Hi friends, welcome back to my Germany and Austria series 🙂 After a rainy day in Berchtesgaden the previous day, Jon and I woke up to an overcast, but dry day. We got ready quickly and then headed back to Königssee. We purchased our boat tickets for the full trip to Salet onsite, and boarded about ten minutes later. You can also buy tickets ahead of time online, but the weather looked a bit dicey during our trip so I held off. It seems like there are enough boats going out each hour that you’d be ok buying your tickets same day except late afternoon.
The boat is electric and goes about 12 km/h, so it’s a slow and peaceful journey. There are two stops, St. Bartholomew and Salet. St. Bartholomew is the first stop and you can buy a ticket to only go here and back. This stop features the famous St. Bartholowmew Church and also has a few restaurants. We wanted to go hiking at the further stop called Salet and see Obersee. I’d HIGHLY recommend buying the ticket to Salet unless you’re short on time.
About halfway to the first stop the boat stops so the guide can play the bugle (trumpet like instrument). The sound echoes off the rock cliffs and it’s pretty cool to experience! Make sure you have some coins because the guide passes around his hat for tips… The guide also gives a speech about Königssee in German, luckily we picked up a little of what he was saying from an English tour guide on board.
Jon and I got off at Salet and started our trek to Obersee. There were cows grazing on the hill and we could hear their bells, it was so quaint and perfect.
We made it to Obersee and I got the iconic picture of this shed. I’d seen this so many times on our tv background, so getting to see it in real life was amazing. We are so fortunate to be able to travel and see this big world, and this was one of those moments that makes you pause to really appreciate it. I’d recommend going early before people start laying on the dock and ruining every picture.
Can’t think of a more serene and idyllic spot!
You can also hike to the tallest waterfall in Germany, but we could see it well enough from where we were so we passed on the extra steps.
Jon and I made our way to the other side of the lake and I’d definitely recommend hiking boots. It was pretty slippery from the rain and had a lot of slick stairs. To get to Obersee you don’t need hiking boots, but once you continue on the path the terrain is a little precarious.
We made it to the opposite side of the lake and there was a farm house with beer, fresh milk, and bites for lunch. The views from this side of Obersee were just as stunning!
It was just so serene here, it truly felt like walking inside a picture or painting.
Jon and I got back on the boat and stopped at St. Bartholomew to get some pictures of this unique looking church. This church dates back to the 1100s, but was rebuilt in 1697 to what it looks like present day. There is an inn next door that used to be a hunting lodge for the royals. They sure do get the best spots!
Jon and I had a snack break overlooking the lake and soaked in all the peacefulness and fresh air. Eventually we made our way back to the boat for the return journey. I believe the boat ride was about 28 euros each and definitely worth the cost of admission. If you’re in the area you must take this boat tour and visit Obersee, it’s absolutely stunning and the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon.
We were very hungry by the time we got back from our excursion, so we grabbed this massive asiago pretzel. It was light, airy, and delicious! They also sold a pretzel this size coated in cinnamon sugar. I was very intrigued, but that seems like it could be a major sugar rush.
I hope you enjoyed coming along on this beautiful boat ride to Obersee and St. Bartholomew. Stay tuned for some more sightseeing in Berchtesgaden!
Posts in my Germany and Austria series:
Germany
The first picture of the two of you needs to be your Christmas card this year. Absolutely beautiful. And after all those busy city trips, wasn’t it so nice to get back to nature?
Thank you! It was so nice to have a more relaxing trip in nature. It was the perfect balance 🙂
Stunningly beautiful Lyssy. I can see why you wanted to do that trip. The clouds actually make the day and the photos better. They give the mirror like lakes something to reflect. That pretzel is massive. I would have gone for the sweet one too. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Thank you! It was the perfect place to relax and get some fresh air. I agree that the clouds make the photos. Next time I see a cinnamon sugar pretzel I’m going to try it 🙂
Those are such fabulous photos Lyssy
Thank you!
This might be my favorite of all your Germany destinations so far. The reflections are stunning and the scenery is beautiful and it just all looks so peaceful and idyllic!
It’s my favorite too, it was absolutely stunning!
Oh that does look so lovely! I have never really felt any desire to visit Germany but after seeing all these beautiful mountain/lake photos I have been changing my mind.
The southern area of Germany is stunning! I’d highly recommend visiting 🙂
Hard to choose a favorite photo here but I do like the second-to-last of the shed, looking straight down the boardwalk. Seems you had the lake to yourself (or you were just very patient with your photography). And the one shot of the trail/steps justifies your decision to wear hiking boots. Seriously muddy!
That’s one of my fav pics too. It wasn’t super crowded at the lake, but I was also very patient. I wanted to spend as much time as possible here. The washout the day before made the path a little tricky, but we managed!
Stunning scenery!
Thank you!
You are most welcome! 🙂
As stunning as your pictures are, I can’t even imagine how beautiful Obersee is in person! That clear water reflects the surrounding scenery like a mirror. Wow! Plus the boat looked pretty cool too!
The boat ride was awesome, although Jon wished it went faster ha! It was just incredible in real life, hard to believe such a place exists!
Such beautiful photos and it’s difficult to think of anywhere nicer for a hiking trip!
Thank you! It was such an incredible day and place to visit!
The nature views here look simply breathtaking! Wow!!! I love your photos with the reflections in the water too, very beautiful. Also, the pretzel looks delicious!
Thank you!! It was one of the most picturesque spots I’ve visited 🙂
Oh my goodness these photos are absolutely breathtaking! What a completely magical place. This is going on my bucket list ASAP 😊💕
Thank you!! I was so magical!
Lyssy, these photos are pure gold. It looks so peaceful and idyllic, the whole area. It is hard to pick a favourite destination from your Austria and Germany trip, but this could be it for me.
Thank you!! I agree, this spot was my favorite! It was the perfect place to escape into nature and unwind.
Travelling by boat seems like a great way to enjoy more of the beautiful scenery. Glad to hear you got to visit the iconic shed and take some pictures before the crowds took over.
The boat was a great way to see more of the stunning scenery!
Oh you’re making me so so ‘home’ sick for Germany. I want to book a flight right now and go. Those pictures are just absolutely STUNNING and I’m so glad you got to see the iconic shed in person.
Amazing photos Lyssy and wonderful place you visited in Germany. Anita 😄
Thank you!!
I sure did enjoy taking this virtual boat ride with you guys 😉 … but again these pictures woww!! I just can’t believe how beautiful it is!!
Wow, those places look absolutely stunning! The reflection of the mountain on the lake, the cows grazing, the waterfall… It all seems so peaceful, stright out of a postcard! Of course the view with the shed is beautiful too, and I had a similar experience when I visited ice caves in Iceland because it was one of my laptop’s default background images! I also felt so lucky that I was able to actually see it in person so I perfectly understand the feeling!! Also, that pretzel looks massive and delicious!