Best backpacking trails in Schönau am Königsee

Panoramic hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. This hike begins at the foot of the Jenner at the valley station of the Jennerbahn and leads in part steeply up to the mountain station of the lift of the same name. Alternatively, you can also take the cable car to the summit of the Jenner and then follow the hiking route downhill. The path leads through picturesque alpine landscapes with wonderful views of the Königssee and the surrounding Berchtesgaden Alps. Following the...

Stage 1 of the long-distance hiking trail Watzmanntour, Bavaria. This route forms the first day of the demanding Watzmann tour. It begins in Königssee and leads steadily uphill to the Watzmannhaus. You can park in the city's large parking lot (subject to a fee). It is also possible to arrive by bus or train. The path first leads over the wooden bridge, pass before taking the Falzsteig towards the Kührointalm and the Kührointhütte b the Watzmannhaus. This rocky climb secured with steel cable...

Demanding mountain hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. Alpine flair awaits you on this Watzmann hike starting at the Kühroint-Alm. You first reach the Falzalm via the Falzsteig. The Falzsteig is a climb partly secured with wire ropes, which is very steep in places and leads through rocky terrain. It goes up to the iconic Watzmannhaus, where you can not only stop but also spend the night. Then the partly very steep ascent to the Hocheck begins. Following the ridge, the hiking...

Challenging and scenic hike to the Watzmannhaus, Bavaria. This adventurous hike can begin at the Königssee with a boat trip to the starting point (note the boat trip schedule and prices) - the beautiful St. Bartholomew's Church. After visiting the historic church, walk along the lake shore to the Eiswinkel. It continues on the Rinnkendlsteig and from there to the Archenkanzel. Up here you have one of the most spectacular views in the Berchtesgaden National Park. This is where the really...

This stage takes you from the lovely Königssee village along the legendary “Rodelbahn” (luge run) up to the Grünstein hut at an altitude of 1,196m. You will mostly be walking through sparse mixed woodland until it thins out and offers a view over the Königssee lake and the impressive Watzmann mountain. Then continue on past the Hammerstiel inn down into the delightful Engedey hamlet. The overview list of all stages of the Purple Trail can be found here:...

Promising stage 41 of the violet Via Alpina long-distance hiking trail, Bavaria. The Violette Via Alpina Trail has 66 stages through Austria, Slovenia and Germany. In Bavaria it usually follows the Maximiliansweg. From the Kärlinger Haus, follow the serpentines through the popular "Saugasse". The path is rocky, but well developed. Arrived in somewhat flatter terrain, you pass the beautiful Schrainbach waterfall, where a magnificent view of the famous Königssee soon opens up. The path leads...

Varied circular hike from the Kärlingerhaus to the Sommerstein, Bavaria. The route is perfect as a tour if you have stayed at the Kärlingerhaus. From there it goes along the Viehkogeltalweg in the direction of the 2306 meter high Sommerstein. The summit offers a magnificent view over the Steinernes Meer. The further you get to the summit, the narrower and more rugged the paths become. You should have a head for heights, be absolutely sure-footed and wear sturdy shoes. On the way back you...

Versatile, alpine section of the E10 long-distance hiking trail, Bavaria. The E10 long-distance hiking trail starts in Finland and runs through Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy. The Bavarian section runs through an alpine area and has great highlights to offer. The descent from Austria is to Berchtesgaden. From there, the section begins with a fairly flat path to the 1972 meter high Berchtesgadener Hochthron and the Stöhrhaus (seasonal refreshment stop and overnight...

This route follows Stage 10 of the SalzAlpenSteig, traveling from Königssee to Bad Dürrnberg on a demanding day that crosses onto the Austrian side of the trail. From the lake and valley floor, it passes through forest, partly paved sections, and steeper mountain terrain while linking some of the route’s most distinctive salt-history landmarks, including the Berchtesgaden salt mine and the Celtic traces around Dürrnberg, giving the stage a clear cross-border identity alongside its alpine...