Berchtesgaden Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the stunning Bavaria region of Germany, Berchtesgaden is a charming destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by the majestic Alps, this picturesque town is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and offers a range of activities for every type of traveler.

One of the highlights of Berchtesgaden is the Berchtesgaden National Park, a pristine wilderness that covers over 200 square kilometers. Here, visitors can hike through lush forests, explore tranquil lakes, and marvel at the breathtaking mountain vistas. The park is also home to the famous Königssee, a crystal-clear lake that is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany. Take a boat trip across the serene waters of the lake and be captivated by the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

For history buffs, a visit to the Eagle's Nest is a must. This mountaintop retreat was once a favorite of Adolf Hitler and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Learn about its dark past and explore the historical exhibits that shed light on the events that took place during World War II.

Culture enthusiasts will also find plenty to see and do in Berchtesgaden. The town's charming Old Town is filled with traditional Bavarian architecture, colorful houses, and quaint shops. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets and discover hidden gems at every turn. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, which features hearty dishes like schnitzel and pretzels, accompanied by a refreshing beer.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with the array of activities available in Berchtesgaden. From hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, there is something for everyone. The region is also home to the Jennerbahn cable car, which offers a thrilling ride to the top of Mount Jenner, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views and even paraglide back down for an adrenaline rush.

Alternative names: Population: 7.8 thous. (2019)Area: 13.76 mi²Elevation: 1873 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 47°37'60"N, 13°0'13"E

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BavariaGermany

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Berchtesgaden Top Attractions

Berchtesgaden Attractions - What to See and Explore

Berchtesgaden offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dokumentation Obersalzberg, Untersberg, Almbachklamm, The Eagle's Nest. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum on history of National Socialism
Dokumentation Obersalzberg
Nestled in the scenic Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden, Germany, Dokumentation Obersalzberg serves as a sobering reminder of the area's dark past during the Nazi era. This contemporary museum, situated on the very grounds that once served as a second seat of power for...
47°42'0"N • 12°58'60"E
Untersberg
The Untersberg is the northernmost massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps, a prominent spur straddling the border between Berchtesgaden, Germany and Salzburg, Austria. The highest peak of the table-top mountain is the Berchtesgaden Hochthron at 1,973 metres.
47°40'14"N • 13°1'51"E
Almbachklamm
Almbachklamm is a gorge between Ettenberg and Maria Gern in the Berchtesgaden Alps, which has the Almbach stream flowing through it.

47°36'41"N • 13°2'32"E
The Eagle's Nest
The Kehlsteinhaus is a Nazi-constructed building erected atop the summit of the Kehlstein, a rocky outcrop that rises above Obersalzberg near the town of Berchtesgaden, in southeastern Germany.
Museum • National park • Park
Haus der Berge
The Haus der Berge in Berchtesgaden is the central information and education center of the Berchtesgaden National Park. It is supplemented by five decentralized national park information points at the major national park entrances, such as the...
Monastery
Berchtesgaden Provostry
Berchtesgaden Provostry or the Prince-Provostry of Berchtesgaden was an immediate principality of the Holy Roman Empire, held by a canonry led by a Prince-Provost.
Distillery
Enzianbrennerei Grassl
The Grassl Gentian Distillery in Berchtesgaden is the oldest gentian distillery in Germany.
Church
Maria Gern
The pilgrimage church of Maria Gern is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church in the market town of Berchtesgaden in Upper Bavaria. It belongs to the Berchtesgaden parish of St. Andrew in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising.
Park
Wimbachklamm
The Wimbachklamm is a gorge extending for about 200 meters, cut by the torrent Wimbach in Ramsau near Berchtesgaden in Bavaria. It is located in the Berchtesgaden National Park at the narrowing exit of the Wimbach Valley.
47°38'5"N • 13°0'40"E
Watzmann Therme Berchtesgaden
Spa
47°37'52"N • 13°3'21"E
Obersalzberg
Obersalzberg is a mountainside retreat situated above the market town of Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, Germany.
47°38'20"N • 13°1'2"E
Salzbergwerk
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47°38'1"N • 13°0'14"E
Stiftskirche Berchtesgaden
Church
47°37'48"N • 13°0'5"E
Franciscan Church
Church

Day trips

Berchtesgaden – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Berchtesgaden, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Schloss Herrenchiemsee (Herreninsel), St. Bartholomew's Church (Berchtesgaden National Park), Wendelstein Mountain.

32 milesNW
Museum, History museum, Baroque architecture
Schloss Herrenchiemsee, Herreninsel
Nestled on the tranquil island of Herreninsel in the midst of Bavaria's largest lake, Chiemsee, Schloss Herrenchiemsee emerges as a majestic sight, reminiscent of the opulence of Versailles. Commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1878, this grand palace is a testament...
6.3 miS
Picturesque 17th-century lakeside church
St. Bartholomew's Church, Berchtesgaden National Park
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Schönau am Königsee, within the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany, lies the tranquil St. Bartholomew's Church. This charming church, with its distinctive onion-shaped domes and striking red roof, serves as a beacon of...
46 milesW
Mountain with a church, skiing and more
Wendelstein Mountain
Nestled in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, Wendelstein Mountain stands as a natural beacon for outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers alike. This prominent peak, part of the Mangfall Mountains, rises to an elevation of 1,838 meters, offering breathtaking views of the...
5.7 miS
Lake with boating and St. Bartholomew's
Königssee, Berchtesgaden National Park
Nestled in the picturesque Berchtesgaden National Park, the Königssee is a natural jewel of Germany, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine scenery. This deep lake, renowned for being one of the country's cleanest, is a haven for tourists seeking...
37 milesN
Hilltop castle complex stretching 1000m
Burghausen Castle, Burghausen
Perched atop a ridge overlooking the quaint town of Burghausen, the majestic Burghausen Castle is a testament to medieval fortification and architectural prowess. Known as the longest castle complex in the world, this formidable structure stretches over a kilometer in...

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Best Time To Visit Berchtesgaden

Learn when is the best time to travel to Berchtesgaden weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in June and July.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Berchtesgaden?

The top attractions to visit in Berchtesgaden are:

What is the best time to visit Berchtesgaden?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.