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St. Bartholomew's Church: A Bavarian Lakeside Icon

Discover the iconic Baroque church on Königssee, a pilgrimage site surrounded by stunning Bavarian Alps scenery.

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Nestled on the western shore of the fjord-like Königssee, St. Bartholomew's Church is a stunning Baroque pilgrimage site with origins dating back to the 12th century. Recognizable by its red onion domes and picturesque setting, the church is a symbol of the Berchtesgadener Land. Accessible only by boat or a challenging mountain hike, it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Pilgrimage Church of St. Bartholomew

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs.
  • Take the boat tour for scenic views of Königssee and the surrounding mountains.
  • Check the ferry schedule in advance, as departure times vary depending on the season.
  • Consider combining your visit with a hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park.
  • Bring cash for smaller purchases, as card payments may not always be available.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Berchtesgaden Hbf (main train station), take bus line 840, 841, or 843 towards Königssee. Get off at the Königssee Seelände bus stop. From the bus stop, it's a 5-minute walk to the lake and the boat pier. Purchase a round-trip ferry ticket to St. Bartholomew's Church. The boat ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Bus fare from Berchtesgaden is approximately €2-3. Round trip ferry to St. Bartholomä is €22.80 for adults.

  • Driving

    Drive to Schönau am Königssee and park at the large Parkplatz Königssee. From the parking lot, walk approximately 5 minutes to the Königssee lake and the boat pier. Purchase a round-trip ferry ticket to St. Bartholomew's Church. The boat ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Parking costs €3 for up to 1 hour, €7 for up to 3 hours, or €9 for a full day.

  • Walking

    From Königssee Seelände, a ferry is required to reach St. Bartholomew's Church as there are no paths along the lake shore. Purchase a round-trip ferry ticket to St. Bartholomew's Church. The boat ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Round trip ferry to St. Bartholomä is €22.80 for adults.

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Discover more about Pilgrimage Church of St. Bartholomew

St. Bartholomew's Church, or St. Bartholomä in German, is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church located on the Hirschau peninsula on the western shore of Königssee. The church's striking red onion domes and Baroque architecture make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the Berchtesgadener Land district of Bavaria. Originally founded in 1134 by the Prince-Provosts of Berchtesgaden, the church was rebuilt in 1697 in the Baroque style, drawing inspiration from Salzburg Cathedral. The interior features stucco work by Joseph Schmidt, and the three altars are dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, Saint Catherine, and Saint James. For centuries, St. Bartholomew's has been a pilgrimage destination, with an annual pilgrimage taking place on the Saturday following St. Bartholomew's Day, August 24th. The church is also closely connected to a former hunting lodge, which has been rebuilt several times since the 12th century and today operates as a restaurant. The Bavarian Kings favored St. Bartholomew, further cementing its place in the region's history. Visitors can reach St. Bartholomew's by taking an electric boat across the pristine Königssee, enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery. The church also serves as a starting point for hikes into Berchtesgaden National Park.

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