Practical Information: Berchtesgaden

Communication

Staying connected in Berchtesgaden is straightforward.

Staying Connected

Local SIM cards: Telekom, Vodafone, O2. Prepaid SIM cards available at supermarkets. Consider Airalo for eSIMs.
Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes. Solis Wi-Fi offers portable devices.
Postal services: Deutsche Post. Stamps available at post offices and stationery shops.

Language & Phrases

German is the official language. English is common in tourist areas.

Helpful German Phrases

Hello: Grüß Gott (Bavarian) / Guten Tag (Standard German).
Thank you: Danke schön. Please: Bitte.
Do you speak English?: Sprechen Sie Englisch? Translation resources: Google Translate, Rosetta Stone for learning.

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating hours vary for different establishments.

General Hours

Shops: Mon-Sat, 9/10 AM - 6/8 PM. Supermarkets: Mon-Sat, 7/8 AM - 8/10 PM.
Banks: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4/5 PM. ATMs (Geldautomat) widely available 24/7.
Restaurants: Lunch 12-3 PM, Dinner 5-10 PM. Some have a "Ruhetag" (rest day).

Holidays & Seasonal Info

Public and regional holidays affect opening times.

Important Notes

On public holidays and Sundays, most shops are closed (exceptions at train stations/airports).
Restaurants, museums, and attractions typically remain open, though some with reduced hours.
Seasonal closures apply to some attractions (e.g., Eagle's Nest, higher cable cars) during winter or maintenance periods. Check before visiting.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interacting with Locals

Greeting: "Grüß Gott" or "Hallo." A handshake is common.
Punctuality: Germans value directness and punctuality.
Hiking: Greet fellow hikers with "Grüß Gott" or "Servus."
Photography: Ask permission before photographing individuals. Check signage for restrictions at sites.

Cultural Sensitivity

Forbidden symbols: Avoid Nazi gestures or expressing Nazi sympathies; it is illegal and offensive.
Recycling: Taken seriously. Separate waste into designated bins.
Religious sites: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Maintain quiet during services.
LGBTQ+ Information: Germany is generally progressive; same-sex marriage is legal. Berchtesgaden, though traditional, is welcoming to visitors.

Dining & Tipping

Waiters often bring the bill directly to your table for payment. A tip of 5-10% is customary for good service, often rounded up.

Accessibility Information

Berchtesgaden offers varying levels of accessibility across infrastructure and attractions.

Infrastructure Overview

Newer public buildings, train stations, and transport are generally accessible. Older buildings, historic town centers, and mountainous terrain may present challenges due to cobblestones or stairs.

Accessible Transport

Newer RVO buses are generally low-floor. Deutsche Bahn has improved train accessibility, but not all regional trains or smaller stations are fully accessible.

Accessible Attractions

Haus der Berge, Dokumentation Obersalzberg, and the Jennerbahn cable car are largely accessible. Königssee boats are accessible, though disembarking may require assistance. Salt Mine access is limited due to slides and uneven surfaces.

Visual Impairment

Information in Braille or audio guides may be available at major museums. It is advisable to check specific attraction websites or contact them directly prior to your visit.

Check Before Travel

Inquire about Braille maps or guides.
Confirm audio guide availability.
Contact tourist office or attractions directly.

Hearing Impairment

Some attractions may offer written transcripts or visual aids for presentations. Larger cultural institutions might have sign language interpreters for specific events, but this is less common in smaller towns.

Support Options

Look for closed captions on video displays.
Request written materials for guided tours.
Direct inquiry for specific needs is advisable.

Resources & Organizations

Local Contact

Berchtesgaden tourist office: Contact them directly for specific accessibility inquiries.
Official websites: Check individual attraction websites for their accessibility statements.
Information desks: Inquire at visitor centers upon arrival.

German Organizations

"Rollstuhl-Reisen" (Wheelchair Travel) in Germany: Organizations that offer specialized information for accessible travel.
General German tourism sites: Some contain sections on accessible travel.
Disability advocacy groups: May offer tailored advice.

Advanced Contact

For specific needs, it is always best to contact hotels, attractions, or transport providers in advance to confirm their current accessibility status and any special accommodations.

Health & Safety

Prioritize your well-being during your visit to Berchtesgaden.

Emergency Contacts

Know the numbers for immediate assistance.

Numbers

112: European emergency number (ambulance, fire, police).
110: Direct police emergency.
Mountain Rescue (Bergwacht): Can be reached via 112.

Medical Facilities

Access to medical services in Berchtesgaden is readily available.

Health Services

Klinikum Berchtesgadener Land (hospital) is located in Bad Reichenhall.
Local doctors and pharmacies (Apotheke) are present in Berchtesgaden town.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU citizens for public healthcare.

Hiking Safety

Hiking in the Alps requires preparation and awareness.

Mountain Protocol

Stay on marked trails. Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
Weather changes rapidly in the mountains. Carry appropriate gear for all conditions.
Wear sturdy hiking boots. Carry enough water and snacks.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is advisable for all visitors.

Coverage

Medical emergencies: Cover treatment, evacuation, and repatriation.
Trip cancellation/interruption: Compensair assists with flight disruptions.
Lost luggage or personal belongings.

Tick-borne Diseases

FSME TBE & Lyme Disease

Ticks are common in wooded and grassy areas, especially during warmer months.
Consider FSME (Tick-borne Encephalitis) vaccination before travel.
Wear long sleeves/pants and use insect repellent when hiking. Check for ticks after outdoor activities.

Altitude Sickness

While Berchtesgaden itself is not at extreme altitude, some higher peaks (e.g., Zugspitze) may cause mild symptoms.
Stay hydrated and ascend gradually when possible.
Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.

Personal Safety

General Security

Berchtesgaden is a safe town with low crime rates.
Take standard precautions with personal belongings.
Report any suspicious activity to the police.

Road Safety

Driving conditions can be challenging on mountain roads, especially in winter.
Winter tires are mandatory in snowy/icy conditions.
Pedestrians should use sidewalks where available and cross at designated crossings.

Stay Informed

For current travel advisories, consult your home country's foreign office or embassy website before and during your trip.

Money & Banking

Currency & Exchange

Germany's currency is the Euro (€).

Currency Notes

Euro (EUR, €) is the sole currency.
Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500.
Coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and 1, 2 Euros.

Payment Methods

Cash is still widely accepted and often preferred in smaller establishments.

Payment Options

Cash: Essential for many smaller shops, cafes, and guesthouses.
Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets. American Express acceptance is less common.
Contactless Payment: Increasingly available.

ATMs & Banks

ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals.

Accessing Funds

ATMs (Geldautomat): Located at banks, shopping centers, and public areas.
Bank operating hours: Generally Monday to Friday during business hours.
Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Tax-Free Shopping

Non-EU residents may claim a VAT refund on purchases over a certain amount.

VAT Refund Process

Request a tax-free form (Tax-Free-Formular) at participating stores.
Present your passport and form for customs stamp at the airport upon departure from the EU.
Receive your refund at designated refund points or via mail.

Airport Services

For travelers seeking a more comfortable airport experience or requiring assistance with flight disruptions, several services are available.

Lounge Access

Gain access to independent airport lounges worldwide, offering comfort and amenities before your flight.

Explore Priority Pass

Flight Compensation

Service to pursue compensation for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights.

Claim Compensation

Airport Transfers

Pre-book reliable transportation from Salzburg or Munich airports to Berchtesgaden.

Book Transfers

Exchange Rates

For competitive exchange rates, withdraw local currency from ATMs rather than using currency exchange offices, which often have higher fees.

Practical Information