Set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Watzmann mountain, this charming and historic town lies in the heart of the Germany’s Bavarian Alps, close to the Austrian border. Situated in a gorgeous alpine setting, the area is popular for hiking and mountain biking, but also has a fascinating history which attracts many visitors each year. Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest and the World War II Centre on the Obersalzberg mountain are popular local excursions. The narrow streets in Berchtesgaden’s pretty pedestrian zone are lined with pastel-coloured listed buildings in alpine style and filled with restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. The locals are proud to preserve their Bavarian traditions and customs, and showcase typical Bavarian music and dancing at weekly events in the town centre. Beautiful Lake Königssee with its boat excursions, lakeside restaurants and walks is just 15 minutes away by free local bus.
Berchtesgaden Holidays
An alpine jewel with a fascinating history
Festivals
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Oktoberfest, Bavaria
Oktoberfest is one of the world’s largest and best known festivals held annually in Munich, Bavaria. It’s a 15 day event running from the third week in September and the Schottenhamel tent is the place to be to catch the official opening ceremonies. At noon the Mayor of Munich will have the honour of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer. Drink it by the litre, eat traditional Bavarian food including the famous Bratwurst.
Useful Information
Resort Code: DEBG
Languages spoken: German/English
Time difference: GMT+1
Currency: EUR
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from£609pp
- 65 rooms
The Alpenhotel Kronprinz enjoys splendid panoramic views of the Berchtesgaden mountain ranges and the iconic Watzmann mountain from its elevated setting 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre and 15-20 minutes' walk to the bus stop to access local attractions.
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from£668pp
- 46 rooms
This popular family-run hotel has an excellent reputation for cuisine whilst standard of service is high and the hotel is run with a personal touch by the friendly Frau Wenig and team.
Travel and Transportation
| Departure day | To | Depart from |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday/Saturday Saturday Wednesday/Saturday Wednesday/Saturday |
Salzburg | Gatwick Birmingham Manchester Stansted |
Transfer Approx. 45mins by coach.
Supplements may apply on some flights
Supplements: are based on 7 nights departures.
Car hire available: Yes
Evening resort bus service: No
Local bus services:
Parking available: No
Resort Ski bus available: No
Inghams Plus
- Free use of local buses - with resort card
- Free guided walks - with resort card
- Early Booking Offers at selected hotels
- Visiting Inghams Service
Special Offers
Excursions
Explore the local area independently, at your own pace, with these recommended day trips (book locally*): The Eagle's Nest £48, daily Salzburg with Sound of Music Tour £58, on demand
Local Attractions
Lake Königssee is a stunning emerald green fjord-like lake in the heart of the Berchtesgaden National Park and Germany’s deepest and cleanest lake.
The Eagle’s Nest is a historic viewpoint at the summit of the Kehlstein Mountain (1,834m). Once Hitler’s retreat, it now is a restaurant with a spectacular view of the Alps.
Berchtesgaden Salt Mines has been in continuous operation since 1517. Salt deposits are detected in the area of the Salt Mine up to 300m below the valley floor.
Berchtesgaden Royal Castle dates from 1102 from the Augustin Collegiate and different ages has left its mark, from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque, as well as Rococo
*Prices shown are for guidance only. Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of activities & excursions. See pages 264-267 for terms & conditions.
Things To Do
- Cycling and mountain biking
- Golf
- Paragliding
- Shopping
- Walking
- Watersports
- Canyoning
- Rafting
Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest and the World War II Centre on the Obersalzberg mountain are popular local excursions. The narrow streets in Berchtesgaden’s pretty pedestrian zone are lined with pastel-coloured listed buildings in alpine style and filled with restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. The locals are proud to preserve their Bavarian traditions and customs, and showcase typical Bavarian music and dancing at weekly events in the town centre. Beautiful Lake Königssee with its boat excursions, lakeside restaurants and walks is just 15 minutes away by free local bus.
Second the the numerous walking trails, Berchtesgaden is home to miles of bike trails, whether road cycling, designated off road bike routes, or mountain bike oportunities is your thing, this area has it all.
Out & About
- Plenty of shops and cafés
- Lake Königssee (15 minutes by free bus)
- Visit to Salt Mines
- 240 km of marked walking paths
- Miles of road cycling options and mountain biking
- Paragliding, rowing, kayaking, white water rafting & canyoning
- Gorges, canyons and dams
- Summer tobogganing
- Bathing lakes (Hintersee, Thumsee)
- Watzmann Thermal Spa
- Golf course at Obersalzberg
- Castles, churches & monasteries
- Schnapps distillery
- Bus to Salzburg (¾ hr) and Bad Reichenhall (20 minutes)
In Lake Königssee: This stunning emerald green fjord-like lake in the heart of Berchtesgaden National Park is Germany’s cleanest and deepest lake. Surrounded by impressive rock cliffs and Bavaria’s second highest mountain, the Watzmann (2,713m), it is best explored by boat. Board the electric boat in pretty Schönau and listen to the echo of the famous trumpet solo played by the tour guide. Stop off at St. Bartolomä chapel with an optional lunch at a typically Bavarian beer garden. A selection of scenic hikes, varying in difficulty, start at Lake Königssee.
The Eagle’s Nest is a historic viewpoint at the summit of the Kehlstein mountain (1,834m). Once Hitler’s retreat, it now is a restaurant with a spectacular 360º view of the Alps.
Resort Card
The Free Berchtesgaden Resort Card is provided by your hotel upon arrival and gives you:
- Free use of local buses in the Berchtesgadener Land*
- Free guided walks led by the tourist office
Discounted rates for:
- Watzmann Thermal Spa
- Cable-cars (i.e. Obersalzbergbahn, Hirscheckbahn)
- Almbach Gorge
- Plus many more discounts for various attractions and activities in the area
*excluding certain routes (i.e. Kehlstein route, Salzburg, Rossfeld)
Walking
- The impressive Berchtesgaden National Park (210km²) stretches along three parallel valleys and offers visitors an abundance of well-marked hiking trails suitable for all levels of fitness. There is gentle walking along lush meadows as well as steeper mountain paths on the Jenner or the Obersalzberg mountain. The Jenner summit at 1,874m offers impressive views of Lake Königssee and over one hundred German and Austrian mountain tops. The local Obersalzberg cable-car gives access to a number of easier and harder panoramic walks.
