Eiskapelle Watzmann
A surreal natural ice cave beneath the Watzmann, accessible via a scenic hike from the stunning Königssee.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sweet spot for ice cave access
Eiskapelle Watzmann
Best Time
Sweet spot for ice cave access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surreal natural ice cave beneath the Watzmann, accessible via a scenic hike from the stunning Königssee.
"The Eiskapelle is a cosmic cave, a masterpiece created by nature, offering a surreal experience."
🎯 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the rocky, potentially slippery terrain, especially the unmarked final approach to the cave.
🧥 Bring a Raincoat
Water constantly drips inside the cave from melting ice, so waterproof outer layers are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Eiskapelle Itself
Below the Watzmann East Face
A unique natural wonder, this permanent ice field offers a surreal experience with dripping meltwater and a cool, cavernous atmosphere.
The Hike to the Cave
From St. Bartholomä Church
A scenic trek through alpine landscapes, offering stunning views and a sense of adventure as you approach the Eiskapelle.
Königssee Views
Near St. Bartholomä
The journey often starts with a boat trip on the Königssee, providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Bavarian Alps.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Eiskapelle
Hike Smart: Safety and Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the rocky, potentially slippery terrain, especially the unmarked final approach to the cave.
🧥 Bring a Raincoat
Water constantly drips inside the cave from melting ice, so waterproof outer layers are a must.
🧭 Navigate Carefully
The last part of the hike is unmarked; follow cairns or footprints, and be aware of potential rockfall.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
The hike can take longer than indicated signs suggest, especially for photos and navigating tricky sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the rocky, potentially slippery terrain, especially the unmarked final approach to the cave.
🧥 Bring a Raincoat
Water constantly drips inside the cave from melting ice, so waterproof outer layers are a must.
🧭 Navigate Carefully
The last part of the hike is unmarked; follow cairns or footprints, and be aware of potential rockfall.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
The hike can take longer than indicated signs suggest, especially for photos and navigating tricky sections.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Avoid this hike in wet or wintery conditions due to increased danger from slippery surfaces and rockfalls.
🚤 Start with a Boat Trip
Many visitors take a boat to St. Bartholomä Church, the starting point for the Eiskapelle hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Eiskapelle as a beautiful and unique natural wonder, with the hike offering stunning alpine scenery. However, many note that the final section of the trail is unmarked and can be challenging, requiring careful navigation and appropriate footwear. The experience inside the cave, with its constant meltwater, is described as surreal but also means getting wet.
"Very beautiful cave. Really amazing and worth it. Imo it might even be better than the lakes.
How to find your way ?
The first half is well marked and very easy to follow. Then you can follow the path marked by the 🇦🇹 . Before the final climb it can be a bit tricky to find your way but worst case scenario you loose 15 minutes (see picture to avoid our mistake, follow the arrow)
How long is the trip ?
We took 2h10 minutes in total (pictures, visiting the cave included). Around 1:40 of walking.
How physical is the walk ?
We are in our early 30s and it was easy for us. If you have already walked a bit in the mountains it should be totally fine for you. Better use walking shoes though. The end is a bit trickier and flip flops are definitely not going to work there. You do not need to be an expert at all though. Some people have mentioned a danger sign but it only applies in winter conditions."
Fabian
"superb ice cave, very low point, the sun does not reach and the mountains createsd this masterpiece. the hike to the cave is average with great nature scenery."
david antoun
"Beautiful, but rocks really do fall from the mountain near the cave. Stay safe!"
Casandra Radu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is St. Bartholomä Church on the Königssee. You can reach St. Bartholomä via an electric boat trip from Königssee. From there, the hike to the Eiskapelle begins.
Yes, there are several parking lots in Schönau am Königssee. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak season.
No, the Eiskapelle is only accessible by hiking. The boat trip to St. Bartholomä is a scenic part of the journey.
Taking the electric boat across Königssee to St. Bartholomä Church is highly recommended for the views and as the direct trailhead.
The boat trip itself takes about 30-40 minutes. The hike from St. Bartholomä to the Eiskapelle can take 1-2 hours depending on your pace and navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entry ticket for the Eiskapelle itself. However, you will need to purchase tickets for the electric boat trip across Königssee to reach the trailhead.
The hike itself is free. The primary cost is for the boat transportation to St. Bartholomä.
The Eiskapelle is a natural formation and is accessible year-round, but its appearance and safety vary greatly by season. Late summer to early autumn is generally considered the best time to visit for optimal conditions.
It's advisable to buy boat tickets early, especially during busy periods, to avoid long queues.
While there are no official restrictions, the hike can be dangerous in winter or wet conditions due to unmarked trails and potential rockfalls.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Eiskapelle is a permanent ice field located below the Watzmann East Face, often described as a natural ice cave. It's formed by snow accumulation and shade, creating a unique icy environment. 
The first half of the hike from St. Bartholomä is well-marked and relatively easy. The final section involves unmarked scrambling over rocks and boulders, requiring careful navigation and good mobility.
Sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Waterproof outer layers are also recommended due to constant dripping inside the cave.
The hike can be dangerous, especially in winter or wet weather, due to unmarked trails and potential rockfalls. Always check conditions and be cautious.
The total trip, including the hike and time spent in the cave, can take around 2-3 hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of walking.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the surreal interior of the ice cave with its dripping meltwater. The surrounding alpine scenery on the hike also offers stunning photographic moments.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for the cave interior. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions. A waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable due to the dripping water.
The lighting inside can be challenging due to the limited light and the reflective ice. Be prepared for low-light photography and potential water droplets on your lens.
The cave itself is the main subject. The hike offers panoramic views of the Königssee and the surrounding mountains, providing excellent vantage points.
Midday can offer decent light, but the cave's interior is always dimly lit. The surrounding landscape is beautiful throughout the day, but consider the sun's position for mountain shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, the hike to the Eiskapelle itself might be challenging for very young children or those not accustomed to hiking. The final section involves scrambling over rocks and is unmarked, which could be a concern for parents. 🚶♀️ Experienced Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The journey across Königssee also offers spectacular landscape photography opportunities. Be prepared for low-light conditions inside the cave and bring protective gear for your camera due to the constant meltwater. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eiskapelle: A Natural Phenomenon
+1While the ice field itself is permanent, the 'cave-like' appearance and accessibility can vary. The constant dripping of meltwater creates an ethereal, almost cavernous atmosphere inside. Visitors often describe the sound of water falling as being like a rainstorm. The Eiskapelle is a poignant symbol of the changing climate, as its size and form are influenced by environmental conditions, and its future is a topic of discussion among experts.
+2Navigating the Hike to the Eiskapelle
The initial part of the hike is generally well-marked and follows a discernible path, offering beautiful views of the surrounding alpine scenery. Proper hiking shoes are highly recommended, as the terrain can be uneven, with loose stones and slippery leaves. However, the final approach to the Eiskapelle is where the challenge increases. This section is often unmarked, requiring hikers to navigate by sight and follow faint footprints or cairns. It involves scrambling over rocks and boulders in a gully, which can be tricky and potentially dangerous, especially if conditions are wet or icy. Some reviews mention a 'danger sign' that applies more to winter conditions, but caution is always advised. Waterproof gear is a good idea due to the constant meltwater dripping inside the cave.
Königssee: The Gateway to Adventure
The boat trip typically stops at St. Bartholomä Church, a picturesque pilgrimage church with red onion domes situated directly on the lake's shore. This historic site serves as the main starting point for the hike to the Eiskapelle. The journey on the Königssee itself is a highlight, providing unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and a sense of tranquility before embarking on the more rugged hike.
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