We’ve rented a car in Germany many times over the years and have driven all over this beautiful country. This guide will help you decide if you want to rent a car on your trip, offer ideas for beautiful road trips in Germany, and share tips for renting a car in Germany.

Traveling Around Germany: Train or Car?

What’s the best way to get around Germany – train or car? This is one of our most frequently asked questions.

Both are great options so it really just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. So before we get to driving route suggestions, let’s go over some pros and cons for both options to help you decide which one will work best for you.

Train Travel in Germany: Pros and Cons

Here are the pros of taking the train:

• Train travel in Germany is pretty straight-forward, comfortable, and fast.
• On the train you can enjoy scenic views without worrying about navigating or driving.
• Many cities are well connected to different destinations and with train stations mostly being in the city center, it’s easy to get from one point to another.
• In terms of prices, if you book tickets in advance, it’s possible to get amazing deals. Plus you can save money on discounts for kids, seniors, regional travel, and group travel.
• Use the Deutsche Bahn website for train travel research and booking tickets. I like to do my research and booking on my laptop and then pull up the tickets in the DB Navigator app on my phone.

Here are some train travel cons:

• You’ll need to do a lot of research to find the right trains for your travel needs. Then you have to book each train individually (unless you buy a more expensive German Rail Pass).
• Seat reservations cost extra.
• Trains can be crowded or even sold out during major events, holidays, and on weekends on popular routes. While you can still get on trains, even when there are no seats left, you might have to stand in the corridor.
• If you buy the less expensive, train specific, non-refundable tickets and you miss your train you lose what you spent on those tickets and will have to buy much more expensive full price tickets.
• German trains aren’t as amazingly punctual and reliable as they used to be.
• Even though trains reach places in Germany, some smaller towns and off the beaten track areas aren’t easily accessible by train or need various transfers, making the trip quite time consuming. 

Driving in Germany: Pros and Cons

Here are the pros of renting a car:

• The biggest advantage of driving is flexibility! You get to decide when to leave, what route to take, and where you’d like to stop.
• You have the ultimate freedom to see so much more of Germany and really fine tune your itinerary to your preferences.
• Not to mention that some towns and regions are much more accessible by car.
• In terms of costs, sometimes it costs less than taking the train, especially if you’re traveling with more people.
• You get the experience of driving on the German Autobahn!
• You can get off the beaten path more easily than when taking the train.

Here are some rental car and driving cons:

• You have to take into account that someone has to be driving and navigating at all times, which can get tiring after long periods of time.
• There are additional costs to consider like gas, parking (even in hotels), extra insurance (if you decide to get it), and possibly even a parking or traffic ticket.
• There’s also the likelihood of getting stuck in traffic and losing time on the Autobahn and in busy cities.
• Parking spaces are tighter than in places like the US, which can make parking more challenging.
• You might feel nervous about driving in Germany. If that’s the case, we highly recommend this excellent Germany driving tutorial!

Renting A Car In Germany

Renting a car in Germany is an easy process. You can reserve a car online or at car rental agencies located at major airports, train stations, and cities.

We use Discover Cars to find the best rental cars, and if you can plan ahead you can find great prices. Our advice is to stick with major car companies like Hertz, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise, Avis and the like. We’ve had good to great experiences every time.

Driving in Germany

If you’re set on doing a road trip through Germany, the first thing you should take into account is familiarizing yourself with some of the general rules of the road, traffic laws, and driving conditions.

Driving in Europe can be a very different experience from what you might be used to back at home, so the best way to prepare yourself is to do some research with the rules in Germany. We highly recommend using Tripiamo’s fantastic driving tutorial. It’ll only take you about an hour and you’ll feel comfortable driving all over Germany from day 1!

One of the most essential things you can read up on are the various road signs in Germany and their meanings. To give you an idea, there are over 1,000 different signs in the official German traffic code and it ranges from warning signs, regulation signs, guide signs, and other supplemental signs.

Most are pretty universal so you won’t have any difficulty understanding them, but of course there are more specific ones that you should at least be aware of. Tripiamo’s Germany driving tutorial covers the most important ones.

While you don’t need to memorize all of this information before hitting the road, it helps to have someone with you who can have easy access to road signs on their phone and is willing to help you identify any unfamiliar signs. This is also especially true for navigating directions, even if you have Google Maps or other GPS apps.

Since you’ll most likely be renting a car, there are also some things you have to keep in mind. In Germany, manual (stick shift) cars are much more common than automatic cars. If you’re not used to or not comfortable with driving stick shift you can rent an automatic for a slightly higher cost. You’ll need to specifically request an automatic when reserving your car.

While some people in Germany do drive large cars like SUVs or vans, smaller and more compact cars are a much more common option for rental cars. This might also be somewhat of an adjustment if you are used to driving larger cars back home. But actually, smaller cars will prove to be more helpful for parking in small spaces and driving through narrow streets.

Speaking of roads, be prepared to encounter all different types of roads in Germany. The Autobahn is, of course, Germany’s famous high-speed highway system. It connects different regions and cities all across the county. Some sections don’t have speed limits, but this doesn’t apply to every part. Look out for sections that have posted speed limits or construction zones with reduced speeds. 

In cities, you’ll mostly be driving through busy streets with traffic, pedestrians, bikes, busses, and even street cars so it’s important to be mindful of crosswalks and traffic signals. Meanwhile, in smaller villages and towns, the streets can be much narrower and winding, so be extra cautious with navigating turns or finding parking.

While driving in Germany might be an adjustment in the beginning, we are certain that it won’t feel like this the entire time! Once you get a hang of it, you’ll be ready to enjoy the full road trip experience in Germany.

Best Scenic Germany Road Trips 

Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is one of Germany’s most popular tourist routes. Because of this, it’s one of the easiest to navigate and follow since there are several signposts along the route. This “Romantic Route” starts in the city of Würzburg and ends in the small Bavarian town of Füssen.

If you plan to fly into Frankfurt and pick up your rental car at Frankfurt International Airport or a location elsewhere in the city, you could immediately drive to Würzburg, drive the route to Füssen, and then return the car in Munich.

This route stretches over 400 kilometers or almost 250 miles and passes through almost 30 official stops, including charming small towns, medieval castles, and beautiful scenery. The road trip can be done in either direction — Würzburg to Füssen or Füssen to Würtzburg. It can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on how much of the route you choose to see and how many stops you’d like to make along the way.

One of the main highlights of this route is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. Rothenburg is straight out of a fairy tale with its cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and historic city walls.

Other picturesque towns that are not as well known but are worth stopping by are Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. These are neighboring towns to Rothenburg but are often not as touristy or crowded. 

The final stop on the Romantic Road is Füssen, a small town in the Alps near the border of Austria and two dreamy castles. The most famous is Neuschwanstein Castle. One of King Ludwig’s fairy-tale castles, this is a beautiful place to visit year-round.If you don’t mind the cold, it’s especially breathtaking during the snowy winter months.

Fun fact: it’s said that Neuschwanstein castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s castles. The other, lesser known castle where King Ludwig spent some of his childhood is Hohenschwangau, which is located a short walk from Neuschwanstein.

Overall, the Romantic Road is one of the best scenic drives to discover the beauty of southern Germany.

Black Forest Route

Driving the Black Forest is another quintessential German road trip. This region is located in southwestern Germany in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It’s associated with many different things like the delicious Black Forest cake, the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, thermal baths, cuckoo clocks, and beautiful forests, which makes it the perfect place for those interested in culture, history, and natural landscapes.

The most popular route to take is the Black Forest High Road. This scenic route extends for over 230 kilometers (145 miles) and runs from Baden-Baden in the north to Freudenstadt in the south. It can be done in a weekend or even one day, depending on how much time you spend at each stop.

The route passes through several quaint villages, each worth visiting for different reasons. The first few stops, Baden-Baden and Bad Wildbad, are known for their thermal baths and natural hot springs.

Freiburg im Breisgau, a bustling university town considered the Capital of the Black Forest, is known for its charming city center with mixture of Gothic and modern architecture.

Triburg and Lake Titisee, are all great places for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hikes with panoramic views, water activities like swimming and boating or traditional cuckoo clocks.  

There’s a lot to see and do in the Black Forest! For more information on the best things to do and see, read our full Black Forest guide.

Bodensee (Lake Constance)

The best part about a road trip around Lake Constance (Bodensee in German) in southern Germany is that you actually get to discover three countries at once! That’s because Lake Constance shares a border with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. 

The area surrounding the lake is not only full of beautiful places to stop and explore but there are also tons of different activities you can do, depending on which part of the lake you go to. On the German side, you can discover Konstanz, a university town right on the lake, picturesque villages like Meersburg, resort towns like Lindau, small islands like Meinau, and even camping areas for motorhomes.

On the Austrian and Swiss sides you’ll find amazing views of and from surrounding the nearby rolling hills heading into the Alps. You can also take an excursion to Zurich or head south to tiny Lichtenstein.

Aside from the gorgeous scenery, Lake Constance is a popular destination for families during summer when water sports and activities like sailing, windsurfing, and swimming are in full swing.

Fairy Tale Route 

The Fairy Tale Route is a classic road trip option highlighting the magical world of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales. It starts in central Germany in the city of Hanau and goes all the way north to Bremen for a total of around 600 kilometers (370 miles).

Along the way, you’ll drive by fairytale castles and historically significant towns associated with the Brothers Grimm and their stories.

Some important towns worth seeing include Asfeld, which is home to the House of Little Red Riding Hood and Bad Wildungen, where visitors can find the Snow White Museum.

Another town to visit is Marburg, known as a place where the Brothers Grimm studied. The Old Town is sure to take you back to medieval times with its picturesque half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. 

Other cities further up north include Kassel, where there’s a whole museum dedicated to the fairy tales which houses the first edition of Grimm’s Fairy Tales from 1812. There’s also the town of Hameln, best known for the tale of the Pied Piper. 

Another thing you can’t miss are the castles. In this route, you’ll get to admire the Sababurg Castle, which is widely referred to as the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Another iconic one is the Trendelenburg Fortress, known as the beloved Rapunzel Tower. This road trip is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the real magic of Germany!

German Alpine Road

The German Alpine road is one of oldest and most scenic routes, offering breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps.

The starting points are either the town of Lindau near Lake Constance or Lake Königssee near Berchtesgaden. The route extends for 515 kilometers (around 320 miles) and snakes through alpine meadows, relaxing spa resorts, mountain lakes, historic castles, and quaint southern German towns.

Starting in Lindau, you’ll get to discover the beauty of the Allgäu region which is known for its crystal clear alpine lakes, lush meadows, and snow-capped mountain peaks. The next stop would naturally be Füssen which is home to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau. 

As you go further east, you’ll reach Oberammergau and the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region. One of the highlights of this part of the journey is Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. To reach the summit, you have to take a cable car to get spectacular views of glaciers and the German Alps. It’s a fantastic winter destination for those who love snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. 

Last but not least, the alpine roads will lead you to Berchtesgaden. You can easily spend a day here filled with sightseeing and activities – from exploring the Berchtesgaden National Park, climbing the Eagle’s Nest, or a fun guided tour of the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines. If you want to extend your road trip, you can even make your way to Salzburg, Austria since it’s only a 45-minute drive away. 

For more information, read our full guide of the best things to do and see in Berchtesgaden!

German Wine Route 

The German Wine Route takes visitors through the scenic Rhineland-Palatinate region. This route is on the shorter side at only 85 kilometers (just over 50 miles) and showcases some of the country’s best wineries and vineyards, culinary spots, natural scenes, and hiking trails.

One of the highlights of the German Wine Route is its unique climate. It’s known to have a mild, temperate climate that’s unique compared to the rest of the country. Because of this, the region thrives with crops like kiwis, lemons, and figs. Spring is especially a great time of year to visit since the route comes alive with blossoming almond trees.

On the south end, the route starts in the town of Schweigen-Rechtenbach, located on the French border. This route is filled with hidden gems of towns like Bad Bergzabern, Bad Dürkheim, and Neustadt an der Weinstrasse. Make sure to stop by any of the various wineries and tasting rooms along the way to sample the best wines the region has to offer.

The best time to visit would be any time from March to October. During this period, many open-air wine wine festivals are held along the route. The most famous one is Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim. It’s the biggest wine festival worldwide, with over 600,000 visitors each year. 

Rhine River And Mosel Valley

The Rhine River and Mosel Valley area is not only another great option for wine lovers but it’s also one of the most picturesque regions in Germany.

The best place to start this route is the city of Koblenz, since it’s a point where the Rhine river and Mosel river meet. There are different variations to the route but a good end point would be Trier, a city further south near the Luxembourg border.

One of the first stops you can make is the town of Cochem. This romantic city is known for the famous Reichsburg Castle (Cochem Castle), which towers over the Mosel River. The medieval castle has been rebuilt many times over the year and it hosts fun themed activities like medieval-style dinner and live performances.

Before heading to Cochem, it’s definitely worth taking a slight detour to Burg Eltz, another castle along the valley and overlooking the Elzbach River. This rare castle has never been damaged by war or other external force and hasbeen under ownership of the same family for over 30 generations. If you make your way. 

Another picturesque town worth visiting is Bacharach, a popular stop for river cruises that’s filled with wineries and vineyards. It’s also home to Burg Stahleck, a castle turned into a youth hostel on a hill, which you can visit even if you’re not staying there!. If you’re interested in booking a room in that castle (or another German castle), check out our guide to the best castle hotels in Germany.

Towards the end of the route, we recommend stopping at Traben Trarbach, a former major wine trading center in Europe. There’s no better place to enjoy a glass of Riesling than in the famous underground wine cellars and vaults of the city.

And for the final stop in this road trip, head on to the town of Trier. It’s known for its amazingly preserved Roman structures and ruins, like the impressive Porta Nigra city gate.

Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is one of our favorite hidden gems of Germany and definitely a worthy addition to your Germany road trip itinerary.

This area is one of Germany’s 16 national parks, boasting of 710 square kilometers (274 square miles) of pure natural beauty including everything from dense woodlands, tall mountains, deep canyons, and gorges. 

Saxon Switzerland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who love rock climbing, biking, and hiking. The park has a marked network of over 400 kilometers (250 miles) of hiking trails which visitors must strictly stick within.

The highlight of this region is the iconic Bastei Bridge. It’s made up of stunningly bizarre rock formations that stand over 600 feet over the Elbe river. There is a bridge that links several of the rocks, so visitors can walk over it and get the best views of the national park. You can also get amazing views in the Königstein Fortress, one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe.

The Saxon Switzerland region is also home to a number of quaint villages and towns, such as Bad Schandau and Kurort Rathen, where you can take a break from hiking and try out the local food or go for a dip in the thermal baths.

For a more comprehensive overview, read our full guide on Saxon Switzerland.

Northern Germany Wattenmeer (Wadden Sea)

If you’re looking for a scenic coastal road trip, then the Wattenmeer (Wadden Sea) area in northern Germany is the perfect option. The Wadden Sea is an important biological region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and completely different from southern alpine Germany.

The Wattenmeer National Parks are located across Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Germany has three national parks in this region. Make sure to check out the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, located in the estuary of the Elbe in the North Sea, for a landscape different from unlike anything else in Germany. It’s mainly made up of mudflats, shallow creeks, dunes, and sandbars, and some islands. You can go for guided hikes or even horse-drawn carriage rides when the tide is out and explore the region’s biodiversity. 

Another highlight is the North Frisian Islands, a collection of islands and islets with a unique cultural heritage. The largest island is Sylt, a picturesque Island where visitors can stay at a luxurious resort or simply walk along the long sandy beaches and admire the sand dunes.

Rügen Island 

For more coastal destinations, Rügen Island is an amazing destination. The largest island in Germany, Rügen is known for its sprawling coastline, white-sand beaches and seaside resorts. It’s easily accessible thanks to the Rügen Bridge, an enormous bridge connecting the island to the Hanseatic city of Stralsund in Northern Germany.

The most well known sight is the Jasmund National Park. This national park is home to stunning white chalk cliffs with views to the Baltic Sea. For the best views, make sure to climb the Königsstuhl. The seaside towns of Bergen, Binz and Sassnitz are also worth stopping by for their elegant villas and scenic harbors.

Rügen is located in eastern Germany about 3 hours north of Berlin. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path for non-Germans, check out the beautiful island of Rügen.

The post Best Scenic Germany Road Trip Ideas And Routes appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

Berchtesgaden is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany, attracting visitors from all over the world for many different reasons. It’s easy to see why!

Whether you’re visiting Berchtesgaden to learn about World War II or to admire the natural beauty of Bavaria, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Here’s what you need to know when planning your trip to Berchtesgaden. 

Why Visit Berchtesgaden?

Berchtesgaden, Germany is one of the most beautiful parts of Bavaria. It’s a place that perfectly combines history, natural wonders, and fun cultural activities.

Many people associate the town with WWII, given the prominent role it played in history (scroll down for a summary). There are many historical and educational sites to visit such as Eagle’s Nest and Obersalzberg Documentation Center.

But there’s so much more to discover! Berchtesgaden also offers a unique experience and atmosphere, due to its wonderful location. The surrounding mountains means there’s tons of opportunities for hiking or just simply taking in the area’s natural beauty.

It’s also a stone’s throw from Salzburg, a beautiful and picturesque city worth visiting in neighboring Austria. So it’s easy to visit both countries in one visit.

Where is Berchtesgaden?

Berchtesgaden is a small town located in Bavaria, a region in the southeastern part of Germany. It lies within the breathtaking Berchtesgaden Alps and is surrounded on three sides by Austria. It’s just 30 kilometers away from the Austrian city of Salzburg and around 180km southeast of Munich. 

What’s The Best Time of Year to Visit Berchtesgaden?

This part of Germany is gorgeous year round. I visited in the middle of winter, and while it was cold, the snow that had fallen made the town and surrounding area especially peaceful and beautiful.

If you like to downhill ski, cross-country ski, sled, snow shoe, ice skate or engage in other outdoor winter activities, you have several options. Christmas in Germany is magical everywhere and especially so in Berchtesgaden.

Summer is a wonderful time to spend the long days outdoors hiking, visiting nearby lakes, taking in breathtaking views, learning from history, and just soaking in alpine nature. You can even camp in the area!

Spring and fall have their distinct beauty, too, even if you’re likely to experience variable weather. Come prepared with the right clothes and attitude and you’ll have a great time, no matter what!

How Much Time To Spend In Berchtesgaden?

It depends. If you’re visiting Salzburg, Berchtesgaden is a super easy day trip, given that it’s less than an hour away by direct bus and about 30 minutes by car.

It’s also a great day trip option from Munich. It takes about 2.5 hours to get there by train and 2-2.5 by car, so it’s a good idea to get an early start and have a plan for what you want to do and see while there so you can maximize your time in Berchtesgaden.

If you’d rather relax and enjoy your day trip without the hassles of planning everything yourself and potentially missing trains or wasting time by sitting in annoying traffic, book an easy guided day trip from Munich!

If you’d like to see beautiful views & alpine scenery stress-free, you can book a full-day, small group tour that takes you on Bavaria’s most scenic alpine road to Eagle’s Nest for breathtaking views of the Berchtesgaden area. You also visit the NS Documentation Center in Berchtesgaden before heading back to Munich. Click here to read more about this guided day trip from Munich!

If you can spend longer than a day in Berchtesgaden, even better! In 2-3 days or more you’ll be able to experience the historic town and visit several of the spectacular sights described in this article. If you want to hike and experience the Berchtesgaden Alps, I highly recommend at least 2-3 days in the area.

How to Get to Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is easily accessible by car and train from both Salzburg and Munich. 

The drive to the small town of Berchtesgaden from Salzburg only takes around half an hour, and the drive from Munich takes around 2 hours. Take the Autobahn München-Salzburg A8 from Munich. 

If you’re arriving in Germany via Munich International Airport or in Austria via Salzburg Airport, you can take the train directly to Berchtesgaden or pick up a rental car and drive.

Pro tip: If you’re coming from the A8 from Munich, the official Berchtesgaden Tourist Office recommends you take the exit “Bad Reichenhall.” Continuing through the Austrian sections of the Autobahn requires a vignette, which is a European Union toll-road sticker. 

Public transportation from both cities is also fairly straightforward. You can take a bus from Salzburg from their main train station for the 50 minute trip. The train takes a bit longer at around 1 hour and 10 minutes. There are multiple departures per day which you can check here.

The train from Munich to the Berchtesgaden train station takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes. Most require a change in Freilassing. You can check schedules here.

Because the trains running from Munich to Berchtesgaden are regional trains, we recommend checking out the Bayern (Bavaria) ticket from Deutsche Bahn (Germany’s train system – I book all of our train tickets here before I leave for Germany).

This ticket is an easy way to save money, especially for families, because it gives up to 5 people traveling together unlimited trips on regional trains within all of Bavaria for one day.

So if you’re taking a day trip from Munich to Berchtesgaden and back, you can use the Bayern ticket for both train journeys that day. You can use this ticket to take regional trains anywhere in Bavaria! If you plan to take more than 1 day day trip by train within Bavaria, you can purchase a new ticket each day.

Even better, you don’t have to decide ahead of time which regional train to take and you’re not locked into one departure time, so you have lots of flexibility with this ticket. Do check train schedules, though, so you know when the trains are scheduled to run.

Berchtesgaden Hotels

As a popular tourist destination, finding a hotel won’t be a problem. There are a great variety of accommodations in Berchtesgaden for all kinds of budgets, from luxury resorts to mid-range hotels.

As is the case for most of Germany, summer tends to be the peak season for travel, so it’s always a good idea to book and make reservations well in advance! Same goes for the Christmas season.

Here are some excellent options that come with highly rated reviews:

• Hotel Edelweiss – Located at the heart of Old Town Berchtesgaden overlooking the Bavarian Alps. It features spacious and newly renovated modern rooms, free use of the sauna area, indoor swimming pool, gym, and a relaxing rooftop terrace.
• Hotel AlpinaRos Demming – Centrally located hotel just 5 minutes walk from the train station and about 5 minutes to the Old Town. They offer free private parking and each country-style room has a balcony with views of the Berchtesgaden Alps.
• Hotel Schwabenwirt – Located in the center of Berchtesgaden overlooking the river. Close to the train station, local busses, grocery store, and Berchtesgaden’s Old Town. You can a view of the Watzmann Mountain from the hotel’s beer garden.
• Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden – Looking for a splurge? This five-star luxury hotel is located 1000m up in the Bavarian Alps and offers lavish rooms and panoramic views of the Berchtesgaden valley. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness center, and air-conditioned rooms.
  

Berchtesgaden and WWII History

Berchtesgaden has an interesting history with the first mention of the town dating back to the 11the century, thanks to its rich salt mine deposits. Over the next centuries, the town grew and changed ownership from Austria and France before coming under Bavarian rule in 1810. 

Years before World War II, Adolf Hitler frequented Berchtesgaden as a summer vacation spot. Hitler’s chalet, the Berghof in Obersalzberg, became a prominent place as he made this area his second seat of government during the Third Reich. Other top Nazi officials like Hermann Göring and Martin Bormann also had chalets here.

Guests of the Berghof included military leaders, heads of states, and many other political figures from the German government and all over the world. Many of the famous photographs of Hitler would be taken here by Eva Braun, a photographer from the inner circle of the Nazi party who would eventually become Hitler’s wife. 

Various divisions of the Allied Forces launched an air raid on the Obersalzberg area in 1945. The Berghof took considerable damage by the bombs but the town of Berchtesgaden was unharmed. It was on the morning of May 4 that American troops and the French 2nd Armored Division looted and destroyed the building over the following days.

In the aftermath, Berchtesgaden remained under administration of the United States army. Many buildings with ties to the Nazi regime were destroyed postwar. Unfortunately, the ruins of the ex-Nazi sites attracted neo-Nazi pilgrimages. That led to the Bavarian government completely destroying the buildings in 1952.

Since then, remnants of Berchtesgaden’s dark history have been turned into monuments and tourist attractions to help make sure the events of the past are never repeated. Sites like Obersalzberg Documentation Center and Eagle’s Nest are educational and informative.

Through them you can see how Germany doesn’t shy away from their role in WWII and you can learn their current perspective on how they continue working through their difficult past.

What To Do And See In Berchtesgaden

The beautiful Alpine town of Berchtesgaden is a quaint and charming town offering many interesting sights. One of the best things to do is to simply walk around and enjoy the charming, old town ambiance.

You can spend time in the historic town center admiring the half-timber houses, browsing around shops, or watching local music performances in the main square.

An important historical landmark includes the Berchtesgaden Royal Castle, the royal residence of the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Berchtesgadener Land for many centuries. Beside the castle you’ll find the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. John the Baptist, an Augustinian monastery that dates back to the late 13th century.

In between sightseeing, make sure to stop by any of the cute cafes for coffee and pastries. There’s also the Hofbräuhaus Berchtesgaden, the perfect spot for a traditional Bavarian beer hall experience of Wurst and local Bier.

What to Do and See in the Surrounding Area

Eagle’s Nest in Obersalzberg Mountains (Kehlsteinhaus)

Sitting atop the mountain summit of Kelstein, Eagle’s Nest is a top tourist destination due to the spectacular views of the Alps.

To reach Eagle’s Nest you can take a bus to an elevator built deep into the mountain – an impressive feat since it goes up over 120m. Once you reach the top, you can visit the house with most of its original structure, including the red marble fireplace that Mussolini gave Hitler. (Originally, it was built as a 50th birthday present for Hitler and was a known to be a place for social meetings of the Nazi party.)

There’s also a restaurant inside where you can grab a bite while enjoying the views of the Obersalzberg mountains.

If you’re thinking about visiting from Munich, you can book a full-day guided tour here that takes you directly to Eagle’s Nest!

Obersalzberg Documentation Center

The Obersalzberg Documentation Center is a place of learning and remembrance detailing the history of Obersalzberg and the National Socialist dictatorship. The museum has bunkers complete with hidden rooms, trapdoors, and a maze of hallways that give visitors a firsthand experience to explore the location’s dark history. 

Berchtesgaden National Park

The Berchtesgaden National Park is filled with varied landscapes from dense forests, green pastures, rugged mountains, narrow gorges, and beautiful lakes and glaciers.

In the center, you’ll find Lake Königssee (or King’s Lake) standing at the foot of Mount Watzmann, the third highest peak in Germany. 

You can rent a paddle board or explore the clear emerald waters on a boat ride! Another popular activity is hiking. There are a number of different special interest walks offered by the National Park administration as well.

Berchtesgaden Salt Mines (Salzbergwerk)

The Salt Mines in Berchtesgaden are one of the oldest in operation, having been open since 1517. Not only is this a fun activity with kids, it’s also very educational!

The tour takes you on a little train deep inside the tunnels. You even get to wear functional miner’s overalls as you slide down the mines and sail an underground lake.

When I visited Berchtesgaden with a friend, she’d heard about the salt mine and wanted to visit. I wasn’t convinced it would be that enjoyable…until about 2 minutes into the tour. We had SO much fun!

If you’re staying in Salzburg, check out this day trip that takes you to both the salt mines and on a tour of Berchtesgaden on the way back. 

Salzburg, Austria

While you’re already in Berchtesgaden, you can easily cross over to Salzburg, Austria to maximize your trip. Salzburg is a well-preserved and picturesque town unlike any other. It’s known worldwide as the setting of the “The Sound of Music” and the hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Salzburg’s Old Town has many of the city’s important landmarks and it’s small enough where most of them are within walking distance of each other. You can easily spend a day wandering the beautiful squares and quaint alleyways lined with stores. 

Another option for visiting this area is to overnight in Salzburg and then take one of the many guided day trips to Berchtesgaden and area. Here are 3 good ones to check out:

Salzburg to Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden day trip

Salzburg to Berchtesgaden Salt Mines day trip

Salzburg to Berchtesgaden Foothills and Obersalzburg day trip

Lakes Near Berchtesgaden

There are several lakes in the surrounding area of Berchtesgaden. Lake Königssee is the most popular one, most of which lies within the Berchtesgaden National Park. There’s also Lake Obersee which is part of Lake Königssee and located in its southeastern portion. 

The area of Lake Hintersee and Ramsau are also worth visiting. Hintersee is an alpine lake with a level path going all the way around it, which makes for great lakeside strolls. There’s a beautiful footpath from the mountaineering village of Ramsau that takes you along the Zauberwald (Enchanted Forest) and a mountain stream. You can also cross the lake by boat.

Thumsee Lake is a local favorite, loved by residents for its turquoise water, beach, picnic areas, and lawn for sunbathing. Höglwörth Lake is another hidden gem that’s great for hot days since it maintains a pleasantly warm temperature during summer. You can walk around the lake and admire the nearby Höglwörth Monastery as well.

Cable Cars & Spectacular Views

You can’t visit Berchtesgaden without admiring the absolutely breathtaking views! There are a few different ways to do this.

First, there’s Eagle’s Nest, which I previously mentioned.

Second, you can ride a cable car (gondola) or chair lift:

• Jennerbahn cable car at Königsee (1,874 meters/ 6,148-feet)
• Predigstuhl in Bad Reichenhall (the oldest preserved original cable car from 1928)
• Obersalzburg cable car (which gives you access to numerous hiking trails above 1000 meters / 3300 feet)
• Hirscheck chair lift

Third, if you have a car you can drive one of the scenic alpine roads: Eagle’s Nest Road, the German Alpine road or the Rossfeld Ring Road.

Sound of Music Tour

For Sound of Music lovers! This 4-hour tour starts in Salzburg and takes you through the countryside and to visit landmarks from the famous movie while singing along to the songs many of us know by heart. Click here to check out this fun tour!

Beer Festivals & Other Events

There’s always something going in Berchtesgaden! Throughout the year there are festivals, parades, events for kids, bonfires, fireworks, and much more. Click here to see if an event will be taking place when you visit Berchtesgaden!

Berchtesgaden Christmas Market

If you visit Berchtesgaden between late November and Christmas Eve you’ll get to experience the magical Christmas market in the historical town center. This market offers stalls full of local wood crafts and traditional folk decorations, mouthwatering food and drinks, a festive decorations, a naivety scene, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and carol singers.

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