Nestled deep between towering cliffs, the emerald-green Königssee lies in one of the most impressive landscapes between Germany and Austria. In every season, Lake Königssee reveals its unique charm and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. In autumn, the mixed forest glows with fiery colors. In winter, a white wonderland sparkles. In spring, waterfalls cascade into Lake Königssee. Lake Königssee is famous worldwide—and not just for its majestic scenery. On the shores of Lake Königssee lie the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, the picturesque village of Schönau, the Jenner mountain with its breathtaking view of the Watzmann, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, the historic town center of Berchtesgaden, as well as numerous hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
We are frequently asked which attractions and places of interest are located at Königssee and where one can park there. In this article, we’ll try to give you a comprehensive overview of the region around Berchtesgaden to show you what there is to see and where you can park your car.
St. Bartholomew`s Church
When you take a boat ride across Königssee, St. Bartholomew`s Church is the most beautiful stop. This church is a world-famous landmark that has become firmly etched in people's minds. The pilgrimage church, consecrated in 1134, is accessible only by boat. With its famous wine-red onion-shaped domes, it adorns the peninsula of the lake, which lies at the heart of this enchanting setting.
The Jenner Cable Car
The Jenner Cable Car is a modern gondola lift in Schönau am Königssee in the Berchtesgadener Land region. It operates year-round, transporting hikers and skiers all the way up to where the snow lies. In about 18 minutes, it moves from the valley station (approx. 630 meters) via an intermediate station (1,200 meters) to the mountain station at an elevation of 1,800 meters, providing access to the Jenner hiking area and the ski resort. During the drive, you can admire Lake Königssee and the Berchtesgaden Alps, especially Mount Watzmann.
Schönau am Königssee
The Upper Bavarian municipality of Schönau am Königssee is located in the Berchtesgadener Land district. It is known for the lake that gives it its name, Königssee, which cuts into the landscape like a fjord, as well as for St. Bartholomä Church and the Watzmann mountain. It is also known as a year-round vacation destination for nature and sports enthusiasts.
Berchtesgaden
Nestled between towering mountains lies the beautiful little town of Berchtesgaden. The old town has a typical Bavarian atmosphere, with its churches and numerous taverns. The castle and the war memorial are worth seeing. There is a wide selection of modern and traditional Bavarian shops and small restaurants.
Bavarian Lake Cruises
Bavarian Lake Cruises offers electric boat tours on Lake Königssee. This is an eco-friendly boat service using electric boats in the Berchtesgadener Land region. It transports visitors year-round from Schönau to the St. Bartholomä pilgrimage church and on to Obersee. The fleet consists of many small electric passenger boats that glide quietly and eco-friendly, ensuring a pleasant experience on the water.
Are you looking for the perfect getaway in Germany? Then hop on a train or in a car and head to Berchtesgaden, near Königssee—a picturesque Bavarian gem nestled in the heart of the German Alps.
Most visitors to Königssee and Berchtesgaden arrive by car or by Deutsche Bahn train. Many international travelers rent a car at the airport and drive there in a rental car. The airports with the best connections and shortest distances to Schönau am Königssee are Munich Airport (MUC), Salzburg Airport (SZG), Innsbruck Airport (INN), and Memmingen Allgäu Airport (FMM). There is also a fairly good and quick connection by car or train to the Austrian airport (LNZ) in Linz.
How do I get from Munich to Königssee by train?
From Munich Central Station, take the RE5 train to Freilassing. This train runs once an hour. In Freilassing, you'll need to take the S4 train heading toward Berchtesgaden. Once you arrive at the train station in Berchtesgaden, take bus 843/841 to Schönau am Königssee. You should allow about 3.5 hours for the entire train ride from Munich to Königssee.
How do I get from Salzburg to Königssee by train?
From the train station in Salzburg, take the RE5 / S3 / S2 to Freilassing. In Freilassing, board the S4 train line heading toward Berchtesgaden. Get off at the train station in Berchtesgaden and take bus 843/841 toward Königssee. Plan for about 2 hours for the entire trip.
How do I get from Innsbruck to Königssee by train?
It's a bit complicated to get from Innsbruck to Königssee by train because you have to change trains several times and wait for the next train at each station. The car ride will be much faster. From Innsbruck Central Station, take the REX2 train to Kufstein. Kufstein is a small town on the border between Germany and Austria. In Kufstein, board the RB54 train bound for Rosenheim. In Rosenheim, you’ll need to change to the RE5 train, which goes to Salzburg via Freilassing. Get off at Freilassing and take the S4 train to Berchtesgaden Central Station. The bus stop for buses 843 and 841, which run to Schönau am Königssee, is located on the plaza in front of the main train station in Berchtesgaden. Plan at least 4 hours for the entire trip.
How do I get from Linz to Königssee by train?
There is a direct REX2/S2/R2 train from Linz to Freilassing in Germany. From Freilassing, take the S4 train to Berchtesgaden. Another option is to get off in Salzburg and take the No. 840 bus directly to Berchtesgaden. Several buses run regularly from the bus station in Berchtesgaden directly to Königssee.
You should allow about 4 hours for the entire trip.
How do I get from Memmingen to Königssee by train?
To get from Memmingen to Königssee by train, you have to go through Munich. We do not recommend this trip because it will take more than 5 hours. Driving a car is much faster. If you do decide to take the train, travel from Memmingen to Munich Central Station. At the Munich train station, take the RE5 train to Freilassing. From Freilassing, take the S4 train to Berchtesgaden. There are several bus-stops in front of the Berchtesgaden train station. Busses 843/841 go to Schönau am Königssee.
A large number of visitors come to Königssee in their own cars, rental cars, RVs, motorcycles, and electric bicycles. Due to the high volume of tourists—particularly day-trippers and RV travelers—the parking situation in Schönau am Königssee is quite difficult. Parking there is available for all types of vehicles, especially large motorhomes. However, you must follow the parking rules to avoid criticism from locals about overcrowding and to prevent any trouble or towing fees. The large main parking lot, which is the most frequently used, is a paid parking lot and is closely monitored. It is divided into three main parking areas: covered parking, paved outdoor parking, and grassy outdoor parking. Parking lots on grassy areas are generally opened during the summer (high season). There are a total of 1,800 parking spaces available, 900 of which are paved and 900 are on grass. The dock is five minutes away.
If this main parking lot is full, it can be difficult to find a spot there. That's why we recommend arriving early in the morning.
What are the features of the main parking lot in Schönau am Königssee?
- lighted
- paved
- signposted
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partially monitored by cctv
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on-site information center
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charging station for electric bicycles available
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safe deposit boxes available
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bicycle repair station
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covered parking spaces available
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outdoor parking available
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parking spaces clearly marked
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motorcycle parking available
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parking spaces for RVs are available
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bicycle parking area
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parking spaces for people with disabilities are available
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on-site ticket machines
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restrooms
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baby-changing station in the restrooms
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free cell phone charging stations next to the tourist center
Summary
If you're looking for a wonderful experience or want to enjoy a relaxing vacation, the area around Königssee and Berchtesgaden comes highly recommended. Travelers without their own vehicle can easily get there by bus or train. Travelers who drive their own cars get to Königssee much faster than those who take the train. Those planning a vacation with their own car also need to consider where to park it. Of course, the best option is to park right next to Königssee, specifically at the main parking lot in Schönau. Although this parking lot charges a fee, it offers a wide range of parking options and amenities for travelers arriving by car, as well as for those arriving by motorcycle or bicycle. What’s more, it’s just a 3- to 4-minute walk to the lakefront, the city promenade, and the Jenner cable car.