We were able to catch a morning bus for 10.40 Euro each, and it’s about a 50 minute bus ride from Salzburg. Even though the bus was crowded and the park itself was busy, I cannot stress the beauty of this place. It reminds me of a cross between Yosemite and the Rockies.
On to describing our adventure, which will pale in comparison to the actual experience. We arrived by bus at Königssee which is an amazingly gorgeous and clear alpine lake. We hopped on an electric boat, which besides row boats, are the only boats allowed on the lake as part of the rules protecting the park. The only activities allowed in the lakes are swimming and row boats. There is only one man allowed to fish, and he is a local who runs the restaurant at one of the stops (more on that later).
After a breathtaking boat ride, complete with the first mate bouncing trumpet music off the surrounding cliff side, we arrived at Salet on the far side of Königssee. The boat is the only way to get there.
From the dock, we hiked about 20-25 minutes to another smaller alpine lake, Obersee. From the moment you arrive, you are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains as well as the tallest waterfall in all of Germany that feeds into the lake.
Then, we began the more arduous part of our journey, the hike around the lake. This involved some stairs, our old nemesis, and a 50 minute hike. At the end of this trek, we treated ourselves to bread, butter, and cheese sold by a farmer whose farm has been in the park for generations, so they are allowed to operate a little snack bar. This whole experience was surreal.
The hike and the stairs
A baby cow on the farm with a spiked nose ring
View from our lunch spot
The farm house
Farmer’s son trimming the field with a scythe (this builds character)
Cow poop with butterflies (don’t ask)
After leaving the farm, we hiked an additional 30 minutes up the hill to the foot of the waterfall. This was fairly brutal as the shade that we had enjoyed on the lake hike had vanished, but I still recommend the whole experience as you are treated to amazing views of the surrounding scenery complete with the farmer’s free range cows.
After quitting the waterfall, we made our way back to the boat dock for our last stop on the lake, St. Bartholomä Church. This cute, little church dates back to the 12th century. Alongside the church is the fisherman’s restaurant I mentioned earlier where he sells smoked trout and other fish he has caught in the lake. We had to try some. Jenny got a char, and I got a trout. Jenny wasn’t too thrilled with either choice, but I had fun finishing both fish.
Then we had one final boat ride back to our starting point and a hot, crowded bus ride back to Salzburg. But the crowds and the heat were worth battling to see this amazing park. I definitely would not pass this place up if you happen to be in the area.
One final recommendation for food options, there’s a pizza place down the street from our hotel called Organic Pizza Salzburg that serves delicious pizza. We actually ate there twice while staying at The Mozart Hotel. Oh, and I have to share the bust of Mozart as a child that was in our room. Next, we’re off to Vienna.
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