Hintersee Ramsau
A fairytale alpine lake with crystal-clear emerald waters, surrounded by an enchanted forest and majestic peaks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Hintersee Ramsau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale alpine lake with crystal-clear emerald waters, surrounded by an enchanted forest and majestic peaks.
"So relaxing and refreshing! The lake is crystal clear, perfect for walking and enjoying the view."
Bring Cash for Amenities
Many local spots only accept cash, so carry Euros for boat rentals & snacks. :moneybag:
Easy Lake Loop Walk
The path around Hintersee is pleasant and doesn't require hiking gear. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hintersee Lake
Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden
A stunning alpine lake with emerald waters reflecting majestic mountains. Perfect for peaceful strolls and boat rides.
Zauberwald (Enchanted Forest)
Surrounding Hintersee
Wander through mystical forest paths along the Ramsauer Ache, with unique rock formations and a magical ambiance.
Malerweg (Painters' Path)
Around Hintersee
A scenic 2.8 km loop offering numerous photo opportunities and breathtaking views of the lake and peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Magic of Hintersee
Cash is King Here
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Amenities
Many local spots only accept cash, so carry Euros for boat rentals & snacks. :moneybag:
Easy Lake Loop Walk
The path around Hintersee is pleasant and doesn't require hiking gear. :athletic_shoe:
Rowboat Serenity
Rent a rowboat for a peaceful experience on the crystal-clear water. :rowboat:
Explore the Zauberwald
Discover the magical forest trails for a unique nature experience. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Amenities
Many local spots only accept cash, so carry Euros for boat rentals & snacks. :moneybag:
Easy Lake Loop Walk
The path around Hintersee is pleasant and doesn't require hiking gear. :athletic_shoe:
Rowboat Serenity
Rent a rowboat for a peaceful experience on the crystal-clear water. :rowboat:
Explore the Zauberwald
Discover the magical forest trails for a unique nature experience. :evergreen_tree:
Parking Availability
Parking is available, though it can fill up. Arrive early or later in the day for easier access. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hintersee for its breathtaking natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and clear, emerald waters. Many enjoy the peaceful walks around the lake and the magical ambiance of the Zauberwald. While some find it less dramatic than Königssee, its tranquility and fewer crowds are often highlighted as major advantages. A common tip is to bring cash for local amenities.
"Visited Hintersee—such a beautiful and peaceful place! The lake is crystal clear, perfect for walking, sitting, and just enjoying the view of the mountains. So relaxing and refreshing!"
Alona Suarez
"Very nice! There are so many ways around the Zauberwald, Hintersee and the whole area. Just park your car somewhere you find Space and go for hiking!
The water in the lake is that clear, it‘s unbelievable. There are several spots to jump into the lake.
Bring cash, because most of the Restaurant and Biergardens are only accepting Cash."
Öht
"We visited on our way back from somewhere, so it was about 3pm parked on the far side of the lake and walked round the lake, got a boat and then walked round the rest.
I can imagine during the day it gets very busy but when we visited there was hardly anyone there.
Parking was easy €5
The lake walk is very pleasant, no need for hiking wear.
Boat (rowing) €8 for 30 mins, very peaceful and relaxing."
Anthony Fulcher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hintersee is accessible by car from Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden. Parking is available near the lake, though it can get busy. You can also take public transport to Ramsau and then walk or take a local bus to the lake.
Yes, you can reach Ramsau by public transport, and then there are local buses or it's a pleasant walk to Hintersee. The Alm Erlebnis Bus from Hintersee can take you further into the mountains.
Driving is a popular option, with parking available around the lake. Be aware that parking can fill up, especially during peak season.
Many visitors enjoy driving and parking to explore the lake and Zauberwald. Hiking is also a great option, with trails leading from Ramsau.
Hintersee is relatively close to Königssee, making it possible to visit both in a day trip, though it's recommended to dedicate ample time to each.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Hintersee and the surrounding Zauberwald is generally free. There might be parking fees and costs for activities like boat rentals.
Hintersee is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, facilities like restaurants and boat rentals have their own operating hours.
No, the Zauberwald is a natural area and does not have an entrance fee. You can explore its magical paths freely.
Parking fees are typically around €5, but this can vary. It's best to check local signage for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can rent rowboats at Hintersee for a peaceful experience on the lake. The cost is usually around €8 for 30 minutes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, explore the enchanting Zauberwald, rent a rowboat, and take in the stunning mountain scenery.
The walk around Hintersee is generally considered easy and pleasant, suitable for most visitors without requiring special hiking gear.
The Zauberwald is a magical forest with unique rock formations and winding paths, offering a fairytale-like atmosphere along the Ramsauer Ache. +1
Yes, the water is very clear, and there are several spots where you can jump into the lake for a refreshing swim.
Hintersee is generally less crowded than Königssee, offering a more peaceful and serene experience, especially if you visit during off-peak times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and beer gardens near Hintersee, such as the Wirtshaus im Zauberwald and Seeklause, offering traditional cuisine and snacks. +1
It's advisable to bring cash, as many local restaurants and beer gardens around Hintersee may only accept cash payments.
You can expect traditional Bavarian dishes, hearty snacks (Brotzeiten), and homemade cakes at the local eateries.
Yes, the Seeklause am Hintersee offers direct lake access and views, along with food and drinks.
Absolutely! Hintersee is a great spot for a picnic, with beautiful scenery to enjoy your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers stunning photo opportunities, from the lake's reflections to the mystical Zauberwald and the surrounding peaks. The Malerweg is specifically noted for its numerous photo spots.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the lake and mountains. Early mornings can also be magical and less crowded.
The iconic view of the Hintersee with the peaks behind it is a classic. The charming church in Ramsau (Pfarrkirche St. Sebastian) also offers picturesque views.
Hintersee is ideal for landscape photography, nature shots, and capturing serene, picturesque scenes.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in protected natural areas like Hintersee.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The surrounding Berchtesgaden National Park offers extensive hiking networks, with Hintersee providing a serene starting or ending point for many routes. 📸 Photographers and Artists
Capture the iconic views of the lake with the peaks, or explore the forest for unique compositions. The Pfarrkirche St. Sebastian in Ramsau also provides a classic, picturesque scene. Visiting during the golden hour or early morning can yield the most dramatic and serene shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Enchanted Zauberwald
Many visitors rave about the serene and captivating nature of the Zauberwald. It offers a different kind of beauty compared to the open expanse of the lake, providing a more intimate connection with the natural environment. The sound of the flowing water and the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy add to the immersive experience. It's a perfect place for quiet contemplation or for sparking the imagination, especially for children who will find the landscape incredibly enchanting.
Activities and Relaxation at Hintersee
Beyond the lake itself, the Zauberwald beckons with its enchanting trails, offering a different kind of exploration. For the more adventurous, there are hiking opportunities in the wider Ramsau area, with some trails leading to higher viewpoints.
Photography Opportunities
The Malerweg (Painters' Path), a scenic loop around the lake, is dotted with numerous viewpoints perfect for capturing the iconic vistas. The Zauberwald provides a different photographic challenge and reward, with its mystical rock formations, ancient trees, and winding paths creating a fairytale-like ambiance.
Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy snapping memorable shots, Hintersee and its surroundings offer endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the Bavarian Alps. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit