Lake Hintersee surrounded by mountains, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany

Inspiration in the Alps

Framed by towering mountains, this idyllic mountain lake in southern Germany has been a source of artistic inspiration for centuries. These days, it is a magnet for landscape photographers seeking Alpine serenity but it has been captured on canvas since the 19th century, when it was popular with painters of the Romantic era. You can find the Hintersee (“see” is German for lake while Hinter means “behind”) in the German Alpine region of Berchtesgadener Land, near the border with Austria.

Early risers can enjoy the sight of morning mist on the still water, reflecting the towering form of the Hochkalter, one of Germany’s highest mountains at 8,553ft (2,606.9m). In the summer, the clear green water draws visitors to the lake, who circle it on a trail that winds through forests and between mossy rocks. Afterwards, walkers can relax on the shore, take a boat out or take a dip in the cool water. A word of warning however, due to the steady influx of fresh mountain water, the water remains rather icy, even in the summer months.