The five best fall-proof photo locations in the Berchtesgaden Alps
Plus beautiful parking spaces in Berchtesgadener LandThe Königsbach waterfall on the Königssee has become quite famous in recent years. Not because of its scenic beauty - which has been around for a long time - but because of the irrationality of some day trippers. Since influencers have been promoting the perspective from one of the pools far above the Königsseee as the #naturalinfinitypool on Instagram, thousands of young people have been climbing the steep mountain through the protected nature every year: without alpine experience or equipment, but with bikini and rubber duck and on paths with a high risk of falling.
Last year, two young men drowned in one of the pools, those basin-like vortex pots that are eroded by torrents in the rocky subsoil. And it wasn't until August that the mountain rescue service had to rescue a 28-year-old tourist from North Rhine-Westphalia who had been injured in the head by a rock fall at the Königsbach waterfall. This media mass phenomenon has consequences not only for the health and life of Instagramers, but also for nature: extensive trodden vegetation, illegal fire pits, garbage, noise, tents and camera drones. Around three kilometers of new trails in the mountain forest have been created around the waterfall, in an area that is actually far away from the paths.
In the meantime, the Berchtesgaden National Park Administration has reacted and is aiming for a ban on entering the area in order to allow the vegetation to recover. If necessary, access should be blocked by fences. The Königssee bank and the lower terraces at the waterfall should remain accessible. Rangers were already out and about at the Königsbach waterfalls more often last summer and imposed fines for violations of the existing regulations in the national park.
Five spectacular views
The life-threatening ascent to the Königsbach waterfall is not necessary at all to post spectacular views and cool selfies from Berchtesgaden on social media. We present five locations - for which, of course, solid hiking equipment is also required.
1. Archenkanzel
The Archenkanzel is a 1346 m high natural viewing platform above the Königssee 750 meters below. From the pulpit you have one of the most beautiful views of St. Bartholomä and the Funtenseetauern towering behind it. After taking the photos, it is not far to the Kühroint-Alm. It is extremely cozy there with fresh mountain farmer's milk and homemade cakes.
Obersee
Most tourists only drive as far as St. Bartholomä at Königssee. Continue to Salet, preferably with the first ship in the morning, and continue to hike south to the Obersee. When the ground is still steaming and the sun is making its way through the swaths, you will think you are in a fairytale landscape. In addition to its wild and romantic location between the steep rock faces, the Obersee is primarily known for its reflection on the surface of the water and the many green tones of its water. Your cell phone won't get enough of it. If you then go further south over the Fischunkelalm, you come to the Röthbachfall, with a height of 470 meters the highest waterfall in Germany. Just a waterfall, not an infinity pool.
Eiskapelle
A short hike from St. Bartholomä takes you to the so-called ice chapel, directly below the legendary, 1,800-meter-high Watzmann east face: there is the deepest permanent ice field in the German Alps. This firne ice field does not melt away in summer either and is replenished in winter and spring by the masses of snow that tumble down the Watzmann. Inside the ice field there is a spacious cavity: the so-called Eiskapelle (German for ice chapel). Its entrance resembles a glacier gate, the interior is formed by various shafts and passages that in summer can be over 30 m wide and 15 m high. There are characteristic grooves on the walls that have been created by melting processes. But be careful: there is always a risk of collapse inside the Eiskapelle.
Almbach Gorge
The Almbach thunders at the foot of the Untersberg into the wild and romantic gorge of the Almbachklamm, which can be easily reached from Marktschellenberg. The natural spectacle is accessible to visitors via numerous bridges and footbridges. In the rear area there are even bathing areas, so you can bring your bath duck with you for a suitable photo.
Kneifelspitze
By far the most beautiful picture of the Watzmann with its two characteristic horns can be seen from the not very high Kneifelspitze, which you can hike from Maria Gern but also directly from Berchtesgaden. Upstairs, next to the view, a pleasant inn awaits hungry Instagrammers.
Where to park at Berchtesgadener Land
Private parking lot Weißensteiner Weg
Private parking lot Bischofswiesen
Campingplatz Schönau am Königssee
Source & Further information
https://www.nationalpark-berchtesgaden.bayern.de/sprachen/index.htm
Text: Gerd Henghuber
