Evening Mood at Funtensee

After the ascent from Königssee through the Schrainbach Valley and the Saugasse, which was in shadow for a long time, I reach the warming autumn sun again at Ofenloch and look back at the Watzmann. Shortly after, I stand at the Kärlingerhaus with Lake Funtensee below it, its dark waters reflecting the snow-capped peaks of Stuhljoch, Funteseetauern, Grießkogel, and Stuhlgrabenkogel. Although Lake Funtensee in Berchtesgaden National Park is considered one of Germany’s coldest places and exhibits interesting meteorological phenomena with layers of cold and warm air, on this late October day, the Föhn wind ensures pleasant temperatures, even throughout the night.

Every year, I try to make the most of the period between the summer season and the onset of winter, when the weather and snow conditions still allow for tours. Often, stable high-pressure or Föhn weather systems form even in November, providing fantastic conditions like today. Since most mountain huts are already closed, the number of hikers significantly decreases, but the winter rooms still offer sufficient infrastructure for overnight stays.

The Kärlingerhaus, one of the largest huts of the German Alpine Club, is also heavily frequented by ski tourers in winter, which is why the winter room is generously sized for about 30 people – contrary to my expectations, there are only three of us spending the night.

I’m looking forward to the next morning, when I want to enjoy the panorama of Königssee and Watzmann during sunrise.