Nestled in the fairy tale region of the Bavarian Alps, Lake Königssee is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This pristine lake, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, offers breathtaking views and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The clear, emerald waters of Lake Königssee are so pure that they create a picture-perfect setting that feels straight out of a storybook. This area is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for families seeking adventure and relaxation alike.
Lake Königssee itself is located within the Berchtesgaden National Park, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful, protected areas. The park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers over millions of years. One of the most famous landmarks in the park is the iconic St. Bartholomew’s Church, with its distinctive onion-domed towers, which can be reached by a scenic boat ride across the lake. The church, set against the backdrop of the Watzmann mountain range, is a must-visit for its serene beauty and historical significance.
I was super excited about our boat trip to Lake Königssee, but at the same time, a bit nervous about how our one-year-old twins and even our four-year-old would handle it (I think everyone who has kids understands well). It was my first time in the Bavarian Alps, and I was amazed by the region’s beauty. We even have ancestors from this particular area, and as you grow older and have your own kids, you feel more connected to your roots and family history. Bavaria really touched my heart (see my other post, ´Bavarian Alps: Family Portraits Capturing Candid Childhood Memories,´ about our holiday stay in Bavaria).
We stayed in the lovely area of Berchtesgaden in Holiday apartment Haus Renn, which we easily found on Booking.com. We chose a pet-friendly accommodation close to Lake Königssee. The lady who welcomed us greeted us with a warm “Grüß Gott!” and was super nice, and like most Bavarian people, took special care of her small garden and guest house. The house, in addition to the lovely garden, had a little swimming pool, which was really refreshing on hot summer days. In front of the guesthouse was a tiny wooden kids’ house, and Lucas loved to play peekaboo with me after our walks with the dogs. Speaking of dogs, the area is great for walking them, with many paths and forests.
For our visit to Lake Königssee, we booked a mid-day slot the night before. The lake is located in Berchtesgaden National Park, approximately 15 minutes by car from our guesthouse. We made sure to be on time for our boarding but were not prepared at all for the parking machine! The parking area for tourists is huge and, as with everything in Germany, very well organized. However, we couldn’t find any change machine, and we didn’t have any coins for paying for parking. It was quite stressful as I needed to watch Lucas, who was running around, and hold Ollie while Jacob and Victoria tried to sort out our parking. After some funny chaotic moments when I tried to ask other tourists if they had any change, I realized everyone had the same problem as us! Jacob finally noticed that there was a mobile app to pay online, but for some reason, we didn’t have a signal.
As Jacob is the kind of person who never uses a parking facility without paying for it, he started to get really stressed about leaving our car in the car park and running late for our boat. I ran behind him with our boys and just reached the checkpoint for boats to see that ours was gone! Haha, you should have seen our faces! Jacob asked a nice lady near the gate, and she was able to add us to the next boat group. Phew, that was close! Jacob didn’t smile, and I knew exactly what he was thinking about: a car fine in Bavaria spoiling our holidays. I quickly started to download the German parking app; it was so slow… Our boat just arrived, and we sat in a place near the window. Lucas jumped to the window to enjoy the tour. I made sure the window was closed while looking at the app. The boat started to sail, but Jacob’s face wasn’t excited at all! After a couple of minutes, I told him, “Look, I’m online, we can make a payment!” Jacob started to smile and was so relaxed. And our nice holiday day out just started…
While we finally felt more relaxed, the boat silently sailed across Lake Königssee. Did I mention that all boats are powered by electricity? This means the crystal-clear waters remain unpolluted by oil, allowing your mind to be as free as the birds flying over the Bavarian mountains. The boat ride offered magnificent views all around the lake. Ollie was sleeping peacefully in a baby carrier, and Victoria and Lucas enjoyed our sail, snacking on their favourite vegan duck cookies.
When you’re finally in places like this, it feels like you’re in a different dimension or on another planet. It’s so relaxing yet so recharging, especially for busy parents. You can truly have and enjoy ‘your time’ and ‘your moment,’ just as your kids enjoy theirs. That’s exactly why family holidays are so precious to me. They help you connect more deeply with your partner, your kids, and even your dreams, as you visit places you’ve always dreamed of.
My stream of holiday thoughts was suddenly interrupted by a Bavarian sailor who started speaking in German about a special place we had reached. He then grabbed a trumpet and began to play. After a few notes, he paused and looked at the crowd. We suddenly understood that we were in the middle of Lake Königssee to hear the echoing sounds of Bavarian music. What a unique experience for tourists!
Just more 10 minutes and we reached St. Bartholomej Church and as most of the tourist we made a lunch break at this place. As it was my first time experience, for some reason, I though that lake is not allowed for swimmers (as many lakes in National Park in Czechia are protected), we realized after our lunch that just next to St. Bartholomej Church there is an entrace to the lake and you can even refresh yourself and swim in crystal clear waters! Ahh, how was it possible that I didn´t know it, I asked Jacob. So, we made a booking for next day and at this time with our swimsuits!
As swimming is allowed in Lake Königssee, you’ll get the most out of your visit if you plan for a whole day filled with various activities. Both days at Lake Königssee, we didn’t have much time to enjoy the tourist-friendly main road leading to the lake. On our way there, we were in a hurry, and on the way back, after 5 PM, all the shops and restaurants were already closed. But I still had a chance to see how beautifully the main road is lined with charming Bavarian cottage restaurants and artisan workshops featuring wood and Bavarian Dirndls, the traditional women’s dress.
We usually plan our outings for just half of the day, starting after a mid-day walk with the dogs, as we don’t want to leave them alone for too long. However, If we didn’t have the dogs, we would definitely head out right after breakfast to fully enjoy the Bavarian atmosphere around the lake. Both times we visited, we booked a boat between 12 and 1 PM. This allowed us to reach Lake Königssee, have a nice long stop, and then sail to the second lake, Obersee, which is another 15-20 minutes by boat and a half-hour walk.
As we sailed near Obersee, our son Lucas was already too tired (it was really hot!), and Ollie had another little snooze. So, the boys and I bought ice cream and enjoyed a lovely peaceful moment on a wooden bench along a little forest road, surrounded by mountains and the lake. Jacob, with Victoria in a Tula Explorer carrier, energetically hiked to Obersee, and when they returned, Jacob showed me a stunning photo of Obersee with a little wooden shed. I was like, “Wow, look what we missed!“
Time passed quickly, and soon it was time for the last boat back. This was probably the most challenging part of the whole trip as the last boat was really overcrowded, and the babies were in their active time zone but not happy to see so many unfamiliar faces. As always, breastfeeding helped soothe them, so I swapped Victoria and Oliver with Jacob many times, according to who was more unhappy and needed cuddles at the time.
Lake Königssee in the Bavarian Alps offers an unforgettable family-friendly experience, combining natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure. From the serene electric boat ride showcasing the pristine lake and majestic mountains to the gentle family hike and cozy cafe nestled in the woods, every moment was filled with childhood joy and the relaxing tranquility of nature. This trip reminded me of the importance of family holidays, as they not only allow you to explore new places but also create lasting family memories. Make sure to plan a full day to fully immerse yourself in the Bavarian charm, swim in the clear waters (don’t forget your swimsuit!), and explore both Königssee and Obersee. Whether you’re snacking on your own prepared food and vegan cookies or enjoying a distinctive Bavarian lunch in Gaststätte St. Bartholomä, hiking through picturesque landscapes, or simply enjoying a quiet moment on a bench, Lake Königssee provides the perfect backdrop for precious family moments.
Just make sure you have change for the parking machine!
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Very nice❤️