A Boating We Will Go

Monday was another sunny day, so we decided to take advantage of it and take a boat trip on Konigsee.  Konigsee is Germany's third largest lake and is located within Berchtesgaden National Park and the only way to see the lake is by foot or electric boat.  The lake is surrounded by mountains and there are a few places where you can get off the boat and go for a walk or hike.

Since the lake is very near where we are staying, we decided to walk.  It only took 25 minutes to get there and the views were simply lovely the whole way.

View on our walk from Schonau to Konigsee

The walk from Schonau to Konigsee

Konigsee

At the lake we hopped on our boat and headed to the opposite end of the lake, where we could take a short walk to a much smaller alpine lake called Obersee.

The path to Obersee at the opposite end of Konigsee.

Obersee

The Obersee was pristine and beautiful.  The water was a lovely turquoise colour and we decided to sit for a while and enjoy the view while the kids had a little snack.

The surrounding area is high pasture land, where the farmers take their cows to graze during the warm summer months.  We had to be careful where we walked as we went along the trail because there were quite a few smelly surprises waiting to trap us as we walked.  On the way back to the boat I saw a sign advertising fresh milk at the little Biergarten.  I don't think you would be able to get it any fresher anywhere.

"Fresh WHOLEMILK or BUTTERMILK 2.20 Euro per 0.4L"

Halfway along the lake is a little pilgrimage church called St. Bartholomae, which was our next destination.  This is a popular destination in the Bavarian alps and there are several walking paths along the edge of the lake as well as large sun-dappled Biergarten.  We spent a lovely couple of hours enjoying the warm sun and views.

St. Barthalomae

Konigsee

With no cars, the kids enjoyed quite a bit of freedom to run and play without holding hands for a change.  Noah loved every minute of it.

St. Bartholomae

Beer Garden at St. Bartholomae

When we got back to the little town of Konigsee, we picked up an ice cream cone and ate it along the shore of the lake while Catherine watched the ducks.  This didn't stop Noah from getting distracted by every other ice cream stand (this is a very touristy area so there are quite a few) that we passed as we started back home.

Noah wants ice cream

Konigsee

We were all very tired after so much fresh air and walking, so were very relieved to have a simple supper, bath and early bedtime.