Berchtesgaden is a beautiful place doused with history and perfect gardens. It is situated in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. It borders Austria, and The Eagle’s Nest or Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s former mountain retreat, sits just south of town and provides a restaurant with dazzling alpine views. This blog has the top 8 activities that you can do in Berchtesgaden.
Top 6 Things To Do In Berchtesgaden
From every nook and corner of Berchtesgaden comes a tale or, instead, a venture and something new to be explored. Be it a tranquil retreat, a leap into history, or anything to do with breathtaking views, Petite Treasure has something for everyone. The place has ski lifts that take visitors onto the slopes of both Obersalzberg and Rossfeld. The trail rambles south, eventually snaking its way through various sceneries and down to the foot of the beautiful Berchtesgaden National Park. Right down to business, let’s look at the top 6 things to do as one heads out to Berchtesgaden- this destination like no other!
1. Explore The Königssee Or The King’s Lake
Image Credit: Rosa-Maria Rinkl for Wikimedia Commons
Königssee, aka the “King’s Lake”, is a green lake which dazzles beautifully in the middle of high mountains. It is often thought of as one of the prettiest lakes in Germany, and nobody should miss it on a visit to Berchtesgaden. The steep, forested cliffs plunge directly into the water, while the surroundings take on an almost fjord-like atmosphere.
Guests can take an electric-powered boat tour across the pristine waters, which are exceptionally lucid due to rigid environmental protections. Down towards the picturesque St. Bartholomew’s Church, distinguished by its peculiar red onion domes and the tour head, it lies on a tiny peninsula and can be accessible only by boat- a main factor of its attraction. During your stay in Königssee, the place also offers several hiking trails that give an excellent view of the lake and mountain surroundings. In winter, snow on the peaks adds beauty to this tranquil lake, which guests can enjoy practically all year round.
Entrance Fee: Free (boat trips extra, starting at €20)
Timings: Open year-round; boat trips operate 9 AM–5 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Königssee
Nearest Railway Station: Berchtesgaden Hbf
Also Read: Museums In Frankfurt
2. Visit The Eagle’s Nest
Image Credit: Florian S. for Wikimedia Commons
The Eagle’s Nest, also known in German as Kehlsteinhaus, rests atop Kehlstein Mountain and offers a mix of history with fantastic scenery. Once constructed as a mountaintop retreat to celebrate Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday, it has since turned into both a memorial of World War II and a popular tourist destination. The pathway up to the Eagle’s Nest begins by taking a bus ride up a steep mountain road. There is also the question of an elevator carved into the rock face that takes you up the cliff into the house.
Most of all, though, there are stunning views of the Bavarian Alps, the Berchtesgaden valley, and even Salzburg in Austria on a good day. Nowadays, inside that building, there is a restaurant offering meals or at least refreshments with romantic surroundings. A small museum also exists here, telling the story of the site’s construction and use during the time of the Nazi era. Visits to Eagle’s Nest can be made from May through October, and it is better to visit early to avoid crowds so that one can take in the place and its atmosphere as well as possible.
Entrance Fee: €30.80
Timings: 8:30 AM–4 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Kehlsteinhaus Bus Stop
Nearest Railway Station: Berchtesgaden Hbf
3. Experience History At The Dokumentation Obersalzberg
Image Credit: Dronepicr for Wikimedia Commons
Dokumentation Obersalzberg is a museum positioned just beneath the Eagle’s Nest, dealing with the dark era of Nazism. It is an exhibition that is thorough enough to explain what that period was like when Obersalzberg served as an alternate seat of government during the Third Reich.
One of the amazing displays at this museum is a series of tunnels and bunkers used during the Second World War. The visitors can be taken inside these underground routes, which remain preserved, providing ghostly glimpses into the past. Dokumentation Obersalzberg offers an important lesson in what this area has historically been about and is a must-stop for those who want to know something about Germany during the 20th century.
Entrance Fee: €4 adults, €2 concessions, free for children under 18
Timings: Open daily 9 AM–5 PM, closed Mondays
Nearest Bus Stop: Obersalzberg
Nearest Railway Station: Berchtesgaden Hbf
Related Post: Munich In Winter
4. Visit The Salt Mine Called Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden
Image Credit: Nicolai Schäfer for Wikimedia Commons
The Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden Salt Mine has been in operation for over 500 years and provides a unique kind of underground adventure. Very playful and instructive guided tours make this place entertaining for visitors of any age group. You start by dressing up in traditional miner’s overalls before boarding a small train that takes you deep into the mountain.
In this tour, you will descend on wooden slides used by miners, cross an illuminated underground Salt Lake by raft and learn a thing or two about the history of salt mining in the area. This guided tour is very interactive, with exciting displays and explanations regarding mining processes and salt as they relate to the economy and culture. Grasp one of those memorable experiences that combine adventure, history, and geology in one fascinating package.
Entrance Fee: €22 adults, €12.50 children (4-16); family tickets available
Timings: Open daily 9 AM–5 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Salzbergwerk
Nearest Railway Station: Berchtesgaden Hbf
5. Visit The Bavarian Village Of Ramsau
Image Credit: Anil Öztas for Wikimedia Commons
Ramsau is a truly picturesque village not far from Berchtesgaden. It is, in essence, a typical traditional Bavarian village nestled with its local church, St. Sebastian’s, next to a sweetly meandering brook facing the majestic peaks. Indeed, this forms one of the most photographed scenes in Germany, replicated on postcards and one that no tourist should miss.
Ramsau is a great place for a leisurely walk on one of the many beautiful walking trails that wind their way around the village and along the riverbanks. Not far from here lies the tranquil Hintersee Lake, with great hiking trails, boating, and fishing opportunities. Those fond of local colour may find traditional Bavarian festivals held throughout the year, including music, dancing, and food.
Entrance Fee: Free (open village)
Timings: Open year-round
Nearest Bus Stop: Ramsau Kirche
Nearest Railway Station: Berchtesgaden Hbf
Related Post: Summer In Berlin
6. Travel In The Jennerbahn Cable Car
Image Credit: Thorsten Hartmann for Wikimedia Commons
The Jennerbahn Cable Car is the handiest way to reach the spectacular Alpine scenery surrounding Berchtesgaden. From the shores of Königssee, the cable car whisks you upwards to the summit of Mount Jenner, over 1,200 meters above the glacial lake. With great views of the lake and the surrounding peaks and valleys, several summit walking trails cater to all fitness standards, while a cosy mountain restaurant serves robust Bavarian meals. Apart from hiking, the Jenner area is a favourite for skiing and snowboarding during winter.
Entrance fee: €42.50 round trip (adults); discounts for children and families
Timings: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Jennerbahn
Nearest Railway Station: Berchtesgaden Hbf
You May Also Like To Read: Cologne Nightlife
Thus, that is Berchtesgaden, where every nook and corner can narrate a story, and every vision is simply postcard perfect come alive. From soaking in the stillness of Königssee to hiking through paths in the national park to simply having coffee with this view at Eagle’s Nest, there is a special magic in the air. It is a place that is soothing and, at the same time, fills you with adventure. Holding a history and nature combination that no other place has, so strap on your shoes plan your trip to Europe and get ready for the time of your life. Remember, Berchtesgaden waits; trust me, it is worth every second it will take!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit : MGA73bot2 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Berchtesgaden
What season is the best to visit the town of Berchtesgaden?
It is optimal to visit Berchtesgaden from May to October; the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor activities during this period, such as hiking, touring, or taking a boat ride at Königssee.
I want to go to Berchtesgaden. How can I do so, and by which mode of transport?
It is reachable via train, bus, or car. The nearest town to Berchtesgaden is Salzburg in Austria, which takes 30 minutes by car or bus. There's also a train available from Munich, which takes about two and a half hours. It is fairly well-connected and fairly easy to get around.
Are guided tours available for the different attractions in Berchtesgaden?
Various categories of guided tours to Berchtesgaden range from the historical side, such as Eagle's Nest and Dokumentation Obersalzberg, to the beautiful natural environment, such as salt mines and Königssee. Many of them are bookable online or through local operators.
What special kinds of food can one taste during a visit to Berchtesgaden?
Typical Bavarian dishes can be tried: the pretzels, Weisswurst-white sausage, Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn-a fluffy shredded pancake. You can order fresh trout everywhere in town from Königssee, one of the regional specialities.
Is it possible to see Berchtesgaden in one day?
While a few highlights, like Königssee and Eagle's Nest, can be seen in a day, at least a two—or three-day stay will easily allow you to see and properly explore Berchtesgaden and its surroundings through hiking, visiting museums, or leisurely walks through the town.
People Also Read:
Bundaberg In Australia Deniliquin Parramatta
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
