Travel to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck and Bavaria

Day 6 Erpendorf - Ramsau - Königssee - Erpendorf (115 Km.)

(in 47 Km.) Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden: We began the day with a stop at Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, a small village located in the Bavarian Alps. This location is known for its iconic view of the Parish Church of St. Sebastian, which stands near a wooden bridge crossing the Ramsauer Ache River. From this spot, there is a well-known panoramic view where the church, the bridge, and the river align perfectly with the alpine peaks in the background. We parked nearby and walked to the viewing area to take several photos from different angles, including along the riverbank and near the bridge. The area surrounding the church features a few traditional Bavarian buildings and small paths that allow visitors to explore different perspectives of the site. After taking our pictures and spending a short time walking around, we returned to the car to continue toward our next destination, the Königssee, located deeper inside Berchtesgaden National Park.

(in 10 Km.) Schönau am Königssee: Upon arriving at the Königssee, we made our way to the main visitor area near the boat docks. This lake is renowned for its exceptionally clear waters and the steep, almost vertical mountains that rise directly from its shores, creating a fjord-like landscape. Among these surrounding peaks, the Watzmann massif dominates the western side of the lake, its dramatic slopes forming one of the most photographed backdrops in Bavaria. Near the main entrance, there is also access to a popular viewpoint called Malerwinkel, located along a short walking path. This viewpoint offers one of the classic panoramic views of the Königssee, with the lake stretching out below and framed by the surrounding cliffs. Although we did not visit Malerwinkel during our trip, it is a well-known location for photography and a common stop for visitors who prefer to enjoy the scenery from land rather than from the boat.

After familiarizing ourselves with the area and facilities, which include ticket offices, restaurants, and shops, we purchased tickets for the electric boat service that connects the various points of interest along the lake. Once ready, we boarded the boat heading to Salet, located at the far southern end of the lake. Shortly after departure, the boat passed by Christlieger Island, the only island on the Königssee, which is easily recognizable by the small statue of St. John of Nepomuk standing on it. As the journey continued, the boat moved through increasingly narrow sections, surrounded by towering rock walls on both sides, offering impressive views throughout the trip.

The boat ride lasted approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Near the final stretch before reaching Salet, we could see a large waterfall cascading down the western cliffs of the lake, an impressive natural feature visible directly from the boat. Shortly afterward, the boat docked at Salet, where we disembarked to visit the Obersee, a smaller lake located just a short walk away. The path between the two lakes is well-marked and takes only about ten minutes to walk, passing through a meadow with alpine scenery and traditional wooden huts. Upon reaching the Obersee, we followed the trail along its shoreline to explore different viewpoints. The water of the Obersee is calm and extremely clear, reflecting the surrounding cliffs and forests. We also took the opportunity to swim near the shore, where the water is shallow and easily accessible, enjoying the natural setting before preparing to return to Salet.

After spending time at the Obersee, we retraced our steps along the same short trail back to the Salet dock to continue our journey on the lake. From there, we boarded another boat heading toward St. Bartholomä, located partway back along the western shore of the Königssee. During this leg of the trip, we again passed through some of the most dramatic sections of the lake, with high cliffs rising vertically from the water. The boat maintained a steady pace, allowing us to enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding alpine landscape. As we approached St. Bartholomä, the distinctive twin onion-domed towers of the church became visible in the distance, signaling our arrival at this historic site.

Upon arrival at St. Bartholomä, we disembarked to explore the area. The church complex is one of the most notable landmarks of the Berchtesgaden region. The original church dates back to the 12th century, but over the centuries it was rebuilt and expanded in the baroque style that can be seen today. Historically, this site served as part of a royal hunting estate for Bavarian rulers, with surrounding buildings used to support hunting activities in the forests and mountains nearby. Today, some of these buildings house restaurants and service facilities for visitors. We walked around the grounds, exploring both the church exterior and the paths that run along the lakeshore, which provide views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Once our visit to St. Bartholomä was complete, we returned to the dock to catch the final boat back to the main Königssee embarkation point. The return trip provided one last opportunity to enjoy the lake’s scenery, including views of the sheer rock walls and wooded slopes that define this part of Berchtesgaden National Park. Upon arrival, we disembarked and spent a few moments walking around the visitor area, where there are several restaurants, shops, and informational displays about the park and its history. This marked the conclusion of our visit to the lake and its main attractions for the day.

After leaving the Königssee area, we drove toward our dinner location, traveling through winding mountain roads and passing small Bavarian villages along the way. Our dinner stop was at Gasthof Bodner, a traditional restaurant offering regional cuisine. We enjoyed a relaxed meal there, discussing the highlights of the day and preparing for the drive back to our accommodation. Once finished, we returned to the car to begin the final leg of the journey.

(in 58 Km.) Erpendorf: The drive back to Erpfendorf, where we were staying overnight, took us through scenic alpine terrain as dusk turned to night.