How to Get to Lake Konigssee Waterfall Pool In Berchtesgaden- When visiting the town of Berchtesgaden I knew I wanted to see Lake Konigssee, and when I found pictures of this small natural infinity waterfall swimming pool I knew I had to find it. This small swimming hole is located in the hills and mountains surrounding the famous Lake Konigssee, also known as King’s Lake, in the Bavarian Alps. Lake Konigsee is worth a visit from the ground but from this little swimming spot you can overlook the beautiful blue from above.

After much research and looking at Google Maps I finally found the route heading to this natural pool. It is actually part of a waterfall called Konigsbach Waterfall.

**When I went on this trail we only saw two local friends at the falls together. There is news that the waterfall is maybe now closed or blocked off. I have heard that this is because it got overcrowded and people left trash around it. Please don’t be someone who disrespects nature and it’s natural wonders. But if really wanting to go, it is as you own risk. Supposedly there is a chain block off the path but no signs, they might be just trying to reduce the number of people here.

How to Get There

We stayed in an AirBnB in Berchtesgaden for our time in this area, taking time to visit Eagle’s Nest, a day in Hallstatt, and to complete the Grunstein Klettersteig Via Ferrata near this same lake.

From Berchtesgaden you will need to drive to Lake Konigssee, which is a short 5 minute drive.

Parking

We parked in this Parkplatz for the day. If you stayed in Berchtesgaden for the night you should have the mandatory Berchtesgaden Tourist Card which gets to 50% off parking at this lot. This card should be given to you by your AirBnB owner or hotel staff. You can find more information about this card on this site.

The Hike

From the parking lot take the short stroll down through the shops and market to the lake front. Here will be your typical tourist shops and restaurants.

From here to will head left around the lake to get started on the trail. Passing behind some boathouse buildings. You will see many people heading this way for the viewpoints. Which made me think this wasn’t such a secluded spot.

You will have to go on a three different trails to get to the natural swimming pool. Malerwinkel, Rabenwald, and an abandoned unmarked trail.

Trail #1: Malerwinel

The first trail will be the Malerwinkel, you can find the trail by reading the typical German hiking signs that are bright yellow. This is an easy stroll on a paved path, only the last part of the trail becomes to be a steep incline. It stays level with the lake and stops at a viewpoint with benches. This section should take you about 20 minutes to hike.

Trail #2: Rabenstein

Once at the Malerwinkel viewpoint the trail will continue on to be called Rabenwald, or also known as Rabenstein. You can find more information about these two trails that connect here.

Rabenwald is another well maintained trail. It is quiet the steep incline so we took a few short breaks while heading to this viewpoint. You will be on this trail section for another 30 minutes before reaching the Rabenwald viewpoint. Bringing your hike to 50 minutes total so far.

Trail #3: The abandoned trail to the waterfall

The last and third section of this trail starts to the left of the overlook. It doesn’t look like much of a trail because it is not. You will slide by the benchs and giant rock face to get on the abandoned trail. There will actually be a few signs warning that you will not be on a maintained trail anymore.

The trail becomes a little less maintained and sketchy. Still safe for the casual hiker. The path becomes more narrow making it only enough room for one person. Many times you will find yourself having to walk around a fallen tree or rock.

The last section of this took us 30-45 minutes until we reached the waterfall.

The trail will end to at the waterfall stream. To the left will be a larger waterfall to view, and to the right will be the small swimming hole overlooking to lake.

When we arrived two locals were enjoying the pool, so we crossed the stream and ate our lunch while we waited. Eventually I changed in to my swimsuit and started to head in.

It is best to reach to by going back to the trail. It takes some sure feet to hop over the rocks. I was happy to have two locals there tell me the best way to get in.

For a unusually hot day at the end of June the water still was a little chilly.

Lake Konigssee is absolutley stunning from this viewpoint. Besides the two locals we were completely secluded.

Once ready to head back take the same trail back as you took in.

Was it Safe?

I wasn’t for sure if I felt safe climbing in when I first got there. The water seemed to be flowing fast and I wasn’t sure of the best way to hop in.

I was glad to meet two new friends to show me the best way to get it. Which was to veer right when you reached the water from the trail. And climb down the rocks. Shoes are a good idea for this.

Sliding in I was nervous, but I soon realized I felt pretty safe in this little nook. After while I felt safe enough to stick my head over the edge.

What Should I Bring?

On these trails you do need a sturdy hiking shoe, I wore my Ahnus. They go everywhere with me.

I brought our Turkish Towels, another favorite of mine to bring on trips. This helped me change into my swimsuit discreetly and also dry off before hiking back to our car.

Lunch or snacks, this is a lengthy trail and we stayed at the waterfall for awhile.

Hiking poles were a major help for the steep inclines, declines and to hold steady on those sketchy sections of the trail. These folded up some nicely to pack!

Water, we love these pack-able water bottles. Perfect for any type of travel. Found here and here.

Swimsuit, duh!

This secret spot is definitely worth the visit if in the area. Let me know if you have been or have any questions.