Day Trips & Excursions: Berchtesgaden

Nearby Destinations

Several destinations are within easy reach of Berchtesgaden, with diverse attractions.

For a wide selection of bookable day trips from various locations, consider browsing GetYourGuide's day trip options.

Popular Nearby Visits

Salzburg, Austria: Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens. Direct RVO bus line 840 (Watzmann Express) available.
Bad Reichenhall: A spa town with brine springs, Rupertus Therme, Alte Saline, and Predigtstuhlbahn.
Chiemsee: Bavaria's largest lake, featuring Herrenchiemsee Palace and Fraueninsel island.
Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden: Iconic St. Sebastian Church, Zauberwald (Magic Forest), and Hintersee lake.

Natural Escapes

Beyond Berchtesgaden's immediate surroundings, natural wonders await.

Königssee & Obersee

These pristine alpine lakes serve as a full-day excursion from Berchtesgaden town, offering a deep dive into pristine alpine scenery.

Exploration Notes

Electric boat trips across the lake.
Hiking paths lead to Obersee and Röthbachfall.
St. Bartholomä church on the peninsula.

Wimbachklamm & Schellenberger Eishöhle

Experience a stunning gorge and Germany's largest ice cave.

Adventure Details

Wimbachklamm: A stunning gorge with wooden walkways.
Wimbachgries: A vast gravel plain beyond the gorge, suitable for hiking.
Schellenberger Eishöhle: Germany's largest ice cave; access via strenuous hike, guided tours available seasonally.

Cultural Excursions

Salzburg & Berchtesgaden Royal Palace

Salzburg: A main cultural excursion from Berchtesgaden, rich in music, history, and architecture.
Berchtesgaden Royal Palace: A historical site within the town, often paired with town exploration.
Please note that "The Sound of Music" film locations are mainly in Salzburg, not Berchtesgaden itself.
Tours from Berchtesgaden focusing solely on "The Sound of Music" are not common.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen / Zugspitze

Germany's highest peak, Zugspitze.
Major ski resort in winter.
Approximately 2.5-3 hours away by car or train.
A very long day trip, an overnight stay is often suitable.

Multi-Day Extensions

Munich & Bavarian Lakes:Add 2-3 days for city sights, museums, and beer halls.
Austrian Lakes District (Salzkammergut):Towns like Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang, Gmunden.
Innsbruck, Austria:Tyrolean capital with historic center, Olympic venues.
Bavarian Alps Loop:Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen (Neuschwanstein), Berchtesgaden, Salzburg.

German-Austrian Alpine Route:Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Zell am See, Innsbruck.
Longer Regional Journey:Combine these extensions for a comprehensive regional journey.
Comprehensive Exploration:A two-week trip could involve in-depth hiking or visiting smaller villages.
Seamless Travel:Train and bus networks connect these regions.

Planning Tip

When extending your trip into Austria, remember different travel document requirements may apply.

Specialized Day Trips

Beyond the standard excursions, explore unique experiences.

Forest Bathing Walks

Guided forest bathing experiences in National Park. Rejuvenate amidst alpine nature.

Alpine Dairy Visits

Visit local alpine dairies (Almen) to sample fresh cheese and milk products. Seasonal.

Stargazing Tours

Guided stargazing events in areas with minimal light pollution. Seasonal and weather-dependent.

Birdwatching in Wimbachtal

The Wimbachtal, with its diverse habitats, is a birdwatcher's paradise. Look for alpine choughs and golden eagles.

Species

Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)

Photography Workshops

Capture the stunning landscapes of Berchtesgaden with local expert guidance. Focus on Königssee, Zauberwald, and alpine vistas.

Workshop Focus

Landscape composition and lighting.
Capturing wildlife (from a distance).
Night sky photography in clear conditions.

Adventure Activities

Canyoning tours:Guided trips down natural gorges.

Paragliding flights:Tandem flights from Jenner or other peaks.

Rock climbing:Guided climbs for various skill levels.

Mountain biking:Extensive network of trails for all abilities.

Via Ferrata:Protected climbing routes on steep faces.

White-water rafting:On the Salzach river near Salzburg.

Sustainable Adventure

Choose local guides for all adventure activities.
Respect designated trails and natural habitats.
Carry out all waste, leave no trace.
Support operators with environmental certifications.
Consider carbon offsetting for specialized equipment transport.

Winter Activities

Berchtesgaden offers a winter wonderland experience.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Jenner is the main ski area, offering slopes for various skill levels. Smaller family-friendly resorts are also nearby.

Ski Areas

Jennerbahn: Main ski resort with modern lifts.
Rossfeld Skigebiet: Smaller, family-friendly slopes.
Zinken Lifte (Austria, nearby): Additional options.

Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing

Explore groomed winter hiking trails or venture into deep snow with snowshoes. Enjoy the serene winter landscape.

Trail Options

Wimbachtal: Peaceful winter walks.
Zauberwald: Enchanting winter trails.
Almbachklamm (limited access): Sections open for winter walks.

Tobogganing & Ice Skating

Family-friendly toboggan runs are available, some accessible by cable car. Ice skating rinks open in the town center.

Winter Fun

Rabenwaldalm: Popular toboggan run.
Eisarena Berchtesgaden: Public ice skating.
Family-friendly slopes near Hochschwarzeck.

Christmas Markets & Wellness

Experience the magical Berchtesgaden Christmas Market in December. Relax and unwind at the Watzmann Therme.

Festive & Relaxing

Berchtesgaden Christmas Market: Local crafts and treats.
Watzmann Therme: Indoor pools, saunas, and wellness.
Cozy cafes: Warm up with hot beverages and pastries.

Alpine Ski Touring

For experienced winter enthusiasts, ski touring opportunities exist within the National Park, offering untouched powder and breathtaking views.

Safety First

Avalanche awareness and proper equipment are critical. Consider hiring a local mountain guide.

Popular Routes

Areas around Jenner and in the Ramsau valley are common for guided tours.

Hut Accommodations

Some alpine huts offer winter overnight stays for multi-day tours. Check availability.

Advanced Planning

Winter conditions vary. Always check weather forecasts, snow reports, and avalanche warnings before any alpine winter activity.

Day Trips & Excursions