Archenkanzel Viewpoint
A challenging hike to a breathtaking viewpoint offering unparalleled panoramas of Germany's cleanest alpine lake, Königssee.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Sunny days for best views
Archenkanzel Viewpoint
Best Time
Sunny days for best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging hike to a breathtaking viewpoint offering unparalleled panoramas of Germany's cleanest alpine lake, Königssee.
"The hike is steep, but the views of Königssee from Archenkanzel are absolutely stunning!"
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential
The trail is very steep (up to 60 degrees!) for most of the hike. Good grip is crucial.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
This is a strenuous hike; you'll need to stay hydrated and fueled. Consider a stop at Kuhroinhütte.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Königssee Vista
Archenkanzel Viewpoint
Breathtaking views of Königssee lake, the surrounding Bavarian Alps, and St. Bartholomä Church far below.
The Steep Ascent
Trail to Archenkanzel
A challenging, steep hike through forests offering a true test of stamina for rewarding vistas.
Königssee's Pristine Waters
Königssee Lake
Germany's cleanest alpine lake, renowned for its emerald waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Archenkanzel Hike
Prepare for a Strenuous Ascent
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Insider Tips
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👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential
The trail is very steep (up to 60 degrees!) for most of the hike. Good grip is crucial.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
This is a strenuous hike; you'll need to stay hydrated and fueled. Consider a stop at Kuhroinhütte.
⏰ Start Early for Parking
Parking near the Königssee boat launch can fill up quickly. Arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Sunny weather is essential for the stunning views from Archenkanzel. Rain can make the hike more challenging.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential
The trail is very steep (up to 60 degrees!) for most of the hike. Good grip is crucial.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
This is a strenuous hike; you'll need to stay hydrated and fueled. Consider a stop at Kuhroinhütte.
⏰ Start Early for Parking
Parking near the Königssee boat launch can fill up quickly. Arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Sunny weather is essential for the stunning views from Archenkanzel. Rain can make the hike more challenging.
🚶♀️ Not for First-Time Hikers
The sustained steepness requires good stamina. Experienced hikers will find it manageable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views from the Archenkanzel viewpoint, calling it a must-see in the Bavarian Alps. The challenging, steep hike is consistently mentioned as a significant effort but ultimately rewarding. Some find the trail monotonous, while others appreciate the stunning scenery and the pristine beauty of Königssee below.
"Amazing view of the Königsee, the mountain ranges beside it, and the St. Bartholomew’s Church from the viewpoint. I started my hike from the Königsee boat starting point where all the shops and tenants that sell souvenirs and food are. We needed around three hours to go up to the viewpoint and two hours to go down the same way. This is probably one of the hardest day hike I have ever done until now. Take note that I am somewhat a beginner hiker, started November last year and usually hike at least once or twice every month… sometimes more when I have more holidays. I have hiked a few mountain peaks like Herzogstand, Taubenstein, Rotwand, and a few more. The reason I would say that this one is the hardest even if it is not a peak of a mountain is because the hike is very steep 80% of the time. I tried to measure the angle with my Iphone measure app and it showed me that the angle of the route was up to 60 degrees which is definitely steep and doing that for three hours was quite something. We needed a lot more breaks than usual for this hike. The hike doesn’t require any use of your hands to climb or anything, just your stamina and legs. It is definitely not a hike that I would recommend for first timers. But I believe if you are fit and have the will to go, a person that has been hiking for more than a few times can make it."
Michael Alonso
"Great view of Konisgsee - 2 hours from Wimbachbrucke car park (4 hour total round hike, easy path to follow which also doubles as a bike lane in parts, so is a gentle incline)
Would definitely recommend stopping off at Kuhroinhutte on route"
Luke
"Awesome view! We started hiking from the Berchtesgaden bobsleigh track, using the trail which mostly leads through the forest and thus can be slightly monotonous. This is why my mark is a 4-star."
Tomislav Vukovic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Archenkanzel viewpoint is by hiking from the Königssee boat launch area in Schönau am Königssee. You can also start from the Wimbachbrücke car park for a slightly different, easier route.
Yes, there are parking lots available in Schönau am Königssee, near the Königssee boat launch. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as they fill up quickly.
Yes, you can reach Schönau am Königssee by train to Berchtesgaden and then a bus. This is a good option if you prefer not to drive.
Driving is convenient, but public transport is also well-connected. The key is to get to Schönau am Königssee, the main hub for lake activities and trailheads.
While there isn't a specific shuttle to the Archenkanzel trailhead itself, the electric boats on Königssee can take you to various points on the lake, some of which might be starting points for other hikes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee for the hike to the Archenkanzel viewpoint itself. However, you may need to pay for parking in Schönau am Königssee.
The viewpoint is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, the best time to visit is during the warmer months (May-September) for optimal weather and trail conditions.
While the park itself is free to enter, certain activities like boat tours on Königssee have associated costs. The hike to Archenkanzel is free.
Since the hike is free, no advance booking is necessary. However, if you plan to take a boat tour on Königssee, booking tickets early is recommended due to long queues.
While official guided tours might be limited, local hiking guides can be hired in the Berchtesgaden area for a more informed experience. Many visitors opt for self-guided hikes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike from the Königssee boat launch can take around 3 hours up and 2 hours down, totaling about 5 hours for the round trip. The route from Wimbachbrücke is a 4-hour round trip. +1
It's considered a difficult hike due to its sustained steepness, with angles up to 60 degrees for much of the ascent. It's not recommended for absolute beginners.
You'll get stunning panoramic views of the entire Königssee, the surrounding Bavarian Alps, and the iconic St. Bartholomä Church nestled on the lake's shore. 
There are no facilities directly at the Archenkanzel viewpoint itself. You'll find restrooms and food options near the Königssee boat launch before you start your hike.
Due to the steepness and length, it's generally not recommended for very young children or those who are not accustomed to strenuous hiking. Older, fit children might manage.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more dramatic atmosphere.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on St. Bartholomä Church or distant peaks.
The main viewpoint offers the iconic panorama. Look for opportunities to frame the lake and church with the mountain ranges.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks. Always check the latest regulations for Berchtesgaden National Park before flying a drone.
Experiment with different vantage points along the viewpoint's edge. Capturing the winding path of the lake and the church from above is a classic shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts & Experienced Hikers
For those looking for multi-day adventures, the Berchtesgaden Alps offer extensive trekking routes, including the Watzmann-Trek, which can be tailored to different durations and difficulty levels. 📸 Photographers
+1 The best light for capturing the dramatic landscape is typically during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, though midday can still offer striking clarity. Be prepared for a challenging hike to reach these incredible photo opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Archenkanzel Hike
Despite its difficulty, the reward is immense. The journey through the forest, while potentially monotonous for some, leads to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Bavarian Alps.
+1For those considering the hike, it's advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand, as clear, sunny conditions are essential for enjoying the full splendor of the view.
Königssee: Germany's Emerald Jewel
Its striking emerald-green waters are a result of strict environmental regulations, allowing only electric, pedal, or rowing boats to operate on its surface since 1909. The lake is accessible via boat tours from Schönau am Königssee, which is the primary tourist hub. These tours are a quintessential Königssee experience, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and stopping at key points of interest like the iconic St. Bartholomä Church.
Visitors are captivated by the serene beauty and the feeling of being immersed in untouched nature.
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