Discover Berchtesgadener Land

Berchtesgadener Land lies in southeastern Upper Bavaria and stretches from the gently rolling Rupertiwinkel in the north to Berchtesgaden National Park on the Austrian border. In the south, the landscape is shaped by high-alpine mountain scenery and the natural surroundings of Lake Königssee. At the same time, the Berchtesgadener Land Biosphere Region covers the entire district. This offers a range of options when planning your trip, from hiking trails, gorges and mountain views to cultural sites.

Hiking Trails, Gorges and Mountain Views

Berchtesgaden National Park offers a varied network of hiking trails and alpine paths stretching 260 km. At the entrance to Klausbachtal, in the national park community of Ramsau, stands the Klausbachhaus. It is the starting point for many hikes in the national park; an accessible circular trail also begins here.

In Almbachklamm, the hike leads through a deep gorge over 29 bridges and footbridges, 320 steps and a tunnel blasted into the rock. The gorge is open seasonally, and weather-related closures may change. Check current conditions before your visit. Wimbachklamm offers a different experience: a short, approximately 200-meter walk through the gorge in Ramsau, crossing bridges and footbridges alongside steep rock faces. Together, these offer two distinct ways to experience nature, from extensive hiking opportunities to a short walk through a gorge.

On the panoramic trail around the House of the Mountains, you can experience the materials and plants of four habitats: water, forest, alpine pasture and rock. The trail also offers views of Watzmann, Hochkalter and Jenner. Nature and mountain views are the two special features of this single trail.

Lake Königssee and Underground

The pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, built in 1134, is located on the Hirschau peninsula in Berchtesgaden National Park, on Lake Königssee. You can visit the church by boat from Schönau a. Königssee. Check seasonal boat services before your trip.

A visit to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine also combines an experience with a long history: it has been in operation for more than 500 years. Visitors cross the underground Mirror Lake on a raft, 130 meters below ground, and see glittering salt crystals. The mine also illustrates how brine is produced today: from extraction in the mountain to transport to Bad Reichenhall and processing into high-quality table salt.

Culture and History

The Documentation Obersalzberg offers a multimedia exploration of the history of Obersalzberg and the Nazi dictatorship. The historic bunker complex is accessible as part of the permanent exhibition. The visitor experience therefore includes both the historical exhibition and the bunker complex within that exhibition.

At the Royal Palace of Berchtesgaden, you can discover valuable art collections and the collection of roe deer belonging to Duke Albrecht of Bavaria. Depending on the weather, the small rose garden may also be open to visitors. High above Berchtesgaden, the Kehlsteinhaus is a special destination offering panoramic views of the mountains and insights into the region's history.

Regional Insights and Cycling Routes

In Unterau, the Grassl Distillery visitor center offers a signposted tour about distilling gentian, juniper, gin and masterwort during opening hours. The offer also includes a free tasting of 40 specialties. As details of the visitor experience and tasting conditions may change, check them before your visit.

If you want to explore the Berchtesgaden Valley by bike, the Berchtesgaden Radstern offers four signposted routes. They radiate out from Berchtesgaden through the valley. The different destinations and activities offer a range of options, including hiking, cycling, gorges, history and local production. Choose according to the experiences you want to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Schneizlreuth, Ainring, Freilassing, Marktschellenberg, Laufen, Piding, Schönau Am Königssee, Bischofswiesen, Ramsau Bei Berchtesgaden, Berchtesgaden, Bayerisch Gmain, Bad Reichenhall, Saaldorf-Surheim, Anger, Weißbach A.D.Alpenstraße, Teisendorf, Eck.

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