Eiskapelle: A Frozen Wonder
Discover the Eiskapelle, a mesmerizing ice cave in the Bavarian Alps, formed by avalanches near Königssee, offering a unique hiking experience amidst stunning natural beauty and a fragile icy world.
The Eiskapelle, or Ice Chapel, is a unique and captivating natural ice cave nestled at the foot of the Watzmann massif near Königssee. Formed by avalanches and snow accumulation rather than glacial processes, it's one of the lowest-elevation permanent snowfields in the German Alps. Accessible via a scenic boat trip on Königssee and a moderately challenging hike, the Eiskapelle offers a glimpse into a fragile, ever-changing icy world. Be aware that entering the cave is dangerous due to the risk of falling ice. The Eiskapelle's size fluctuates with the seasons, making each visit a unique experience. Its beauty and accessibility draw hikers and nature enthusiasts, though climate change increasingly threatens its existence. Despite this, winter avalanches continue to replenish the ice, offering hope for its preservation.
A brief summary to Eiskapelle
- Schönau am Königssee, 83471, DE
Local tips
- Check the avalanche conditions and weather forecast before your hike, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring layers, as the trail can be rocky and the temperature inside the Eiskapelle is significantly colder.
- Consider visiting during the late summer or early fall when the trail is most likely to be free of snow and ice.
- Book your Königssee boat trip in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
- Be extremely cautious near the Eiskapelle entrance and avoid entering the cave due to the risk of falling ice.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Berchtesgaden, take bus line 841 or 843 towards Königssee. The bus ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Get off at the 'Königssee' bus stop, which is a short walk to the Seelände (lakeside) where the Königssee boat tours depart. A day ticket for the bus costs approximately €11, covering the round trip from Salzburg to Königssee.
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Driving
From Berchtesgaden, follow the signs to Königssee. There is a large, paid parking lot (Seestraße 3, 83471 Schönau am Königssee) about 5 minutes from the boat pier. Parking costs approximately €3 for up to 1 hour, €7 for up to 3 hours, or €9 for a full day (24 hours). Payment can be made with coins, card or via the Parkster app. Be aware that during peak season, parking can be limited.
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Ferry
From the Seelände, take an electric boat to St. Bartholomä. The boat trip takes about 35 minutes. A round-trip ticket to St. Bartholomä costs approximately €22 for adults. From St. Bartholomä, follow the signs to Eiskapelle, which is a 3.5km hike (1.5-2 hours).
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