Wasseralm via Landtalsteig

Wasseralm via Landtalsteig is a demanding out-and-back from the Salet boat landing to a small hut in the Röth basin. It is 10.4 miles (16.8 km) round trip, retracing the same 5.2-mile (8.4 km) corridor to Wasseralm. The boat crossing to Salet is required but is outside the hiking distance. Allow about seven hours on foot, plus the boat rides and stops. Choose this for a long mountain day, not as a quick add-on to the lake visit.

From Salet, a broad path reaches Obersee, then follows a rocky slope above the water to Fischunkelalm. A wooded ledge leads on to the basin below Röthbach Falls. The lakeshore section is the gentler start; the real climb begins at the falls. At the cliffside bend, include some of the narrow path in a photo so the slope above the lake reads clearly. If you only want the lake walk, turn around before the steep ascent toward Wasseralm.

From the falls basin, steep switchbacks climb the left side of the waterfall to a fork around 940 m. Turn left onto Landtalsteig; it is less exposed than the Röthsteig alternative, though still a serious mountain path. Long hairpins climb through forest and scrub to the lower Landtal crossing at about 1,215 m. Small streams can spill across the tread.

At the crossing, keep right on the path from Gotzenalm and traverse below Hanauerlaubwand. Steep gullies here have wire-rope protection and a noted rockfall risk; they can be tricky early in the season. Continue over Wildtörl at about 1,290 m, including a short exposed, steep section, then follow rolling mountain forest and mostly dry stream beds to the junction. Stay on the main path right for the open Wasseralm pasture, around 1,420 m; the left branch heads toward the abandoned Schabaualm.

The outward route takes about 3½ hours and climbs roughly 950 m, with some descent near the high point; the return follows the same rough ground and adds another climb. Park at Königssee Seelände and take the boat to Salet. The boat schedule sets your day, so check that service leaves enough time for the return sailing. Wasseralm is a small self-catering hut with seasonal summer service and a year-round winter room; confirm current arrangements before relying on a meal or bed. Dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on leash.