Discover Saaldorf-Surheim

Saaldorf-Surheim offers opportunities for nature watching, hiking, cycling and exploring local culture. Most of Abtsdorfer See lies within the municipality. The Haarmoos extends to the west and south of the lake; it is a remnant of Haarsee, which was drained in 1773. The name of the “Abtsdorfer See” landscape conservation area also refers to the wetlands of the Haarmoos: the area includes wetlands in front of the moor and covers about 652 hectares.

Exploring Abtsdorfer See

The circular trail around Abtsdorfer See is designated as a year-round route and can be used with a stroller, city scooter and rollerblades. Access and conditions may change; check local notices before setting out. The trail leads to a viewing platform with a mountain panorama, permanently installed binoculars for children and information boards about rare birds. There are also three birdwatching stations by the lake; at one of them, you can listen to birdsong.

There is a playground in the recreation area by Abtsdorfer See. This brings together opportunities for exercise, nature watching and spending time outdoors as different activities, without requiring you to plan the same kind of outing for each. If you are particularly interested in birds, the observation stations and information boards offer different ways to explore the subject; the viewing platform adds a view of the mountain panorama.

Hiking and cycling trails

The Haarmoos hike is a specific option for a walk through the Haarmoos: it is rated easy, is 8.3 kilometres long and is listed as taking two hours. Route descriptions and figures may change; check local information before setting out. The Moos circular trail runs for 3.5 kilometres through the Saaldorfer Moos and Eichetwald and is also suitable for a family outing. It is also advisable to check the current route description before setting out on this walk.

The extensive municipal area also offers many long, well-maintained cycling trails for bike rides and inline skating. Two long-distance cycle routes pass through the municipality: the historic salt-trading route and the Rupertiwinkel cycle route. The Panorama Trail follows a different route description: it passes a wayside shrine, continues towards Leustetten and returns to Saaldorf via Steinbrünning and Stützing. When planning, you can therefore choose between a hike with a stated distance, a family outing and various cycling trails.

Churches, traditions and theatre

The churches in Saaldorf, Surheim and Abtsdorf represent different aspects of architectural and artistic history. The parish church of St. Martin in Saaldorf dates from the Middle Ages and was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1914–1915. The parish church of St. Stephan in Surheim is based on a Romanesque structure and was built in the Gothic period. St. Jakob’s Church in Abtsdorf contains Gothic frescoes and an altarpiece by J. M. Rottmayr.

Aperschnalzen is part of the winter traditions. This pre-Christian custom was revived from Saaldorf; specially made Goaßln crack across the countryside every winter. The Saaldorf Volksbühne theatre company puts on seasonal performances. As performance dates vary by season, check the current schedule before your trip. The Biosphären-Getreidegarten offers another glimpse of local agriculture: since 2018, traditional crops and cereal varieties, including Laufener Landweizen, have been grown there and brought back into use.

Choosing Saaldorf-Surheim as a destination

If you are looking for a hotel in Saaldorf-Surheim, local interests can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: birdwatching by the lake, hikes in the moor, cycling trails, or churches and local traditions. These activities also differ in when they are available: the trail by the lake is designated as a year-round route, while theatre performances take place seasonally and Aperschnalzen is a winter tradition. Plan your stay around the activity that matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Laufen, Ramsau Bei Berchtesgaden, Schönau Am Königssee, Anger, Weißbach A.D.Alpenstraße, Piding, Eck, Marktschellenberg.

Go to the overview of destinations: Berchtesgadener Land.