The best walks and hikes around Schönau am Königssee
4.6
(16102)
80,680
hikers
333
hikes
Hiking around Schönau am Königssee offers diverse terrain within the Berchtesgaden National Park, characterized by towering mountains, the emerald-green Königssee lake, and lush forests. The region features a mountainous to hilly landscape, providing a variety of experiences from lakeside paths to alpine ascents. This area is known for its extensive network of trails, catering to various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Schönau am Königssee
- The most popular hiking route is Malerwinkel circuit – hiking in the Berchtesgaden National Park…
Last updated: April 30, 2026
4.6
(1306)
6,313
hikers
3.39km
01:15
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(766)
3,319
hikers
14.4km
05:31
850m
850m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.8
(735)
3,206
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(316)
1,522
hikers
15.7km
06:28
1,130m
1,130m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(144)
675
hikers
22.8km
08:42
1,350m
1,350m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around Schönau a. Königssee
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Tips from the Community
Dreamlike view with a subsequent climb.
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If you come here, you cannot help but make a small contribution
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spot along the hiking trails to contribute
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Lake Königssee is a mountain lake located mostly within the Berchtesgaden National Park. Nestled between the steep slopes of the Watzmann and Hagen Mountains, the elongated lake, together with the smaller Obersee to the southeast—around which the Steinernes Meer (Sea of Stones) forms the head of the valley—has a fjord-like character. From the Königssee parking area, a path leads past picturesque boathouses into the national park. Passing the former Café Malerwinkl, the walk continues to the so-called Malerwinkel (Painter's Corner). This hike is also very popular as a winter walk, when the path to Malerwinkl is cleared and gritted.
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A beautiful place to pause and simply enjoy the view.
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A beautiful mountain with a panoramic view of the Watzmann and Berchtesgaden. There is also the Isidor via ferrata with various routes.
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The MTB tour from the Wimbach Bridge up to the Kührointalm and further to the Archekanzel is very steep, but the view from the Archekanzel down to the Königssee is an absolute highlight that makes you forget all the effort. The food and drink at the Kührointalm is great, but the pagers are a bit annoying when it's busy and they're constantly beeping. The descent on the forest road is steep again, but not dangerous.
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No matter where you are, it is beautiful everywhere
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Schönau a. Königssee?
Schönau a. Königssee offers an extensive network of over 300 hiking trails. These routes cater to various fitness levels, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine ascents within the Berchtesgaden National Park.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Schönau a. Königssee?
The region features a diverse mountainous to hilly landscape. You'll find everything from gentle paths along the emerald-green Königssee to routes with dramatic rock faces and dense forests. Some advanced trails, like the Rinnkendlsteig, even include rocky passages with stepping steps, ladders, and wire ropes.
Are there easy hikes suitable for beginners or families in Schönau a. Königssee?
Yes, there are over 100 easy routes perfect for beginners or families. A popular choice is the Malerwinkel circuit, an easy 3.4 km trail offering scenic views of Königssee. Many lakeside paths are also suitable for a relaxed family outing.
Are there challenging routes for experienced hikers in the region?
Absolutely. For experienced hikers, there are nearly 100 difficult routes. Trails like Over the Grünstein to the Archenkanzel or the Wanderung zum Watzmannhaus offer significant elevation gains and panoramic views, requiring good fitness and alpine experience. Multi-day hikes through the Steinernes Meer are also available for ambitious mountaineers.
What natural landmarks or viewpoints can I see on hikes around Königssee?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can hike to the Malerwinkel for iconic views of Königssee, or explore the stunning Lake Königssee itself. Other notable features include the dramatic Watzmann mountain, the serene Obersee with the Wimbach Gorge, and the Almbach Gorge.
Are there any hikes that feature waterfalls in Schönau a. Königssee?
Yes, the region is home to the stunning Röthbachfall, Germany's highest waterfall. To reach it, you can take an electric boat across Königssee to Salet, followed by a relatively easy 1.5 km hike to Obersee, where the waterfall is visible.
Can I find circular hiking routes in Schönau a. Königssee?
Yes, many routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Malerwinkel circuit is a popular easy circular trail. For more challenging options, some multi-day hikes also form circuits within the Berchtesgaden National Park.
Is parking available for hikers in Schönau a. Königssee?
Yes, there are several designated parking areas in Schönau a. Königssee, particularly near the Königssee lake and trailheads, which cater to hikers. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
Are there options for winter hiking in Schönau a. Königssee?
Schönau a. Königssee is an all-season hiking destination. Many trails are cleared for winter use, offering unique experiences like the Snowshoeing in Berchtesgaden route or the Königsseer Fußweg. The Rossfeld Panorama Road Viewpoint also offers great winter vistas.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Schönau a. Königssee?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 17,000 reviews. Hikers consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of the emerald-green Königssee, the dramatic rock faces, and the pristine alpine environment within the Berchtesgaden National Park.
Can I combine hiking with a boat trip on Königssee?
Absolutely. Electric boat trips across the Königssee are a popular activity and can be combined with hikes. You can take a boat to St. Bartholomä or Salet, and then embark on trails from there, such as the hike to Obersee and Röthbachfall, or the challenging route to the Ice Chapel.
Are there multi-day hiking options in the Schönau a. Königssee region?
Yes, for ambitious hikers, multi-day routes are available. Options include traverses like the 4-day journey from Saalfelden over the Steinernes Meer to Königssee, or a three-day circuit within Berchtesgaden National Park encompassing peaks like Großer Teufelshorn and Funtenseetauern.
Most popular routes around Schönau am Königssee
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