Obersee and Fischunkelalm

Today was an early start, to make the first boat at Königssee, a large lake in the heart of Berchtesgaden National Park.

The boat ride was uneventful, as the commentary was exclusively in German, except when they played the horn at the echo cliffs. The notes reflect through the valley, creating a rich sound.

We skipped the St. Bartholomä stop, and went straight to Salet. There, we began the hike to Obersee – a place we considered the second most beautiful place we have ever visited.

The start of the trail is easy and graded. When you reach the shore of Obersee – and the boathouse – you are taken away. A beautiful teal lake dominated by surrounding mountain cliffs. At the far end, pasture and the Fischunkelalm. Beyond, Röthbachfall, the tallest waterfall in Germany.

As you begin to wrap around the lake, the trail becomes rocky and footing a bit more loose. Then you reach a climb up and along a narrow feature to traverse the rock face, with cable handrail on the lake side and a second cable against the cliff. This part is a bit tricky, with big steps and slippery footing.

Descending from that section of trail, we were delighted to see the old boathouse, weathered and picturesque. A few steps further and we reached the Alm, where we had bread and butter and bread and cheese. The bread was a delicious whole grain sourdough, and the butter and cheese made on site from the Alm’s dairy cows. Also available was fresh milk and, of course, beer.

After enjoying our snack, we headed further east, towards Röthbachfall. It was spectacular. Jen stopped at the viewpoint for some water and to look for the birds we were hearing, while Dave left his pack with her and followed the trail closer to the falls to see if there were any different views of them.

Retracing our steps to Salet, we visited Mooskaser Saletalm, enjoying the sheep, goats and cows. We then made our way back to the boat, and returned to Königssee the town. Here we grabbed a quick dinner before bussing back to the hotel.

Tonight we prepare for a two night hut hike – so no updates after this for 72 hours or so.