7 Best Things To Do In Berchtesgaden, Germany

Is it Worth Going to Berchtesgaden?

This is probably one of the first things you might ask yourself when you are visiting Bavaria or neighboring Austria and I can safely say that the answer is ABSOLUTELY YES! I say this with confidence as I have visited this place more than once and you are blow away by the spectacular beauty of it. So don’t think twice and check out my 7 best things to do in Berchtesgaden list below and I promise you that you will not be disappointed!

How do you get around Berchtesgaden without a car?

This is probably one of the best things with Berchtesgaden. You definetly DON’T need a car to travel around the Berchtesgaden area in order to explore it. The Berchtesgaden region offer tourists a Gästekarte (Guest Card), which makes it FREE to travel on all public transportation in the whole region. You will receive your Guest Card from your host as soon as you arrive in Berchtesgaden, that means no matter if you check in to a hotel or camp at a camping site you will receive the guest card wherever you are staying. Every overnight guest is entitled to the Guest Card, whether staying only one night or spending the entire vacation in Berchtesgaden. The Card is valid until the day of your departure and every family member receives their own Card.

How Much Does It Cost to visit Berchtesgaden National Park?

The Berchtesgaden region is a national park but it’s completely FREE of charge.

7 Best things to do in Berchtesgaden

1.    Königssee: Germany’s Deepest and Cleanest Lake

Known as Germany’s deepest and cleanest lake, the Königssee, or “King’s Lake” in its English translation, is no ordinary lake. To be quite frank, it’s an alpine perfection. If you have been there, you know what I am talking about. If you haven’t, you’ll nod in agreement once you have. The Königssee is nestled between towering mountain walls, and its water is so pure that you can drink straight from the lake.

Things to Do in Königssee:

• Boating: Experience the lake on an electric boat. The quiet adds to the mystique as it doesn’t disturb the peace. If you’re lucky, the boatman might treat you to an echoing trumpet or flugelhorn demonstration, leveraging the natural acoustics of the surrounding mountains. Boats leave regularly from the harbor of Schönau am Königssee. Prices hover around €22 for a round trip to St. Bartholomew’s Church.

• Photography: With such breathtaking landscapes, even amateur photographers can capture postcard-worthy shots. Sunrise and sunset? Pure magic.

• St. Bartholomew’s Church: As you journey across the lake, a pitstop at St. Bartholomew’s Church with its iconic red onion domes is essential. If you’re keen to explore further, consider a hike or extend the boat trip to Obersee – but more on that in the next item on the list.

Getting to Königssee from Berchtesgaden:

Navigating your way from Berchtesgaden to the shimmering waters of the Königssee is fairly straightforward, thanks to efficient transportation options and well-marked routes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. By Bus:
   • Bus Line 841: The most convenient way to travel from Berchtesgaden to Königssee is via the RVO bus line 841. This bus departs from Berchtesgaden’s central bus station (Hauptbahnhof) and takes you directly to Königssee in about 10 minutes.
   • Frequency and Timing: Buses generally operate from early morning to late evening, with departures roughly every 30 minutes during peak seasons. Nonetheless, checking the latest schedule beforehand is recommended.
2. By Car:
   • Route: If driving, head south from Berchtesgaden on the B305 (Königsseer Str.) and follow the signs to Königssee. The trip usually takes around 10 minutes, contingent upon traffic.
   • Parking: Upon arrival, there are multiple parking zones near Königssee. In peak tourist seasons, these can fill rapidly, so it’s best to arrive early.
3. By Bike or On Foot:
   • Biking: A scenic bike path stretches from Berchtesgaden to Königssee, perfect for those wishing to savor the views along the way. The route is pretty straightforward and takes approximately 30-40 minutes at a relaxed speed.
   • Walking: If you prefer to walk, there’s a pedestrian trail parallel to the bike path. Trekking from Berchtesgaden to Königssee will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing brilliant panoramas of the Alpine landscape.

2.    Obersee

If there is one place that could possibly rival the beauty of Königssee it’s Obersee! Located just a stone’s throw away from Königssee, Obersee can be accessed via the last stop on the Königssee boat ride. I was absolutely blown away by its beauty upon arrival. The water is crystal clear, and, just like Königssee, surrounded by towering Alpine peaks.

How to Get to Obersee

From Königssee, board one of the electric boats and purchase a ticket to the last stop, Salet. The return ticket costs €27. As you disembark at Salet, you’ll find a restaurant to your left. Continue past it and follow the well-marked trail. Within 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself at the pristine shores of Obersee.

Pro Tip: Make sure to catch the first boat to Salet from the harbor in Schönau am Königssee. This ensures ample time to explore the area without rush before catching the last boat home. During high season, the first boat departs at 8:00 am, and the last one returns at 5:40 pm.

Best things to do in Obersee

• Hike to Fischunkelalm: Once you’ve arrived at the lake, you can continue on the trail along Obersee’s shoreline to the charming Fischunkelalm restaurant. The picturesque 3 km hike takes roughly an hour to complete and you’ll find yourself pausing to snap photos along the way. At Fischunkelalm, you can enjoy a cold beer in a traditional Bavarian setting, a well-deserved treat after the hike.
• Röthbach Waterfall: If you journey another 30 minutes past Fischunkelalm, you’ll reach the base of the Röthbach Waterfall. Cascading from a height of 470 meters, the waterfall creates a refreshing mist. Some argue it’s Germany’s tallest waterfall, while others dispute this claim. Regardless, it’s a nice site and worth the short hike.
• Swimming: Both Königssee and Obersee are open for swimming. It’s a perfect way to cool off during a warm summer day.

3. Hiking Watzmann: A Bavarian Classic

The Watzmann mountain stands as a majestic icon for both Berchtesgaden and Bavaria. Towering at 2,713 meters, this iconic mountain can be seen from almost any point in the area. As Germany’s third-highest peak, hiking Watzmann is a Bavarian classic and is a must-do for those in good shape.

Starting Point – How and Where to Begin:

The town of Ramsau is the go-to starting point for Watzmann hikes. Reachable from Berchtesgaden via local bus or a short car drive, the trail begins near the Wimbachbrücke with clear signs guiding the way.

Best trails when hiking Watzmann:

There are two main options when hiking Watzmann:

1. Full Watzmann Traverse: This challenging route takes you to the mountain’s summit. Suitable for those in excellent physical condition, the traverse can be done as a full-day hike spanning 12-14 hours. Depending on your stamina and time constraints, consider booking a night at the Watzmannhaus, positioned 1,930 meters above sea level, and resuming the trek the following day. This route guides you across three peaks, eventually leading back to the starting point at Wimbachbrücke.
   
2. Hike to Watzmannhaus: Located at 1,930 meters above sea level, this less strenuous option still offers plenty of challenges. The 14 km round trip takes about 6-7 hours, with a cumulative ascent of roughly 1,287 meters. At the Watzmannhaus, reward yourself with a meal and a cold beer before returning back down the mountain again.
   
   Pro Tips:

• Dress for All Seasons: Temperatures drop significantly as you ascend. I learned the hard way by not packing warm enough clothes, forcing a turnaround at Watzmannhaus.

• Start Early: If you’re attempting the Watzmann traverse, an early start ensures you won’t be going back down the mountain in the dark.

• Pack Snacks: My lack of sufficient food left me drained on my hike. Avoid my mistake and pack plenty of water and snacks.

4. Berchtesgaden City Center

The town’s heart is a mix of timber-framed buildings, local shops, café and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Like many towns in Bavaria and Austria, Berchtesgaden is beautifully preserved and well-maintained. It’s a treat for the eyes, and you can easily spend a few days exploring and soaking in all that the town offers.

Best Things to Do in Berchtesgaden City Center:

1. Eat & Drink:
   • Hotel Edelweiss: From the rooftop terrace of Hotel Edelweiss, enjoy a classic wienerschnitzel and a beer for lunch. The view is stunning and the restaurant there makes a great wienerschnitzel. The prices might not be the most budget friendly, but for the view it’s well worth it.
   • Apfelstrudel for dessert: For dessert, don’t forget to try another Bavarian classic, the Apfelstrudel. There are plenty of cafés in town that offer this dessert which should not be missed when in Berchtesgaden.
2. Museums:
   • Salt Mine Berchtesgaden: Berchtesgaden’s salt mines, also known as “Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden,” is an active Salt Mine that has been in service uninterrupted since 1517. While the mine still operates, it also serves as a popular museum for tourist that want to learn for about the regions salt mines history. For current prices check out their website here.
   • House of the Mountains (Haus der Berge): An interactive nature museum, this attraction offers insights into the Alpine world and is perfect for families and nature lovers.
3. Historical Buildings:
   • Royal Castle Berchtesgaden: The castle, initially the center of a small church state, became the Bavarian royal family’s summer residence in 1810. Today, guided tours of the castle are available. Adult tickets start at €15. For more details, visit their website.
   • Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church): Located right next to the royal castle is the Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church). Originating from the 12th century, this Gothic structure features detailed interiors and a calm setting, making it a site worth visiting for anyone interested in historical architecture.

5. Hintersee: A Picturesque Alpine Lake

Another lake worth visiting is Hintersee, like all lakes mentioned in this guide it’s located amidst the towering Alpine peaks and only a short bus ride away from Berchtesgaden city center. This pristine lake, with its crystal clear water and mirror-like reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape, offers a peaceful get-away from the busier tourist spots in the area.

1. Picnics:
   Lay out a picnic spread on the grassy shores and enjoy natures beauty as you savor your meal. However, there are restaurants open there so you don’t need to bring your own food.
2. Kayaking:
   Take to the calm waters with a kayak or a rowboat, available for rent at the lake’s edge. It’s a relaxed way to explore the lake.
3. Scenic Walks:
   A gentle trail wraps around the lake. The trail takes 1-2 hours to complete and is an easy hike.

6. Hitler’s Eagles Nest:

Built as a 50th birthday gift for Adolf Hitler by the Nazi Party, the Kehlsteinhaus served as a retreat and a place for diplomatic meetings during World War II. Its strategic and almost unreachable location, atop a mountain peak, symbolized the grandeur and supremacy that Hitler and his regime aimed to project. However, despite its association with the Nazi leader, the Kehlsteinhaus itself saw minimal direct involvement from Hitler, as he visited it only a few times.

The Eagle’s Nest today operates as a restaurant and can be visited by tourist via Berchtesgaden. For a full guide on how to visit Hitler’s Eagles Nest, check out my complete guide here.

7. St. Sebastian Church in Ramsau. The Post Card Church

Amidst the gorgeous landscapes of Berchtesgaden and with the stunning backdrop of the Reiter Alpe, stands the iconic St. Sebastian Church. This church is visible on postcard all over Bavaria and is a perfect place to get an instagrammable photo.

Where to get the best photo of St. Sebastian Church

In order to get the best photo of the St. Sebastian Church, I suggest that you cross the bridge over the stream to the opposite side of the church. The small bridge is called Holzbrücke Bridge and will lead you to the Malerwinkel (Painters Corner), which is the place to get the post card photo of St. Sebastian Church.

Final thoughts on Berchtesgaden

I’ve journeyed to numerous destinations, but there’s something undeniably special about Berchtesgaden. Apart from all the things there is to do in the area, the way the city and the sites are organized and the cleanness of it is just impressive. So if you’re pondering a trip to Berchtesgaden, I genuinely recommend it. It’s lived up to its reputation in my books, and if you’ve already been, you probably nod in agreement. For those yet to experience its charm, I promise it’s well worth the trip!

FAQ

How Much Time Do You Need in Berchtesgaden?

For a Short Stay (1-2 Days): Focus on the key attractions such as the Eagle’s Nest and Königssee.

For a Medium Stay (3-5 Days): Explore deeper. Visit the salt mines, take a boat tour on the Königssee, and hike in the National Park.

For a Long Stay (6+ Days): Immerse yourself in the local culture. Take leisurely strolls through the town, visit the salt mine, the royal castle, explore surrounding villages, and indulge in traditional Bavarian cuisine.

How Far is Berchtesgaden from Munich?

Berchtesgaden is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Munich. The journey by car typically takes around 2 hours, traveling via the A8 motorway. Direct trains are also available from Munich’s central station, with the journey taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

How Far is Berchtesgaden from Salzburg?

Berchtesgaden is located just about 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Salzburg, Austria. The journey by car usually takes under an hour, making it a convenient day trip for those staying in Salzburg. Regular bus and train services are also available.

How Far is Berchtesgaden from Vienna?

Berchtesgaden is approximately 380 kilometers (236 miles) west of Vienna, Austria. The journey by car typically takes around 4-5 hours, traveling via the A1 and A8 motorways. Direct trains are also available, with the journey taking approximately 6 hours.