The Königssee natural pool is a well-known Instagram hotspot. Many photographers and influencers hike to the location at Königssee every day. Besides many guides and travel tips for Königssee and how to reach the natural infinity pool, few people tell you that some have already paid with their lives for the unique experience.
Image Credit: Berchtesgadener Land.
Königssee Natural Pool and why you should skip it
The natural pool at Königssee is popular. So popular that the Berchtesgaden National Park no longer knows how to stop people from hiking there. Once a waterfall that was viewed from a distance, now known as Instagram hotspot.
The internet is full of directions on how to get to the supposedly great natural pool at Königssee in Berchtesgaden. However, what the writers of these guides do not take into account: hiking and bathing in the natural pool is extremely dangerous.
Bathing at the Königssee natural pool is extremely dangerous
Every year, some people have to experience this firsthand. For example, two fit young men died in the pool. One of the men couldn’t get out of the water under his own steam, and his friend tried to help. Both subsequently drowned in the so-called natural infinity pool in Bavaria.
Some influencers also say that they have never been so scared as in this place. After all, it is 400m steep in front of you. No chance to survive this fall. Nevertheless, this does not stop influencers from sitting directly on the edge of the natural pool and thus setting a bad example.
On peak days, up to 200 visitors come to the Königssee natural pool. And all for a quick photo that hopefully gives a lot of likes? We find this far too risky, because the hike to the natural pool is already considered an alpine terrain and is therefore only really suitable for people who already have experience in this terrain.
Impact on nature
The fact that the actually forbidden and therefore not developed path is used by several hundred people every day, of course this also has an impact on the nature at the Königssee.
It starts with garbage that is simply left behind and goes over torn plants to prevent the vegetation from simply recovering from the hype. In order to recover, nature needs rest. However, she no longer gets enough rest.
There are also illegal campfires, which many influencers use for photos and videos. That it is forbidden? Nobody cares as long as there are enough likes.
Drone photography and videography at Königssee
Unfortunately, many do not think that the Königssee is in a nature reserve. This means that all forms of water sports are not allowed. In addition, flying drones is strictly prohibited! However, many people think they’re smarter. They think they won’t get caught. But what many do not consider: Once posted, the Berchtesgaden National Park can also see this post and then have it prosecuted.
Königssee: What to do instead
Now that it is hopefully clear that the Königssee natural pool is better viewed only from a distance, what can you do in Berchtesgaden?
- A boat tour across the lake: Here you have the opportunity to get off in Salet or St. Bartholomä and go hiking.
- Take pictures at Fischunkelalm at Obersee. If you go to Salet by boat, you can hike to Obersee. This hike is well secured and can already be done with children. Here you will find the Fischunkelalm: a great photo spot without danger to life.
- Hike the Malerwinkel circular route. The Malerwinkel hike is one of the most popular on the Königssee. You will need about 90 minutes and get incredibly beautiful views of the lake.
- Hike to the Röthbach waterfall, Germany’s highest waterfall.
There is a separate page for more hikes on Königssee: Official Königssee webpage.
Alternative Photo Spots at Königssee
In addition to the natural pool, there are of course some other photo spots. These are characterized by the fact that they are not dangerous and easy to reach.
Fischunkelalm
The Fischunkelalm is another extremely well-known photo spot on the Königssee, even though the Alm itself is on the Obersee. This photo spot can be reached by a boat tour to Salet. From there you have to walk about 30 minutes.
Tip: The Fischunkelalm is particularly popular with photographers and tourists, which is why there may be waiting times. It is advisable to take the first boat to Salet and go to St. Bartholomä on your way back.
Obersee
The Obersee itself looks incredibly beautiful. You will find this small vantage point right at the beginning of the route. To get to the stone you have to climb over other stones briefly.
St. Bartholomä
In addition to all the other spots, St. Bartholomä with its beautiful red roof is of course a popular destination for photographers.
Both photos were taken from the boat. We think it would have been better if we would have taken some shots on the way to Salet as you cross St. Bartholomä.
We hope you liked this post about the Königssee natural pool. Here are some more posts you might enjoy:
- Eibsee: photo spots & day trips
- Top things to do in Bavaria in summer
- Photography locations in Bavaria
- 14-day road trip itinerary for Germany, Austria and Italy
- A complete guide to Neuschwanstein Castle
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