Berchtesgadener Land: Mountains, Trails and Special Discoveries

Between Rupertiwinkel and Königssee

The Berchtesgadener Land Biosphere Region encompasses the entire district. In the southern mountains, the national park is one of the region’s notable destinations; its network includes 260 kilometres of hiking trails and alpine paths. The regional differences help you find your bearings without assuming that one starting point is equally suitable for every destination.

Hiking, gorges and cycling routes

At the entrance to Klausbachtal in the national park municipality of Ramsau, Klausbachhaus is the starting point for many hiking tours in the national park. A barrier-free circular trail also begins there. You can experience a different, very specific type of trail in Wimbachklamm: in Ramsau, the short walking route runs for around 200 metres over bridges and walkways alongside steep rock faces. Almbachklamm features a series of 29 bridges and walkways, 320 steps and a tunnel blasted through the rock.

The Berchtesgaden Radstern also offers a unique way to explore the area: four signposted routes radiate out from Berchtesgaden through the Berchtesgaden Valley. Those interested in nature and landscapes will also find the Panorama Trail around Haus der Berge. It brings the materials and plants of the four habitats—water, forest, alpine pasture and rock—to life, while offering views of Watzmann, Hochkalter and Jenner.

Culture and special insights

On Königssee, the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, built in 1134, stands on the Hirschau peninsula in Berchtesgaden National Park. You can visit by boat from Schönau a. Königssee. In Berchtesgaden, the salt mine combines a long history with insights into salt production today: it has been operating for over 500 years. Today, the brine is extracted in the mine, transported to Bad Reichenhall and processed into high-quality table salt.

A visit to the salt mine also includes an impressive view beneath the earth: visitors cross the Mirror Lake on a raft 130 metres underground and see glittering salt crystals. The Obersalzberg Documentation Centre offers a different focus. Its multimedia presentation explores the history of Obersalzberg and the Nazi dictatorship; the historic bunker complex is accessible as part of the permanent exhibition.

The Royal Palace of Berchtesgaden displays valuable art collections and the deer collection of Duke Albrecht of Bavaria. The small rose garden is also open to visitors, depending on the weather. High above Berchtesgaden, the Kehlsteinhaus is a special excursion destination, offering panoramic views of the mountains and insights into history. A guided tour takes you through 500 metres of the Schellenberg Ice Cave.

Regional discoveries and town pages

You can also explore the region’s food and drink culture in person: during opening hours, a signposted tour at the Grassl Distillery visitor centre in Unterau takes you through the distillation of gentian, juniper, gin and masterwort. It also includes a free tasting of 40 specialities. Berchtesgadener Land offers a range of themes to inspire your holiday planning—from trails and mountain landscapes to history and regional specialities. Choosing which of these to focus on can help you select a suitable place for your holiday apartment in the region.

Town pages in Berchtesgadener Land: Freilassing, Anger, Bayerisch Gmain, Berchtesgaden, Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, Bischofswiesen, Schönau am Königssee, Piding, Laufen, Marktschellenberg, Ainring, Schneizlreuth, Weißbach a.d.Alpenstraße, Teisendorf, Saaldorf-Surheim, Bad Reichenhall, Eck.

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