Hintersee is a beautifully situated lake easily accessible by car (parking at Pension Seeklause) or by bus (line 846 from Berchtesgaden main train station). The prime photo spot lies along a wide hiking trail and offers calm waters, so an ND filter is generally not required.

Beyond this main spot, the area offers numerous photographic opportunities, including small overgrown islands in the lake and boats docked near the parking area, which are especially photogenic in the morning light. The adjacent enchanted forest invites exploration and provides additional inspiring scenes.

The best time for photography is from spring through autumn when the lake is unfrozen—though mild winters often keep the water ice-free as well. Sunrise is preferred over sunset here, as the sun rises over the trees to the left of the small island, creating beautiful light conditions. Astrophotography is also possible, though some light pollution comes from the nearby village.

Recommended gear: Ultra-wide angle lens, wide-angle lens

Daytime: Sunrise, sunet, night

Season: spring to autumn

Parking: Pension Seeklause

Public transport: 846 from Berchtesgaden

Schifffahrt Hintersee offers boat tours on the picturesque Hintersee lake in Germany. Visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains while cruising on the crystal-clear waters. With options for private charters or group tours, it's a great way to experience the beauty of the Bavarian Alps from a different perspective.

Kneifelspitze is an easy-to-climb mountain just north of Berchtesgaden, with an elevation gain of about 400 meters. At the summit, you’ll find a cozy inn perfect for a coffee and cake break, plus one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Watzmann and its surrounding peaks. A viewing platform marks the prime photo spot here.

A telephoto lens is especially useful to capture the distant mountain details. On the way up, starting near the parking lot and bus stop at the pilgrimage church Maria Gern, you’ll find plenty of wildflowers blooming in spring, making a wide-angle lens handy for vibrant close-ups and landscape shots.

Recommended gear: Wide-angle lens, telephoto lens

Daytime: full day

Season: whole year

Parking: Maria Gern

Public transport: 837 from Berchtesgaden

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Watzmann massif, Chapel Maria Gern is one of the most picturesque photo spots in the Bavarian Alps. The best times to visit are sunrise or the golden hour, when soft light enhances the chapel’s charm and the majestic mountains behind it. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while winter cloaks the scene in a snowy wonderland.

For ideal compositions, head to the classic viewpoint on the small hill near the chapel. Here, the winding road creates a natural leading line drawing the eye toward the church and mountains. After dark, car lights can be used creatively to capture dynamic light trails.

This spot pairs well with a hike to the nearby Kneifelspitze, offering additional photographic opportunities.

Recommended gear: Wide-angle lens

Daytime: full day

Season: whole year

Parking: Maria Gern

Public transport: 837 from Berchtesgaden

Malerwinkel is a classic spot to capture the Königssee in its best light, especially during sunset. The photo location is easily accessible via a wide, gentle path and can be photographed from the trail itself or directly along the lake shore.

This spot is great for experimenting with ND and polarizing filters to enhance reflections and manage light. For more photo opportunities, consider continuing the hike up to the Rabenwand, another beautiful vantage point nearby.

In summer, you can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake to pass the time while waiting for the perfect sunset glow.

Recommended gear: Wide-angle lens, tripod, ND-filter, Pol-filter

Daytime: Sunset

Season: whole year

Parking: Parking Königsee

Public transport: 841/842 from Berchtesgaden

Lake Königssee is known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic, fjord-like scenery. Especially in the early morning light, the surrounding cliffs and forests reflect beautifully on the still surface of the lake. A wide-angle lens captures the grandeur of the landscape, while a telephoto lens brings out details like the iconic red domes of St. Bartholomä.

As the electric boat glides silently across the lake, be ready for the famous echo demonstration — a trumpet call or shout reverberating off the sheer rock walls — a rare moment worth capturing in both video and audio.

Each stop along the route offers fresh photo opportunities: at St. Bartholomä, the picturesque church sits against the dramatic backdrop of the Watzmann massif. Further on, Salet provides access to Obersee, a hidden alpine lake with mirror-like reflections and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for photography. You can check the boat timetable here.

Recommended gear: Wide angle lens, Tele lens

Daytime: full day

Season: whole year

Parking: Parking Königssee

Public transport: 841/842 from Berchtesgaden

Separated from the famous Königssee by a natural moraine, Obersee is a serene mountain lake nestled in the Berchtesgaden Alps. You can reach it by boat from the main landing stage at Königssee.

Along the way, a picturesque photo spot features a charming wooden boat hut. Nearby, you can discover Germany’s highest waterfall, the Rhönbachfall. If time allows, hiking south along the lake to the waterfall rewards you with stunning views and excellent photo opportunities.

For this location, bring both a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive lake and scenery, and a telephoto lens for detailed shots of the waterfall and boat hut.

Recommended gear: Wide-angle lens, telephoto lens

Daytime: full day

Season: whole year

Parking: Parking Königssee

Public transport: 841/842 from Berchtesgaden

Known as the coldest place in Germany, Funtensee has recorded temperatures as low as -45.9°C. Reaching this remote mountain lake requires good physical condition and surefootedness. The typical hiking season runs from spring to autumn, as winter carries a high avalanche risk.

The route starts with a boat trip to the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä (boat timetable: seenschifffahrt.de), followed by a challenging hike up the serpentine trail known as the Saugasse to Funtensee. Plan for at least 5 hours walking time and consider an overnight stay at the Kärlinger Haus (booking required: hut-reservation.org).

From the terrace of Kärlinger Haus, you can capture stunning wide-angle panoramas of Funtensee lake and the soaring Schottmalhorn peak. Another photo spot is located on the trail below the hut, offering charming views of the mountain refuge itself.

Important tips: Book an early boat, reserve your bed in advance, and bring proper hiking gear, plenty of water, and a small sleeping bag. Dinner and breakfast are available at the hut.

Recommended gear: Wide-angle lens

Daytime: Sunrise

Season: summer, autumn

Parking: Parking Königsee

Public transport: 841/842 from Berchtesgaden

The Kärlingerhaus at Funtensee is a cozy Alpine hut nestled in the Berchtesgaden National Park, run by the friendly duo Nadine and Oliver. With stunning views and delicious regional cuisine, this hut offers a warm welcome to hikers and nature lovers looking for a memorable mountain retreat. Whether you're tackling the popular hike from Königssee or enjoying a special occasion in their 2-person room, the Kärlingerhaus promises a unique and enjoyable experience in the heart of the Bavarian Alps.

The Kärlingerhaus at Funtensee is a cozy Alpine hut nestled in the Berchtesgaden National Park, run by the friendly duo Nadine and Oliver. With stunning views and delicious regional cuisine, this hut offers a warm welcome to hikers and nature lovers looking for a memorable mountain retreat. Whether you're tackling the popular hike from Königssee or enjoying a special occasion in their 2-person room, the Kärlingerhaus promises a unique and enjoyable experience in the heart of the Bavarian Alps.

Jenner is a popular lookout mountain in the Berchtesgaden Alps, easily accessible by cable car. From the summit cross, reached after a short walk, you get a unique panoramic view of Königssee and the towering Watzmann massif.

For those seeking more adventure, the hike up takes about 3 hours with an elevation gain of roughly 750 meters. Along the trail, you might spot wild chamois grazing on the slopes. Using a wide-angle lens, you can capture impressive multiline panoramas of the lake and mountains.

Be cautious in winter, as the path can become slippery and more challenging.

Recommended gear: Wide-angle lens, telephoto lens

Daytime: Sunset

Season: whole year

Parking: Parking Jennerbahn

Public transport: 841/842 from Berchtesgaden

Jenneralm is a cozy restaurant located at the top of Jenner Mountain, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with a menu featuring delicious Bavarian cuisine, beer, and cocktails. The real star of the show, though, is the jaw-dropping scenery surrounding the restaurant. So, grab a seat, enjoy some local eats, and soak in those epic mountain views – it's a feast for your taste buds and your eyes!