness level1/6
    Difficulty1/6
    Landscape4/6
    Experience3/6

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

Do not follow the narrow path that continues along the shore of Lake Königssee from Malerwinkl. This old trail has fallen into disrepair and poses a serious risk of falling.

Directions

From the Königssee parking lot, walk about 300 meters to the lakefront. Turn left and follow the path past the boathouses and other boatyard buildings. After just a few meters, you’ll enter Berchtesgaden National Park. A little higher up, near the former Café Malerwinkel, you’ll get your first elevated view of Lake Königssee. Continue to the viewpoint known as Malerwinkl. The short climb is well worth it: peaceful surroundings, several benches, and a magnificent view of St. Bartholomä pilgrimage church, four kilometers away.

The loop trail then leads through open mixed forest, climbing in two broad switchbacks to another viewpoint. Continue over gently rolling terrain before a somewhat steeper final section takes you to the Jennerbahn valley station. From there, return to the parking lot.

 

Tip: Detour to Rabenwand
At the highest point of the Malerwinkl loop trail, the Rabenwandsteig branches off. Follow this trail through rocky woodland to another viewpoint below the distinctive yellow, overhanging rock face of Rabenwand.

  • Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden

    The Königssee Trail

    Schönau a. Königssee
    • 3:00 h
    • 10,5 km
    • 81 hm
    • Nature Trail
    • Hiking
  • Rowing on Lake Königssee

    Königssee rowboat rental

    Schönau a. Königssee
    • Open today