Hintersee
Bavaria, Germany
Located within Berchtesgaden National Park, Lake Hintersee is considered one of the most picturesque highlights of southern Germany’s Bavarian Alps. Boasting crystal-clear water offset by soaring mountain peaks, this glacier-fed beauty spot is an ideal day-trip destination from Munich and Salzburg. A range of recreational opportunities are available in the area, from walking and hiking trails to seasonal boat rentals.
The basics
One of the best destinations in the Bavarian Alps for those seeking spectacular scenery, Lake Hintersee is ideal for vacationers of all stripes. For those after a gentle sightseeing experience, the lake’s flat path can be strolled in less than 1 hour, with plenty of opportunities for photographing beauty spots and spotting local wildlife from kingfishers to herons along the way (it’s not hard to see why the lake was a favorite of German Romantic artists and poets). In the summer, swimming in the lake or paying for a boat rental is possible.
If you’re looking for a more intrepid experience, Lake Hintersee is also located along numerous hiking trails, including those that continue through the Enchanted Forest (Zauberwald) into other Alpine scenery. For seamless sightseeing, a range of full-day tours from Munich and Salzburg visit the lake as they traverse the region.
Things to know before you go
- Several restaurants and hotels are located around the lake; just bring cash, as not all local businesses take cards.
- The walking path surrounding the lake is smooth and in good condition, and you don’t need hiking boots to explore it.
- Because Hintersee is glacier-fed, its waters can be very cold even in the summer; you may wish to come prepared with warmer gear when swimming.
How to get there
Lake Hintersee is located in Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, Germany. It is approximately 2.5 hours by car from Munich via the A8 and around 1 hour from Salzburg via the B305 or B21. The local 846 bus route also stops along the lake, and guided tour itineraries offer the easiest way to get there.
When to get there
There’s no bad time of year to visit Lake Hintersee. Aim for the peak summer months if you’re after good weather and ideal boating or swimming conditions. Winter is a perfect time to explore if you prefer snowy hikes and want to take advantage of area skiing slopes. The shoulder seasons are likely to be less crowded.
Lake Königssee
After you’ve made the most of Lake Hintersee, don’t leave the Bavarian Alps before visiting the nearby Lake Königssee. Also located in Berchtesgaden National Park, the mountain-ringed lake is much larger than Hintersee and offers equally appealing hiking and boating opportunities, plus iconic views of the waterfront St. Bartholomew Church.
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