Background

Hintersee: A Serene Alpine Lake

Discover the serene beauty of Hintersee, a picturesque alpine lake with crystal-clear waters and a magical forest, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.

★★★★★4.8 (203)

Hintersee is a picturesque lake nestled in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, Germany, near the village of Ramsau. Formed approximately 3,500 years ago by a massive rockslide, it's known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning mountain backdrop, and the adjacent Zauberwald (Magic Forest).

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Hintersee

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Faistenau, AT

Explore places near Hintersee

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Hintersee

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Public Transport

    From Salzburg, take bus line 840 towards Berchtesgaden. From Berchtesgaden, transfer to bus line 846 to Hintersee. Get off at the Auzinger bus stop, which is a short walk to the lake. The total journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around €4-7 for the bus from Salzburg to Faistenau.

    Car

    From Munich, take the A8 motorway towards Salzburg. Exit at Traunstein-Siegsdorf and follow the B306 and B305 to Ramsau. From Ramsau, follow signs to Hintersee. Parking is available at Hintersee, with a daily fee of €5. Parking can be paid via the Parkster app.

    Local tips

    Take the 2.5 km Prinzregent-Luitpold-Weg for a casual walk around the lake, which takes just under an hour.
    During the summer, rent an electric boat to cross the lake or take a tour.
    Explore the Zauberwald (Magic Forest) on the southeastern end of the lake.

    Discover more about Hintersee

    Hintersee is a jewel of the Bavarian Alps, offering an idyllic escape into a world of natural beauty and tranquility. Located in Ramsau, near Berchtesgaden, this stunning lake is a testament to the power and artistry of nature. Its serene waters, framed by majestic mountains and verdant forests, create a landscape that has captivated artists, writers, and travelers for centuries.The lake's origins trace back to a colossal rockslide in the Hochkalter mountain range around 3,500 years ago. An estimated 15 million cubic meters of rock reshaped the Klausbach valley, damming the Klausbach river and creating Hintersee. The resulting lake, with its crystal-clear waters, became a mirror reflecting the surrounding alpine scenery. Painters in the 1800s immortalized the lake, gathering at the Malerklause (Painter's Cabin) near the Auzinger restaurant.The Zauberwald, or Magic Forest, borders the lake. This enchanting forest showcases nature's raw power, with moss-covered boulders, gnarled trees, and crystal-clear streams. A footpath was constructed through the forest in 1896, though it wasn't called the Magic Forest until the 1920s.Visitors can enjoy various activities, including swimming, boating, and hiking. A five-kilometer trail encircles the lake, inviting visitors to embark on a leisurely walk amidst breathtaking scenery. Boat rentals are available to explore the lake.

    A brief summary to Hintersee

    Use Hintersee as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:Hallstatt - Zentrum .JPG - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Salzkammergut Lakes

    Discover the enchanting Salzkammergut Lakes in Austria, where pristine waters, stunning mountains, and charming villages create an unforgettable travel experience.

    Tell me more about Salzkammergut Lakes

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.