Gotzenalm via Kaunersteig

This boat-assisted point-to-point hike runs 9.8 miles one way on foot, from the Salet landing to Kessel. The walk climbs steeply to the high pasture at Gotzenalm, then descends to the lake. Reach Salet by boat from Königssee Seelände; Kessel is an on-demand stop. Allow about eight hours of hiking, with ferry time and waiting on top. Start early and keep the last Kessel sailing in mind: there is no boat return from that landing after service ends.

From Salet, a short, initially level path follows the lakeshore before the Kaunersteig turns steeply into the forest. It climbs about 900 metres through roughly 35 switchbacks and nearly 1,000 steps to Regenalm. This is a demanding ascent that calls for sure footing and strong fitness. From Regenalm, the Reitweg gives you a more comfortable traverse to Gotzenalm.

Gotzenalm is a high alpine pasture around 1,685 metres, with a mountain inn. A short walk from the pasture reaches Feuerpalfen, a natural balcony about 1,125 metres above Königssee. From there, the lake, St. Bartholomä and the Watzmann East Face line up across the water. At Feuerpalfen, frame all three together to show the scale of the drop and the far shore.

The shortest descent follows a forest road to Gotzentalalm, then a steep footpath to Kessel. Unfold the request sign at the landing so the boat captain knows to stop. The longer way out via Unterer Hirschenlauf, Priesbergalm, Königsbachalm and Hochbahn avoids relying on the Kessel pickup but adds distance and ends at Königssee; it is a different route. Dogs must be leashed on park trails. Königssee boats require a muzzle or, for dogs that cannot wear one, a carrier; dogs classified as fighting breeds are not carried.