Lake Konigsee

Lake Konigsee is a picture perfect lake situated in the scenic mountains South of Berchtesgaden.  We were told that the boats get very full in the Summer months so to go early.  I think in this case we definitely beat the crowds!  We were one of the first boats out of there and had the lake and the Church of St. Bartholoma to ourselves!  The boat electronically sails across the lake at a peaceful, slow speed allowing you to take in the scenery and enjoy it.  Once out in the open about 15 minutes in, the tour guide takes out a trumpet and demonstrates the amazing acoustical “echo” that this lake and mountain rages provide.  Pretty cool! 

Half way across the lake we stopped and got off at the Church of St. Bartholoma.  It was once home of a monastery, then a hunting lodge of the Bavarian royal family.  Now, it is surrounded by a fine beer garden, rustic fisherman’s pub and many trails leading into the nearby mountains. 

We chose the trail and hike to the Ice cave.  It took a little over an hour to get there.  To keep the boys going strong and walking for  longer, someone suggested they take off their shirts to be strong guys.  Cole was convinced he was the Hulk.  We got all kinds of mileage out of this….. and they loved the strong guy, super hero, photos that ensued.  These three have so much fun together! 

 

The ice cave was a little further and a pretty hard hike up to it.  Only adults and kids 9 and up went to it.  Mostly the group stayed down and had a great time wading in the water and playing in the frigid temperatures.  It was a really hot day so we welcomed some down time in the water.  

 

Jake, Hanna, and I hiked to the cave…..it was totally melting and you have to be careful when this happens because giant chunks break off from the inside and can fall down and crush people.  I didn’t let our kids get any closer than this:  When Jared and Chris along with Carter and Ryan hiked up here, they saw a huge chunk break off and it scared them! 

After the hike back to St. Bartholoma’s we hopped back on the boat and headed toward the end of the lake.  We got off there and hiked in about 25 minutes to another lake.  It was pretty, but definitely not as cool as the Ice-Cave.     

We did some great shopping for lederhosen and drindl’s right by the Konigsee landing and then headed back to the Lodge.  We were all sticky, hot, and tired at this point, but made a quick stop at the Alpine Slides to check them out.  The view was incredible….little Cole was soooo exhausted that he slept the entire time on a hard wooden bench.  I couldn’t believe it. 

If the kid is sacked out this hard on a wooden bench you know somewhere two parents are wanting to do the same thing.