Lake Hintersee and the Zauberwald

Little rocky islets with a few spruces, clear green water and the walls of the Hochkalter behind: Lake Hintersee in Ramsau is one of the most photographed lakes in the Bavarian Alps. Right next to it lies the Zauberwald ("magic forest"), a forest of huge moss-covered boulders through which the Ramsauer Ache rushes. Both were created by the same event, a massive rockfall about 3,500 years ago. Together they make one of the loveliest outings in the Berchtesgaden area, open at all times and easy to explore on foot.

How it formed

Several thousand years ago some 12 to 16 million cubic metres of rock broke away in the Hochkalter massif and crashed more than 1,000 metres into the valley. Much of it came to rest at the valley mouth as a pile up to 40 metres thick, damming the Klausbach to form the lake; the forest gradually grew over the boulders. Around 1900 the Klausbach was diverted around the lake to stop it silting up, yet the lake is now only about a third of its original size, roughly 16 hectares and up to 18 metres deep. In summer the water reaches only about 16 °C.

What to see

• The islets in the lake, the classic photo spot, with the Hochkalter mirrored in calm water.
• Zauberwald: A footpath laid out in 1896/97 winds between boulders, moss and roots beside the rushing river; it is listed among Bavaria's finest geotopes.
• Painters' corner: In the 19th century artists such as Carl Rottmann, Ferdinand Waldmüller, Ludwig Richter and Wilhelm Busch painted here; a themed trail marks their favourite spots.
• St Anthony's Chapel, a small 17th-century chapel on the west shore.
• Boats: Rowing and pedal boats for hire, and the little electric boat "Annerl" in summer.

Walks

The lake circuit is about 2.7 km, almost flat, and takes about an hour; the Zauberwald loop is about 2 km. The Zauberwald path is cleared in winter, and when the lake freezes it is used for skating and curling.

Getting there

Sat nav: Hinterseer Straße 104, 83486 Ramsau. There are several car parks around the lake, and bus 846 runs from Berchtesgaden via Ramsau to Hintersee.

Tripto tip

Come early in the morning, when mist lies on the still water and the Hochkalter is perfectly reflected. Allow two to three hours for forest, lake circuit and a break.