From Lake Königssee to Lake Chiemsee
€1120
per person
Discover the beauty of the Alps at your own independent speed on this self-guided hiking tour through the Chiemgauer Alps, situated on the border of Salzburg, Tyrol, and Bavaria. You will cross the alpine borders between Austria and Germany, walking in the shadow of majestic High Alps peaks and trekking across vast mountain meadows. This diverse independent itinerary takes you through cozy holiday resorts and showcases the breathtaking landscapes of the serene Lake Königssee and the immense Lake Chiemsee, often called the “Bavarian Sea.” The stunning Königssee glacier lake area stands out as one of Germany’s most beautiful natural wonders and remains a premier highlight of this walking holiday.
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Destination
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Duration8 Days I Level: 3 (of 5)
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What is included3* hotels and country inns incl. breakfast (check the Rates&Remarks tab for details); Luggage transfer; Transfer on Day 2; Uphill fare cable car from Lofer; Uphill cable car fare Hochplattenbahn; Downhill fare cable car Kampenwand; Detailed roadbook and access to digital maps and GPS tracks via navigation app; Service hotline
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals; Fares for public transport (for example from Winklmoos Alm to Reit im Winkl, approx. EUR 10 per person; train fare from Aschau to Prien/Surroundings, approx. EUR 4,50 per person); Entrance charges; Visitors' taxes (payable locally);
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Best periodJune, July, August, September
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided trekking and hiking tour in the Alps between Lake Koenigssee and Lake Chiemsee, Austria and Germany
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Day 1: Individual journey to Schoenau/Koenigssee
Nestled beneath dramatic peaks, Schönau am Königssee is an extremely beautiful Bavarian village boasting stunning views of the surrounding towering mountains. It is a fantastic destination to explore during your independent walking holiday, offering a postcard-perfect setting where you can stroll along the water or kick off a challenging self-guided hiking route. The village provides the ultimate mix of traditional Bavarian charm and direct access to pristine wilderness, allowing you to enjoy your mountain escape at a completely independent speed. *Easiest arrival via Salzburg and Munich or Innsbruck airports. Reach Berchtesgaden (30-40min bus ride from Salzburg). Then short (15min) ride by bus/taxi to Schoenau/Koenigssee.
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Day 2: From Schoenau/Koenigssee to Weißbach/Surroundings, 'National Park Berchtesgaden' (19km, 6hrs, +530 m/-540m)
Kick off your self-guided walking adventure with a laid-back hike past beautiful Lake Hintersee, entering almost imperceptibly into the heart of the Berchtesgaden National Park. This premier independent hiking route treats you to breathtaking landscapes at every turn, boasting magnificent views of the Reiter Alpe and Hochkalter mountains. You will wind around scenic alpine pastures and trek through the dramatic Seisenbergklamm gorge into the peaceful Saalach Valley, marking a truly remarkable and unforgettable start to your independent walking tour.
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Day 3: From Weißbach/Surroundings to Lofer, ‘Gorges and Pilgrims’ paths’ (13km, 4hrs, +380m/-420m)
Enjoy a spectacular day of independent walking packed with remarkable highlights and flexible exploration. Your self-guided hiking trail gives you a great chance to tour the Lamprechts Cave, the longest passage cave in Europe, and cool off at a natural swimming pool in the impressive Vorderkaser Gorge. You will then walk onward to St. Martin to visit the peaceful pilgrim church of Maria Kirchtal before completing your afternoon journey. Your final goal for the day is the picturesque town of Lofer, Austria, where you can relax after a fantastic day of independent discovery.
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Day 4: From Lofer to Reit im Winkl, "Loferer Alm" (17km, 5,30-6hrs, +770m/-610m)
A morning cable car ride to the Loferer Alm marks the start of a fantastic day on your independent hiking tour. Your self-guided walking trail heads toward the impressive Steinplatten massif, showcasing an abundance of changing scenery from green alpine pastures to mystical mountain forests. Take time for a pleasant picnic at the picturesque Winklmoos Alm alpine pasture before wrapping up your walk. You will then catch a local public bus to rest your feet on the way to the beautiful town of Reit im Winkl, Germany, completing a perfect day of independent exploration.
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Day 5: Rest day in Reit im Winkl or circular walk (10km, 3hrs, +250m/-260m)
Take a well-deserved rest day in the famous ski resort of Reit im Winkl to recharge during your independent walking holiday. You can relax by the beautiful shores of the Weitsee lake or stretch your legs on a delightful circular hike following our recommended trail through the Klausenbachklamm gorge. Afterward, spend the afternoon visiting the town's unique schnapps museum and strolling through the streets of this tranquil Bavarian village, enjoying the flexibility of a truly independent mountain escape.
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Day 6: From Reit im Winkl to Unterwössen/Marquartstein, "Alpine pastures" (19km, 6hrs, +690m/-830m)
Today's section of your independent hiking itinerary features a spectacular walk up to Lake Taubensee, a peaceful and completely unspoiled mountain lake cuddled in a little basin of the Rauhe Nadel at an altitude of 1,138 meters. Following this self-guided walking trail, you will journey across a series of traditional alpine pastures, moving from meadow to meadow as you descend into the scenic Achental Valley. It is a wonderfully rewarding route that showcases the classic charm of the region's high-altitude landscapes.
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Day 7: From Unterwössen/Marquartstein to Prien/Surroundings, "Kampenwand" (12km, 4-5hrs, +670m/- 250m)
Your final self-guided walking day features a memorable journey across the high alpine pastures of the Hochplatte and Kampenwand. You will follow the trail directly beneath the Kampenwand summit, hopping from cabin to cabin while enjoying spectacular views over Lake Chiemsee. The hiking route leads you to the mountain cable car for a relaxing descent to Aschau, where a short train ride will bring you right to the edge of Lake Chiemsee to celebrate the end of your independent holiday.
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Day 8: Departure day
Services end after breakfast. You can return to Koenigssee by train/bus, duration appr. 2,30 hrs. (1 change). Option for return transfer to Schoenau/Koenigssee - EUR 130 per person (min. 2 persons)! Reservation is only payable in advance at the time of booking the tour and valid for Saturday/Sunday rides.
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2027) (Thu, Sat & Sun arrivals only!)
1120 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (20/05-11/06; 11-26/09; Thu, Sat & Sun arrivals only!)
1200 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (12/06-02/07; 28/08-10/09; Thu, Sat & Sun arrivals only!)
1295 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (03/07-27/08; Thu, Sat & Sun arrivals only!)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 280 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 350 Euro
Tips
The trek is available for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday arrivals only between the beginning of June and end of September! To get to the starting point take a train to Berchtesgaden then bus or taxi (short ride) to Schoenau/Koenigssee (appox. 15 min., according to starting hotel). Return to Koenigssee by train/bus, duration approx. 2,30 hrs. (1 change). Option for return transfer to Schoenau/Koenigssee; reservation is only payable in advance at the time of booking the tour and valid for Saturday/Sunday rides (check details with us). Daily walking tours between 4 to 6 hours with some short but steep climbs. Easier alternatives to the high altitude paths are given. You walk on good walking paths and forest lanes. Sometimes surefootedness is required.
Accommodation
Pretty 3*** hotels and country hotels, incl. breakfast. Option for hotels upgrade (contact us for details). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Koenigssee/Berchtesgaden - Hotel Brandtnerhof; Day 2: Weißbach - Hotel Seisenbergklamm; Day 3: Lofer - Hotel Dankl; Days 4/5 : Reit im Winkl - Hotel Nuihausa; Day 6: Marquartstein - Hotel Weßner Hof; Unterwössen - Landhotel Gabriele; Day 7: Prien - Bayerischer Hof
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