Königssee and St Bartholomä

A long, emerald-green lake surrounded by steep mountains in Berchtesgaden National Park, often called Germany's most beautiful. Quiet electric boats run the length of the lake. Halfway, the boatman stops and plays a trumpet to show off the echo off the Echo Wall. The red onion-domed pilgrimage chapel of St Bartholomä stands on a little peninsula, reachable only by boat.

Continue to the far end at Salet and walk 15 minutes to the smaller, wild Obersee lake. Go early in summer to avoid the queues.