Reitlehenalm

Reitlehenalm sits at 1,370m on a high pasture above the Königssee valley in the Berchtesgaden Alps. You reach it in 2.5 hours from Schönau am Königssee by hiking south through forest, then emerging onto open meadow with views to the Watzmann. The final approach crosses alpine pasture where cattle graze in summer. Alternatively, start from the Hintersee car park (1 hour, less elevation gain) and join the main trail. Both routes are well-marked but steep in sections.
This is a working mountain dairy and simple hikers' hut run by the DAV. Reitlehenalm has around 40 bed places in shared dormitories and serves hearty Bavarian food—expect Kaiserschmarrn, Kasnocken, and fresh milk from the dairy herd. Meals are substantial and reasonably priced. The hut runs from May through October, with September–October offering the best weather. Hot showers are available. Water is piped from mountain springs.
Book ahead in July and August—this hut fills quickly, especially weekends. Contact the hut directly by phone or email for reservations. The peak season runs mid-July to mid-August, when you should reserve 4–6 weeks ahead. May, June and September offer quieter hiking but reliable weather. Winter closure is November through April.