Choose a language
Plan a route here Copy route
Pilgrim Walk recommended route

Pilgrim walk to Königssee

Pilgrim Walk · Hochkönig
Responsible for this content
Hochkönig Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Riemannhaus
    Riemannhaus
    Photo: Hochkönig
On this hike you cross the Steinerne Meer limestone massif and reach the Königssee in Berchtesgaden after about 30 km.
difficult
Distance 28.2 km
10:00 h
1,400 m
1,400 m
2,192 m
598 m

We start directly in the centre of Maria Alm, past Gasthof Niederreiter, through Grießbachwinkl to Sandten. You can also drive up to here by car. We continue along the gravel path to the cable car station. The alpine climb begins (surefootedness and a head for heights required). After about 4 hours we reach the Riemannhaus. We cross the limestone plateau. We reach the Kärlingerhaus, the Saugasse and then the Königssee. Return by public transport, possibility to stay overnight at Riemannhaus and Kärlingerhaus. We have refreshment options at Riemannhaus and Kärlingerhaus.

 

Author’s recommendation

For the hike to the Riemannhaus you must be absolutely free from giddiness!
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2,192 m
Lowest point
598 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 8.19%Path 13.22%Ferry crossing 18.73%Unknown 59.84%
Asphalt
2.3 km
Path
3.7 km
Ferry crossing
5.3 km
Unknown
16.9 km
Show elevation profile

Safety information

Self-assessment Check your physical fitness before every mountain tour and correctly assess your strength as well as that of your companions - especially those of your children! Surefootedness and a head for heights are often very important!
Planning and preparation Plan each intended mountain tour in detail beforehand. Hiking maps and guides as well as information from alpine associations and local experts such as mountain guides and mountain hut keepers can be helpful.
Equipment On the mountain, you will need appropriate equipment and clothing, especially sturdy, high shoes with good grip soles. Weather and cold protection are essential, as the weather can often change unexpectedly.
Weather forecasts Take note of the current weather conditions at: www.zamg.at
Together Follow the 10 rules for the correct handling of grazing animals and do not leave any waste in nature!
Do not kick stones Do not kick stones as this can seriously endanger other hikers. Marked places with a danger of falling rocks should be crossed as quickly as possible and with attention and caution.
Turn back in good time This is not a disgrace, but a sign of common sense. It becomes necessary when the weather changes, fog rolls in, and also when the path is too difficult or not in good condition.

 
Emergency numbers: Alpine emergency call: 140                                         
                                         International emergency call: 122

Tips and hints

The hiking map is available at the tourist office.
Opening hours of the cable cars in summer
Opening hours of the huts & alpine pastures in summer

 

www.hochkoenig.at  
region@hochkoenig.at
+43 (0)6584 20388

Start

Tourist information Maria Alm (808 m)
Coordinates:
DD
47.408497, 12.909470
DMS
47°24'30.6"N 12°54'34.1"E
UTM
33T 342284 5252679
w3w 
///ceramics.servers.amends

Destination

St. Bartholomä - Königssee

Turn-by-turn directions

We start the hike (approx. 30 km) at the Maria Alm tourist office. Past the Niederreiter Inn we follow trail no. 401A through the Grießbachwinkl to the so-called Sandten. Up to here you can also go by car or taxi, time saving approx. 1 hour. Then continue along the gravel path to the material cable car station. This is where the alpine climb begins, surefootedness and a head for heights and alpine experience are required. After 4 hours we reach the Riemannhaus - here we have the opportunity to replenish our drinking reserves for the crossing of the limestone plateau. The trail continues over the Steinerne Meer to the Kärlingerhaus, where we can stop for refreshments. After a short ascent, the trail continues along the Saugasse to St. Bartholomä and the Königssee. Return with the post bus, overnight accommodation at Riemannhaus and Kärlingerhaus. Refreshments are available at Riemannhaus and Kärlingerhaus.
Experience the high plateau of the Steinernes Meer, Königssee.

 

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

ÖBB-Scotty: Timetable information
Bus line 620: Timetable information
Hiking bus: Timetable information

By road

Coming from Salzburg: Take the A10 motorway to the Bischofshofen exit, then take the B311 towards Bischofshofen. Follow the Hochkönig Bundesstraße/B164 to Maria Alm.
Coming from Innsbruck/ Kufstein: Take the Loferer Straße/B178 in the direction of St. Johann i.T., then follow the Hochkönig Bundesstraße/B164 via Saalfelden to Maria Alm.
A valid vignette is required to use the Austrian motorway and motorway network. It is also compulsory to carry a first-aid kit, warning triangle and high-visibility waistcoat. Further information can be found under Asfinag.

Parking

Free parking at the beginning of the village and in the centre of Maria Alm
If you would like to shorten the tour by approx. 1 hour, there is also the option of parking at the Sandten car park.

Coordinates

DD
47.408497, 12.909470
DMS
47°24'30.6"N 12°54'34.1"E
UTM
33T 342284 5252679
w3w 
///ceramics.servers.amends
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

  • Hochkönig, Albert Precht, Verlag Anton Pustet
  • Meine Tour – Bergtourenführer Salzburg und Berchtesgaden
  • Der Eigensinn der Schöpfung, Edition Schön & Gut im Verlag Anton Pustet
  • Region Hochkönig, Dietmar Sochor, FST Verlag
  • Stolperherz am Hochkönig, Eckhard Schröder, CreateSpace

Author’s map recommendations

  • Hochkönig Wanderkarte
  • Freytag & Berndt WK 103 Pongau – Hochkönig – Saalfelden
  • Kompass Wanderkarte Tennengebirge – Hochkönig
  • Rother Wanderführer Hochkönig

Book recommendations for this region:

Show more

Recommended maps for this region:

Show more

Equipment

  • Sturdy, ankle-high footwear
  • Walking sticks
  • Headgear
  • Sun protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Rain protection
  • Drinks and a snack
  • Necessary medication
  • First aid kit
  • Hiking map

 


Questions and answers

Ask the first question

Would you like to the ask the author a question?


Rating

Write your first review

Help others by being the first to add a review.


Photos from others


Difficulty
difficult
Distance
28.2 km
Duration
10:00 h
Ascent
1,400 m
Descent
1,400 m
Highest point
2,192 m
Lowest point
598 m
Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights

Statistics

  • Content
  • Show images Hide images
Features
2D 3D
Maps and trails
  • 2 Waypoints
  • 2 Waypoints
Distance  km
Duration : h
Ascent  m
Descent  m
Highest point  m
Lowest point  m
Push the arrows to change the view