Berchtesgaden

THE WHOLE LAKE AT ONCE

Malerwinkel ('painters' corner') is a popular overlook at the northern end of lake Königssee and one of the few that's accessible without an exhausting hike. The view goes all the way to St. Bartholomä and to the distinctive Schöffelspitze hight up at Steinernes Meer, the karst plateau rising in the south of the national park.

This hike is short enough to be added to a cruise on the lake or after the ride with the Jennerbahn cable car.

We start right by the historic boathouses and pass the wharf where the eco-friendly electric motor boats, that have been operating on the lake since 1909, are being built and maintained.

It is less than a kilometer, just about half a mile, to walk to the viewpoint (B) that inspired countless painters and photographers. Thus far, the trail has been flat and accessible with buggies or wheelchairs. The rest of the hike is not.

We turn back and go up the switchbacks to the right. After two turns we reach another overlook and after two kilometers a junction where a narrow, rocky path goes further up the hillside - the Rabenwandsteig. This trail brings us to yet another viewpoint (C) high up in the overhanging cliff of the Rabenwand. And what a view we have from up here...