I was spending 5 days in Salzburg last year. Salzburg is a very small town, even when explored on foot. Therefore, on my third night there, I went to check with my hostel (MEININGER Hotel) desk what I could do near Salzburg and they gave me a few ideas. I chose to visit the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden in Germany because it was just a 45 minute bus ride from Salzburg. The next morning I walked to the bus station to board the Bus 840 from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden. It was a scenic drive. I explored the quaint town on foot just to tumble upon the information center which strongly recommended a visit to the alpine lake Konigssee. While waiting for the local bus, I got into a conversation with some locals who were headed up there and offered to drop me off. It was a faboulous idea to take the ride along because they told me such fun anecdotes about the surrounding mountains.
After reaching, I bought the ferry ticket for the 2 hour round trip for €16.90. The ferry had 2 stops, St. Bartholomä Church and Obersee. On the way the guide showed us the Eagle’s nest (a structure used by Hitler and other Nazi Party members for meetings), which could not be accessed then due to accumulation of snow on the hill.
I was awe-struck by the beautiful trees and wood houses around the church. But what did I know! Obersee taught me what awe-struck really means as it unfolded the Konigssee lake. It is the most beautiful place on the Earth tucked away in the corner as if shy to let the world exploit its beauty. I sat there gazing at the Alps and the crystal water thinking if this is what heaven might look like!