Berchtesgaden Archives - My Germany Vacation https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/tag/berchtesgaden/ Easy & enjoyable trip planning! Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:08:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-MGV-Favicon-32x32.png Berchtesgaden Archives - My Germany Vacation https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/tag/berchtesgaden/ 32 32 Where to Stay in Berchtesgaden in 2025 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/where-to-stay-in-berchtesgaden/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-to-stay-in-berchtesgaden https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/where-to-stay-in-berchtesgaden/#respond Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:58:21 +0000 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/?p=24887 If you're looking for a great place to stay in Berchtesgaden, you're in the right place! Keep reading for five fantastic hotels for your visit to this beautiful Bavarian town.

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If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Berchtesgaden, you’re in the right place! We love spending time in Berchtesgaden and are happy to help you find the best place to stay while visiting this beautiful area.

Hintersee Lake
Hintersee Lake near Berchesgaden

Quick Answer: Top Hotels in Berchtesgaden, Germany

  1. In the Heart of Berchtesgaden: Hotel Edelweiss
  2. Large Family Rooms: Hotel AlpinaRos Demming
  3. Across Berchtesgaden Train & Bus Station: Hotel Schwabenwirt
  4. Luxury Hotel in the Alps: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
  5. Apartment-Style Rooms: Hotel Grünberger
Berchtesgaden Christmas Market
Berchtesgaden at Christmas

Where to Stay in Berchtesgaden, Germany: Our Recommendation & Tips

  • For places to stay in Berchtesgaden, Germany, we recommend staying in the town center or near the Berchtesgaden main train station .
  • Because the town is quite small, if you stay in one of these locations you’ll feel centrally located and will have easy access to the town’s amenities, attractions, and public transit. Staying in the town center means you’ll also be close to many restaurants, shops, cafes, and stores.
  • Another option would be to stay further out from the center and near scenic Obersalzberg. Here you’ll be nearer to some of Berchtesgaden’s most famous landmarks like Eagle’s Nest and Dokumentation Obersalzberg. Hotels here are a bit more remote and isolated (so you may prefer to have a rental car at your disposal) but they also offer unparalleled scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere in the Alps.
  • Summer travelers: note that air conditioning is not always standard at hotels in Germany, especially smaller hotels or those in historic buildings. Because it usually cools down at night, we almost always sleep fine with the windows open and sometimes a fan blowing (ask your hotel if they can put one in your room). If a/c is important to you, double check that your hotel has it in the guest rooms.

No matter where you stay, we’re confident you’ll love this gorgeous part of the Alps! If you’re wondering what you can do in this area, check out our Berchtesgaden guide here.

Berchtesgaden map

Where Can I Find The Above Map?

It’s part of our Germany Travel Planner, and it’s your Germany travel planning BFF! Using our custom interactive planning map you’ll be able to quickly see the best sights, castles, hotels, day trips, and more – along with our photos and up-to-date insider tips. Seeing where these things are in relation to each other makes it much easier to plan your overall itinerary, as well as each day of your trip. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Where to Stay in Berchtesgaden: Comparison Guide

Name Features Check Availability
  • Family rooms, parking, indoor pool
  • Family rooms, parking
  • Family rooms, parking
  • Family rooms, parking, A/C, indoor and outdoor pools
  • Family rooms, parking, indoor pool
Family rooms, parking, indoor pool
Family rooms, parking, A/C, indoor and outdoor pools
Family rooms, parking, indoor pool

Best Hotels in Berchtesgaden

1. In the Heart of Berchtesgaden: Hotel Edelweiss

In the Heart of Berchtesgaden
Hotel Edelweiss
Pros:
  • Family rooms
  • Parking on site
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Spa and fitness center
  • 3 restaurants on site
Cons:
  • No air conditioning
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

LOCATION: Hotel Edelweiss is centrally located in Berchtesgaden, offering easy access to the town’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants. It’s less than 5 minutes by foot from several landmarks like the Markplatz, Kurgarten, Schloss Berchtesgaden, and the Christmas market (during the holiday season). If you want to use public transit, you can catch busses very close to the hotel.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for places to stay in Berchtesgaden that are close to everything like shops, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions

GUESTS SAY: “The room was very large with excellent views. The furnishings in the bathroom were good. The furnishings in the bedroom were excellent: new and of high quality. The spa area is large and has excellent views of the mountains. The breakfast offers a wide range and the food is of high-quality. The location of the hotel is also perfect – it literally IS the centre of the town!”

SUMMARY: Located at the heart of Old Town Berchtesgaden overlooking the Bavarian Alps, Hotel Edelweiss is conveniently close to everything you’ll need during your stay. The newly renovated rooms feature modern furnishings and comfortable beds. There are various amenities for guests to enjoy including an indoor swimming pool, sauna area, spa and wellness center, gym, and a rooftop terrace. A hearty breakfast buffet is provided each morning and guests can choose from three restaurants serving gourmet dishes, Bavarian meals or Italian cuisine.

→ Click here to check availability at Hotel Edelweiss

2. Large Family Rooms: Hotel AlpinaRos

Large Family Rooms
Hotel AlpinaRos
Pros:
  • Spacious family rooms
  • Spa and sauna
  • Bar on site
  • Free parking nearby
Cons:
  • No air conditioning
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LOCATION: Hotel AlpinaRos is conveniently located in the town center where there are a lot of shops and restaurants. It’s an easy 8-minute walk from the central train and bus station, so it’s easy to explore the area by foot and public transit.

PERFECT FOR: Those traveling with a family, group or children who are looking for a comfortable, spacious Berchtesgaden accommodation

GUESTS SAY: “Wonderful hotel and a good location! Staff were very pleasant and helpful. Breakfast was very good with many options. We had the family apartment, which has a second bedroom, and that made it much more comfortable since we were traveling with a young adult daughter. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hotel AlpinaRos and would love the opportunity to stay there again.”

SUMMARY: This centrally located hotel is near both the train station and the town center of Berchtegaden. The rooms have a country-style and traditional look and come with balconies with views of the Berchtesgaden Alps. There are various room types including family rooms and a three-bedroom apartment that can accommodate up to 5-6 people. Amenities include free private parking, a spa and wellness center with a sauna, and a bar on site.

→ Click here to check availability at Hotel AlpinaRos Demming

3. Across from Berchtesgaden Train Station: Hotel Schwabenwirt

Across from Berchtesgaden Train Station
Hotel Schwabenwirt
Pros:
  • Right in front of the main train station
  • Family rooms
  • Private parking
  • Restaurant and beer garden on site
Cons:
  • No air conditioning
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

LOCATION: Hotel Schwabenwirt is just a few minutes walk from the central train station and a short walk up the hill to the Old Town of Berchtesgaden. It overlooks the beautiful Ramsauer Ache river that runs through Berchtesgaden.

PERFECT FOR: Those who want to stay close to the train station for day trips or for convenience of arrival/departure

GUESTS SAY: “Outstanding location and very comfortable in every way! Location was excellent in beautiful Berchtesgaden. Hotel is only three years old with high ceilings and spacious bathroom and bedroom. Great to be on the ground floor. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was delicious and view from dining room was beautiful looking out at river and beautiful Alps close by. Incredible stay and will return!”

SUMMARY: Overlooking a river and with view of the Watzmann Mountain, this hotel is in an amazing location close by the central train station, bus terminal, and the town center. The rooms, including triple and quadruple rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people, feature traditional interiors and wooden furniture. Guests can also enjoy the amazing views from the restaurant and beer garden on site.

→ Click here to check availability at Hotel Schwabenwirt

4. Luxury Hotel in the Alps: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden

Luxury Hotel in the Alps
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
Pros:
  • Near Obersalzberg and Eagle's Nest
  • Mountain views
  • Family rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • 2 restaurants on site
  • Spa and fitness center
  • Indoor & outdoor swimming pools
  • Parking on site
Cons:
  • Not walking distance to Old Town
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

LOCATION: This 5-star hotel has a beautiful scenic location in the Bavarian Alps. It’s near important landmarks in Obersalzberg like the Documentation Center and Eagle’s Nest. It’s also only a short distance from area ski lifts.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking to splurge on an upscale hotel with stunning mountain views in a tranquil location in the Alps

GUESTS SAY: “Great for a peaceful and eventful vacation. I loved the interior of the room and hotel, the pleasant service and stunning surroundings. Overall a great experience that I would recommend to try, especially in combination with the hiking possibilities, history of the area, accessible public transport and various other activities.”

SUMMARY: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is a 5-star hotel nestled high up in the gorgeous Bavarian Alps overlooking the Berchtesgaden valley. The rooms are modern with balconies or patios, many of them offering panoramic views of the landscape. The hotel offers luxurious amenities like an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, a gym, 2 gourmet restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and private parking. There are many nearby activities including hiking, skiing, cycling, and sightseeing. It’s also close to the Documentation Center and Eagles Nest. 

→ Click here to check availability at Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden

5. Apartment-Style Rooms: Hotel Grünberger

Apartment-Style Rooms
Hotel Grunberger
Pros:
  • Apartment-style and family rooms
  • River views
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • 2 restaurants on site
  • Free parking on site
  • Fitness center
Cons:
  • No air conditioning
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

LOCATION: This hotel is near the Berchtesgaden Old Town and less than a 5-minute walk from the central train station. It’s also on the beautiful Ramsauer Ache river that runs through Berchtesgaden.

GUESTS SAY: “The location is perfect – easy to find, opposite the station and central bus terminal, and right by the river with glorious mountain views. The breakfast buffet was very good and varied, and the staff were friendly and helpful.”

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for the comfort and flexibility of an apartment-style accommodation in Berchtesgaden

SUMMARY: Hotel Grünberger sits directly on the Ache River within short walking distance to the main train station. The hotel offers Alpine-style rooms as well as large apartments in a separate annex. The apartments range from standard size to two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms which can accommodate more than 5 people. Apartments come with living rooms, fully-equipped kitchens and balconies with riverside views. There’s also free parking, an indoor swimming pool, restaurants on site, and grocery stores nearby.

→ Click here to check availability at Hotel Grünberger

View above Königssee Lake
Above Königssee Lake, Berchtesgaden National Park
Ramsau St. Sebastian Parish Church
St. Bartholomew’s Church, Ramsau
Königssee Lake boat
Königssee Lake, Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden FAQ

Where is Berchtesgaden?

Berchtesgaden is in the state of Bavaria in the southeastern part of Germany. It’s situated in the Bavarian Alps near the Austrian border.

Is Berchtesgaden worth visiting?

Yes, Berchtesgaden definitely worth visiting! We love it there. It’s a beautiful area that combines history, natural wonders, and fun cultural activities. It has a rich history with its connections to WWII, so there are various historical and educational sites to visit such as Eagle’s Nest and the Obersalzberg Documentation Center. It’s also a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, and trekking because of its beautiful natural landscapes. And it’s easy to enjoy the area by car or by public transit.

Read our full guide for more ideas on what to do and see in Berchtesgaden.

How long to stay in Berchtesgaden?

We recommend staying in Berchtesgaden for at least 2-3 days. This allows you to experience the historic town, visit many of the famous landmarks in the area, and even enjoy a hike or outdoor Alpine activities.

That said, Berchtesgaden is also a popular day trip option from Salzburg (around 30 minutes by car) or Munich (around 2.5 hours by car). If you won’t have access to a car, you can take the train or book a full-day, small group tour so you can relax and enjoy your time in Berchtesgaden.

Do I need a car in Berchtesgaden?

No, you don’t necessarily need a car to get around. Berchtesgaden is a relatively compact and walkable town and the public transit system is pretty extensive, so many attractions are accessible on foot or by bus. We recommend a rental car only if you’re interested in exploring the surrounding countryside, visit more remote sights, or venture deeper into the Alps.

We’ve visited Berchtesagden with and without a rental car and enjoyed each visit tremendously!

Why is Berchtesgaden famous?

Berchtesgaden is famous for different reasons. Many people associate it with its historical significance during WWII, as it served as a retreat and headquarters for Hitler. But Berchtesgaden is also famous for its stunning natural Alpine beauty, working salt mine, relaxed atmosphere, and fun activities for each season of the year.

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What to Do In Berchtesgaden, Germany (Including Eagle’s Nest And Surrounding Area) https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/what-to-do-in-berchtesgaden-germany/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-to-do-in-berchtesgaden-germany https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/what-to-do-in-berchtesgaden-germany/#comments Sun, 10 Jul 2022 11:56:30 +0000 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/?p=5528 Learn everything you need to know about visiting Berchtesgaden, a beautiful destination in Bavaria offering history and natural beauty!

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Thinking about visiting Berchtesgaden? This guides will get you ready to visit this beautiful Bavarian destination!

Berchtesgaden

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. 

Berchtesgaden, next to lake Königssee

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.

Berchtesgaden town

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!

Berchtesgaden Alps and National Park, and Lake Königssee

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.

Berchtesgaden town and river

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 house and mountain peaks

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.
Lake Königssee near Berchtesgaden

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.

Berchtesgaden historic building

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

Berchtesgaden hiking trail

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

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

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. 

Salzbug castle and town

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

Lake Königssee from mountain top

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.

The Parish Church of St. Sebastian in nearby Ramsau

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:

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.

Berchtesgaden rolling hills and alps

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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