Best historic site trails in Berchtesgaden National Park

Wonderful hike from Sankt Bartholomä to the Ice Chapel in the Berchtesgaden Alps, Bavaria. The ice chapel is located below the east face of the Watzmann and is the lowest permanent ice field in the German Alps. The summer snow line is actually 2000 metres higher, yet the firn ice field here remains frozen all year round. This is partly due to the enormous masses of snow from winter and spring, but also to the spacious cavity in which the ice field is located - the ice chapel. To reach the...

Popular hike/via ferrata in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. The hike offers incomparable views of the blue waters of Lake Königssee and starts in Schönau am Königssee at the paid hiking car park. The destination is the world-famous pilgrimage church of St Bartholomä on the western shore of the lake. From the starting point, the trail climbs steeply uphill to the seasonally managed Kührointalm - a nice place to take a break. The trail continues to the left and soon it is worth...

Panorama ascent to the top of the Jenner in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. The route starts at the Hinterbrand car park (subject to charge) and is initially fairly flat along the Königsweg to the Wasserfallalm. The route is somewhat steeper up to the seasonally managed Mitterkaseralm (note opening times) through shady mixed forests and fragrant alpine meadows. The last section leads via the Jenneralm at the mountain station up to the panoramic summit with sweeping views over Lake...

Panoramic hike to the Halsalm, Bavaria. This beautiful circular tour starts at the Hintersee National Park Information Centre. There is a paid car park there and you can also get there by bus. From there, a partly steep path leads continuously uphill to the Halsalm. This is traditionally managed seasonally. The view of the Hintersee is also very attractive. The descent is via a challenging, sometimes steep mountain path to Hintersee. A final stretch along the shore takes you back to the...

This route is a scenic but challenging mountain hike between St. Bartholomä and Königssee. The walk is beautiful but is only suitable for experienced walkers; sure-footedness and a head for heights are absolutely essential. There is a safety rope on the upper section of the Rinnkendlsteig. There is a risk of falling rocks. Appropriate equipment is essential. The route between the start and end points can also be covered by taking the ferry across Königssee. For refreshments, it’s well worth...

Popular, panoramic hiking trail in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. This route begins with a boat trip (note the boat timetable) across the Königsee lake, as this is the only way to reach the starting point in St. Bartholomä. From here, the route follows an ancient riverside path, which is flat at the beginning and runs alongside the Königsee. The route then climbs uphill through the forest so that you can soon enjoy marvellous views over the Königssee and the Obersee. Passing the...

Beginning at the Saletalm dock, this demanding alpine route follows the historic Oberer Viehtriebsteig toward St. Bartholomä along Lake Königssee. The path ascends through steep, unmaintained terrain above vertical rock walls, requiring surefootedness for narrow ledges, exposed grassy steps, and rocky scrambling. Passing near the Schrainbachfall, the trail offers views across the lake and toward the Watzmann massif. Due to significant rockfall hazards, slippery paths, and missing signposts,...

Demanding and adventurous ascent to the Schärtenspitze, Bavaria. The Schärtenspitze is a popular summit destination above the Blaueishütte. Nevertheless, it is a challenging mountain climb (KS 1/2), which is partially secured. Please note: practice, surefootedness, a head for heights, and fitness are required! The starting point is the Seeklause car park in Hintersee. From there, a beautiful but constantly steep path leads to the Blauseishütte past the Schärtenalm. From the Blaueishütte,...

Idyllic, certified premium hiking trail in Berchtesgadener Land, Bavaria. This varied and quite relaxed route is a certified premium hiking trail and has few steep sections. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, clear and rushing mountain streams, quiet lakes and places that invite you to rest and relax. The round is varied: It starts at the Gasthof Oberwirt, right next to the famous Ramsau church. Along the Ramsauer Ache it goes to the glacier springs - meltwater springs...

Fourth stage of the Watzmann tour from Kärlinger Haus, Bavaria. The last stage of the Watzmann tour is mostly downhill - along narrow paths with almost continuous views of the imposing east face of the Watzmann. Through the infamous Saugasse, a seemingly endless series of narrow hairpin bends, the trail leads down to Königssee. The crystal-clear water awaits at the bottom, surrounded by impressive scenery. When the weather is right, the lake invites you to take a dip. The return journey by...