Climate-Appropriate Clothing: Berchtesgaden

Summer & Spring Attire

General (all seasons): Layering remains useful due to variable mountain weather. Include a Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket or a Rain poncho.

Warm Weather Essentials

Summer (June-August): Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for hiking, like Moisture-wicking shirts and Convertible pants. Shorts work for lower elevations. Light jacket for evenings and higher altitudes. A Sun hat and Sunglasses offer Sun protection.
Spring/Autumn (April-May, September-October): Wear mid-weight layers. Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and fleece jackets are good choices. A Waterproof and windproof jacket is important.
You might need light gloves and a beanie hat for cooler days or higher elevations.

Winter Wear & Activities

Germany does not have strict dress codes for tourists. Casual and comfortable attire is generally acceptable. For visiting churches or religious sites, dressing modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, shows respect.

Cold Weather Attire

Winter (November-March): Focus on warm, insulating layers. Thermal base layers. A fleece or Down jacket works as a mid-layer. Wear a waterproof, insulated Winter jacket.
Waterproof Snow pants are useful if you plan to ski. Warm gloves, a hat, and a Scarf complete your winter attire.
Activity-specific: For hiking, wear Durable hiking pants, moisture-wicking tops, and sturdy Hiking socks. For skiing, pack a dedicated Ski jacket, Ski pants, thermal layers, Ski gloves, and Ski goggles.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking Boots

Sturdy, Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are required for mountain trails. Ensure they are broken in before your trip.

Trail Readiness

Casual Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers work for exploring the town.

Town Exploration

Winter & Water Footwear

Waterproof, insulated Winter boots with good grip are useful. Sandals or Water shoes are practical for lake activities in summer.

Seasonal Footwear

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keeping your documents organized and accessible prevents travel problems. Carry both physical and digital copies where suggested.

Passport and visa documentation: Carry your original passport. If a visa was required, bring your printed visa confirmation.
Travel insurance policy information: Have digital and printed copies of your policy, including emergency contact numbers and the policy number.
International driving permit (if applicable): Required for non-EU license holders if you plan to rent a car. It must accompany your valid national driver's license.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Bring documentation for TBE vaccination if applicable. Carry any necessary prescription documentation.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Include flights, accommodation, tours, and car rental. Store digital copies on your phone, cloud storage, and email.
Emergency contact information: Prepare a list of family or friends, your embassy, insurance provider, and medical contacts.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or senior cards may offer discounts at some attractions.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Bring the right electronics and accessories to stay connected.

Adapters & SIM Cards

Power adapter and voltage: Germany uses Type F (Schuko) and Type C plugs. Voltage is 230V at 50Hz. Bring a Universal travel adapter. Most modern electronics, like laptops and phones, are dual voltage.
Mobile phone compatibility and SIM card options: Germany uses a GSM network. Most modern smartphones are compatible. Purchase a prepaid German SIM card upon arrival from providers like Telekom, Vodafone, or O2. Passport registration is required. ESIM options are increasingly available.
VPN service: Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Capture & Backup

Ensure your memories are safely stored.

Photography & Data

Camera equipment: A Compact digital camera or Smartphone camera for casual shots. For serious photographers, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Consider a Tripod. B&H Photo.
Portable chargers and power banks: For long days of sightseeing. A Power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity is recommended.
Backup solutions for important data: Cloud storage, like Google Drive or Dropbox, for photos and documents. An External hard drive or USB stick provides critical backups.

Digital Tools

Navigation

Google Maps, Apple Maps, Komoot (for hiking trails).

Translation

Google Translate, DeepL.

Transport & Weather

DB Navigator (for the German train system), RVO Bus app (if available, or use Google Maps for local buses). A local weather app, like WetterOnline or Google Weather.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A prepared health kit supports your well-being on the go.

First Aid Contents

A standard Travel first aid kit includes Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/paracetamol), Anti-diarrhea medication, allergy medication, and blister plasters.
Include a Tick removal tool due to prevalence in the region.
Prescription medications (with documentation): Carry medications in original packaging. Bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter, especially for controlled substances.

Over-the-Counter & Prevention

Focus on items specific to the region's activities.

Common Issue Remedies

Pack cold or flu remedies, indigestion tablets, and motion sickness tablets if you are prone to car or boat sickness.
Motion sickness medication if you are prone to car sickness on mountain roads or boat sickness on Königssee.
Insect repellent and sun protection: Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin. Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Lip balm with SPF, Wide-brimmed hat.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

Berchtesgaden itself is not at very high altitude, but some mountain hikes exceed 2,000 meters.
Dehydration and overexertion are main concerns at higher elevations.
Symptoms are usually mild, but awareness helps.

Motion Sickness Prevention

The Königssee boat trips are generally calm, but some visitors experience motion sensitivity.
Mountain roads leading to higher points can be winding.
Pack medication if prone to car or boat sickness for a comfortable journey.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Gear for exploring trails and peaks.

Hiking poles (collapsible for packing).
A Small daypack (20-30L) with a rain cover.
Map and compass or GPS device.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Equipment for winter sports on alpine slopes.

Skis or snowboard, boots.
Helmet and goggles.
Ski clothing (jacket, pants, gloves).
Thermal layers.

Water & Cycling

Items for lake activities and exploring on two wheels.

Swimsuit for Watzmann Therme or lake swimming.
Bicycle (rental available locally).
Water shoes or sandals for lakeside areas.
Helmet for cycling safety.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items for Rent

Ski equipment (skis, boots, poles, helmet) easily rented at Jennerbahn or local sports shops.
Bicycles are widely available for rent from local shops.
Consider renting larger or specialized gear to save luggage space.
Rental can be cost-effective for short-term use.

Items to Bring

Hiking boots are best brought for comfort and fit.
Your own daypack and hiking poles are often preferred for personal comfort.
Any specialty items with specific fit or personal preference.
Electronics you use daily, like cameras and phones.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items contribute to your overall comfort and security during travel.

Essential Additions

Comfort items for transportation: Neck pillow, Eye mask for long flights or train journeys.
Security items: A Money belt or hidden pouch for cash and passport copies. A Small padlock for hostel lockers.
Reusable items: A Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe). A Reusable shopping bag.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing in the National Park and panoramic mountain views.

Sustainable Travel & Local Buys

Embrace sustainable practices and know what to expect locally.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainable travel: Consider offset programs for flights and responsible waste disposal.
Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: Generally, nothing useful is difficult to find. Specialized hiking or skiing gear might be more expensive than purchasing at home.
Regional essentials: No specific items beyond general outdoor gear are unique to Berchtesgaden.
Always double-check luggage allowances for your airline.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Bottle

Reduce plastic waste.

Folding Bag

For shopping trips.

Travel Mug

For coffee/tea.

Solar Charger

Power on the go.

Destination-Specific Items

Mountain Exploration

Detailed trail maps for the National Park.
Headlamp for early morning or late evening hikes.
Comprehensive first-aid kit specific to outdoor activities.

Local Experiences

Compact umbrella or rain jacket for sudden showers.
Small Euro denominations for local markets or small vendors.
Phrasebook or translation app for basic German communication.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space. Use packing cubes for organization.

Wear your heaviest items (like hiking boots) on travel days to lighten luggage.

Climate-Appropriate Clothing