Konigssee and Hallstatt

I went to both locations two summers ago. They each had tremendous beauty in our eyes but were very different. Konigssee had natural beauty and felt like a tourist area where you park, walk down toward the lake passing fun places to eat and great little gift shops. The lake itself is truly awesome and feels inspiring - which was the place that Hitler also found inspiration, though I can't imagine how such beautiful nature could work in that way? I read that one of the big houses on the lake where you board the boats was where Hitler's mother was living at one point and she died there. Despite these sad connections, the boat trip was breath taking. We took the boat to the little island where there is a Church and great play area and icecream for kids. We just stood around and took in the mountains and remember it for its beauty and not its terrible associations.
Many people write differing things about Hallstat, "don't miss it", or" you can miss it". Well it was the tiny village feel that we were looking for and we got it. We stayed in a little Pension right on the tiny square where our window overlooked the comings and goings of the people who live there and tourists of course. We rented a boat for about 30 dollars and we drove all around the lake. We walked around at night and it was enchanting and wonderful and one of our favorite nights of the trip. Waking up to Church bells ringing, teenagers running to church in lederhosen and the folk like atmosphere we dreamed of. Hallstat lake is lined with Austrian style homes and churches and has more small charm appeal. If you are a World War 2 person, then Konigssee is the place. Either place is great.