Best backpacking trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
The Berchtesgaden National Park is located in the German Alps and is known for its incredibly beautiful landscapes. Many plant and animal species live here in forests, mountains, valleys and glaciers. It's worth taking a trip to the breathtaking lakes Hintersee and Königssee or enjoying the view with a refreshment on the summit of the Grünstein.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.6 (243)·Hard·8.2 km·Est. 3.5–4 hrPanoramic hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. This hike begins at the foot of the Jenner at the valley station of the Jennerbahn cable car and leads steeply up to the mountain station of the lift of the same name. Alternatively, you can take the cable car to the summit of the Jenner and then follow the hiking route downhill. The trail leads through picturesque Alpine landscapes with magnificent views of Lake Königssee and the surrounding Berchtesgaden Alps. Following the...
- 4.7 (59)·Hard·9.2 kmStage 1 of the long-distance hiking trail Watzmanntour, Bavaria. This route forms the first day of the demanding Watzmann tour. It begins in Königssee and leads steadily uphill to the Watzmannhaus. You can park in the city's large parking lot (subject to a fee). It is also possible to arrive by bus or train. The path first leads over the wooden bridge, passing the Falzsteig towards the Kührointalm and the Kührointhütte before taking the Watzmannhaus. This rocky climb secured with steel...
- 4.7 (92)·Hard·11.7 km·Est. 5.5–6 hrPopular, multifaceted hiking trail in the Berchtesgaden Alps, Bavaria. This easy mountain tour offers spectacular views of the surrounding icy and rocky terrain and the Hochkalter. From the Seeklause car park (subject to a fee) at Hintersee to Schärtennalm, the trail follows wide forest paths. Shortly behind the Alm, the path climbs steadily and runs partly over stony steps until you reach the Blaueishütte, which invites you to take a short break. During the peak summer months, the cabin...
- 4.8 (66)·Hard·17.1 km·Est. 6–6.5 hrScenic hike in Berchtesgaden National Park from Wimbachbrücke, Bavaria. This route offers a great natural experience, with the road leading over the considerable debris flow of the Wimbach Valley. In contrast to Königssee in the parallel valley, a debris flow emerged here. From the Wimbachbrücke car park (charges apply), you head towards the managed Wimbachgrieshütte. Almost the entire time, the route follows the Wimbachweg uphill. Asphalt, gravel, and forest paths alternate. Shortly after...
- 4.6 (6)·Hard·19.3 kmStage 2 of the Watzmanntour, Bavaria. The second stage of the Watzmanntour, a popular and challenging mountain tour in the Berchtesgaden National Park, starts at the iconic Watzmannhaus. The first part of the tour goes to the summit of Hocheck via a giant slope, where the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks can be genuinely enjoyed. This part of the stage is considered very difficult. There is a passage secured by a wire rope, for which alpine experience, a head for...
- 5.0 (7)·Hard·12.9 kmChallenging mountain hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. Alpine flair awaits you on this Watzmann hike starting at the Kühroint-Alm. You first reach the Falzalm via the Falzsteig trail. The Falzsteig is a trail that is partly secured with wire ropes, is very steep in places and leads through rocky terrain. It leads up to the iconic Watzmannhaus, where you can not only stop for refreshments but also spend the night. Then begins the sometimes very steep ascent to the Hocheck....
- 4.7 (13)·Hard·18 kmChallenging and scenic hike to the Watzmannhaus, Bavaria. This adventurous hike can begin at the Königssee with a boat trip to the starting point (note the boat trip schedule and prices) - the beautiful St. Bartholomew's Church. After visiting the historic church, walk along the lake shore to the Eiswinkel. It continues on the Rinnkendlsteig and from there to the Archenkanzel. Up here you have one of the most spectacular views in the Berchtesgaden National Park. This is where the really...
- 4.0 (9)·Hard·19.3 kmChallenging hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. The Watzmannhaus, located below the Hocheck (one of the Watzmann peaks), is probably one of the best-known DAV mountain huts. The Watzmannhaus can be reached via the AV trail 442 from the paid car park / from the Wimbachbrücke bus stop. The route is easily accessible with sufficient fitness, sturdy shoes and suitable equipment. However, the Falzsteig (from kilometre 7) is a particular challenge. The rocky path, partly secured...
- 4.7 (8)·Strenuous·15.6 kmThe tour to the Watzmann requires expert-level alpine experience and an absolute head for heights for this legendary crossing of the Watzmann massif. This world-famous route includes exposed climbing over the narrow ridge that connects the Hocheck, the Mittelspitze 2,713 m and the Südspitze 2,712 m. Wire ropes provide support in some places. Wire ropes provide support in some places, but large parts of the terrain in grade II difficulty remain unsecured and require concentrated walking. The...
Visitor info
Important information about flora and fauna is available at the Haus der Berge National Park Centre, which also impresses with its special architecture. The main information centre is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Last admission is 4 pm. There are also many other information centres spread throughout the national park. There are small exhibitions at each of these centres, which go into more detail on individual topics.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best trail to hike for backpacking in Berchtesgaden National Park?
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Which backpacking trail has the most elevation gain in Berchtesgaden National Park?
Activities
Attractions
- Cave trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Forest trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Hard trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Lake trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Long trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Moderate trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- River trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Short trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Strenuous trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Trails with views in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Waterfall trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Wildflower trails in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Wildlife trails in Berchtesgaden National Park