Best waterfall 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
- 4.7 (375)·Easy·11.6 km·Est. 10.5–11.5 hrVaried hiking trail to the Röthbach waterfall in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. Germany's highest waterfall is located in the Berchtesgaden National Park. In two stages, it overcomes the so-called Röthwand, south of the Königsee and Obersee lakes, before plunging 470 metres into the depths. There is no higher waterfall in Germany and it is also one of the highest in the Alps. The route starts at the southern end of Lake Königssee, which can be reached by boat from the town of...
- 4.7 (177)·Moderate·2.1 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-friendly tour in the Wimbachklamm, Bavaria. This is a short but awe-inspiring route through the Wimbach Gorge, in which the water of the Wimbach torrent roars its way through the Dachstein limestone. Even today, fossils in the rock walls tell of times when a sea covered the area here. There is a fee for entering the gorge and parking; children up to 6 years can join for free. The Wimbachklamm is open from May to October, but changes are possible due to the weather. Highlights: -...
- 4.6 (155)·Moderate·8.7 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrPanoramic hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park near Ramsau. This route leads through the wild and romantic Wimbachklamm gorge. The thundering waterfalls and rocky gorges can be easily admired over well-built bridges and footbridges. Even today, fossilisations in the rock faces tell of times long past when the area was covered by a sea. The hike starts at the Wimachbrücke car park (subject to a charge). There is also a charge to enter the gorge (see tips). After this natural spectacle,...
- 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...
- 4.3 (99)·Moderate·7.2 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular, panoramic circular hiking trail in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. The "Gumpen" or infinity pools of the Koenigsbach Falls are natural pools with a breathtaking view of the Koenigssee and a popular destination. The terrain is classified as high alpine, so it is necessary to bring sturdy shoes and dress according to the weather conditions. The route begins at the Königsee car park (subject to a fee). Along the beautiful Koenigssee, you head in a southerly direction, first...
- 5.0 (34)·Hard·22.2 km·Est. 8.5–9.5 hrPopular, 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...
- 4.4 (34)·Hard·6.4 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrBeginning 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,...
- 4.9 (20)·Hard·18.8 km·Est. 8–8.5 hrThis scenic route introduces hikers to the high-alpine wonders of the Berchtesgaden National Park. Starting near the Jenner mountain station, the trail leads toward the Carl-von-Stahl Haus before reaching the broad summit of the Schneibstein. Up on the open plateau, breathtaking vistas reveal the vast rocky fields of the Hagen Mountain Range and the famous Watzmann East Face. Navigating the unique limestone karst terrain requires careful stepping, especially across sections where water has...
- 4.6 (18)·Moderate·10.5 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrPopular circular route to the Königstalalm in the Berchtesgaden Alps near Schönau is Königssee, Bavaria. The circular route begins at the middle station of the Jennerbahn and leads up to the Mitterkaseralm (1,540 m). From there, it goes steeply to 1,670 m - there is the Alpine Club hut "Schneibsteinhaus" of the Berchtesgaden section in the middle of an imposing mountain backdrop. It continues through a wooded area to the foot of the Windschartenkopf and Rotspielscheibe, where the seasonally...
- 5.0 (6)·Moderate·11.1 km·Est. 4.5–5 hrFourth 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...
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
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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