Hike from Maria Alm to Königssee

The hike begins at the Sandten parking lot in Maria Alm, where numerous free parking spaces are available. The trail first leads uphill on a wide gravel road to the material cable car. From here, the path becomes steeper and more challenging. Sure-footedness, a head for heights and good footwear are essential, as the path to the Ramseider Scharte and on to the Riemannshaus is very steep and rocky in places. In some places there are steel cables for safety. After around 2 to 2.5 hours, you reach the Riemannshaus, where you can take a well-earned break.

Continue to the Kärlingerhaus at Funtensee lake
From the Riemannshaus, continue towards the Kärlingerhaus on the Funtensee. You cross the Steinernes Meer high plateau and enjoy the change in vegetation from gray rocks to green landscape and beautiful pine forests. After a further 2 hours, you reach the Kärlingerhaus at 1,638m, where you can spend the night.

Descent to St. Bartholomä
After a refreshing dip in the Funtensee lake, the hike continues towards St. Bartholomä in Schönau. The descent via Saugasse takes around 3.5 hours. From St. Bartholomä, Schönau am Königssee can only be reached with the electric boats of the Bavarian lake shipping company. Be sure to check the current timetable to avoid waiting times. You can return from Schönau to Maria Alm by public transport or with the hiking bus.

Important facts about the hike:

•  Start very early and allow plenty of time (20 km route, 1,110 m ascent, 1,676 m descent, approx. 8 hours walking time)
•  OR make it a multi-day tour, with overnight stay in the Kärlingerhaus. (our recommendation)
•  The boat at Königssee runs frequently and regularly, the trip from St. Bartholomä to Schönau am Königssee takes approx. 35 min. Please note and plan for it: On nice days it is very busy here and there are longer waiting times.
•  From Hintersee (approx. 20 km from Königssee, accessible by cab or bus), the Almerlebnisbus travels along spectacular roads via Weißbach to Maria Alm: https://www.almerlebnisbus.com/fahrplan/

Good to know: AlpenParks Hotel & Apartment Maria Alm is located right in the center of Maria Alm and offers modern rooms with breakfast and spacious vacation apartments for four to 10 people. All apartments have a balcony or terrace. The Hochkönigcard is included in the hotel and apartments. The hotel & apartment is only 10 minutes by car from the starting point of this hike.