Saaldorf-Surheim – Lake, Moor and Tradition

Lake Abtsdorf and the Haarmoos

The circular trail around Lake Abtsdorf leads to a viewing platform with a panorama of the mountains. Permanently installed binoculars are available there for children; information boards draw attention to rare birds. There are also three birdwatching stations by the lake. At one of them, you can listen to bird calls. There is a playground in the recreation area by the lake.

The circular lake trail is described as a year-round route and can be used with a stroller, city scooter and rollerblades. Routes and conditions can change; check the latest information before setting out. If you are interested in the landscape beyond the lakeshore, the Haarmoos is nearby. It lies west and south of the lake and is a remnant of Lake Haar, which was drained in 1773. Wetlands in front of the Haarmoos are part of the “Lake Abtsdorf” landscape conservation area, which covers around 652 hectares.

Hiking and Cycling

The Haarmoos Trail is described with specific details: it is rated easy, is 8.3 kilometers long and is listed as taking two hours. Route information may change; check locally before setting out. Another option is the 3.5-kilometer Moos Circular Trail through the Saaldorf Moos and Eichet Forest, which is also suitable for a family outing. The different route lengths help you estimate how much time to allow for a trip.

There are also several options for cycling. Numerous long, well-maintained cycling routes in the extensive municipal area are suitable for bike rides and inline skating; check the latest information before setting out. Both the historic Salt Trade Route and the Rupertiwinkel Cycling Trail, which are long-distance cycling routes, pass through the municipality of Saaldorf-Surheim.

If you would rather follow a described route, consider the Panorama Trail: it passes a wayside shrine, continues towards Leustetten and returns to Saaldorf via Steinbrünning and Stützing. The Salzach Circular Trail runs through the Salzach floodplain and along the Salzach riverside path; it starts at the pavilion in Surheim’s village square. These trails focus on different things and need not be combined into a single tour.

Local History, Churches and Traditions

The parish church of St. Martin stands in Saaldorf. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages; it was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1914–1915. The parish church of St. Stephen in Surheim is based on a Romanesque structure and was built in the Gothic period. The church of St. James in Abtsdorf contains Gothic frescoes and an altarpiece by J. M. Rottmayr.

The Aperschnalzen whip-cracking tradition is also part of local cultural life: this pre-Christian custom was revived from Saaldorf. Specially made Goaßln crack across the countryside every winter. The Saaldorf Folk Theater stages performances seasonally; check the current dates if you are planning your visit around a show. Since 2018, traditional crops and grain varieties, including Laufener Landweizen, have been grown and cultivated in the Biosphere Grain Garden.

Plan a Stay That Suits You

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering what you would like your vacation days to include: the lake trail and its birdwatching stations, a hike through the moor, cycling tours, or the churches and seasonal theater. This helps you choose a focus based on your travel group’s interests, after which you can plan each destination at your leisure. For bus travel in the surrounding area, route 853 connects Freilassing and Laufen in both directions. This is a regional connection; check the current timetable before traveling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Schönau Am Königssee, Weißbach A.D.Alpenstraße, Eck, Bischofswiesen, Ramsau Bei Berchtesgaden, Anger, Bayerisch Gmain, Marktschellenberg.

Back to the overview of the region: Berchtesgadener Land.