Best backpacking trails in Biosphärenregion Berchtesgadener Land

Popular hike near Berchtesgaden, Bavaria. The route begins at the free hiking car park on the Berchtesgadener Ache, near Marktschellenberg. Surrounded by illuminated beech forest, the route climbs quickly. A little lower down, the Bachgraben and Lochgraben with pools and waterfalls follow the route. From about half of the route the trees become fewer, the shade decreases and the views improve. The route soon passes the Toni-Lenz hut, a great place to take a refreshing break. Then it's on to...

Alpine hike in the Berchtesgadener Land biosphere region, Bavaria. This beautiful but sometimes challenging hike can be hiked in one go or with an overnight stay in the Stoerhaus (reservation required). The starting point is the mountain station of the Untersbergbahn, which can be reached from Sankt Leonhard in Austria. Like all alpine hikes, this route also requires good surefootedness, a certain amount of experience in alpine terrain and appropriate footwear and equipment. Highlights of...

Demanding summit tour in the Berchtesgaden Alps, Bavaria. This is a demanding alpine climb that connects the peaks of the Hoher Goell - at 2522 m above sea level the highest mountain in the Göll massif - and the Grosser Archenkopf. The route includes some exposed climbing and should definitely not be attempted in snowy or icy conditions. Snow fields are to be expected in the higher elevations well into the summer. Attention: This mountain tour should only be undertaken by hikers who have...

This stage takes you from the lovely Königssee village along the legendary “Rodelbahn” (luge run) up to the Grünstein hut at an altitude of 1,196m. You will mostly be walking through sparse mixed woodland until it thins out and offers a view over the Königssee lake and the impressive Watzmann mountain. Then continue on past the Hammerstiel inn down into the delightful Engedey hamlet. The overview list of all stages of the Purple Trail can be found here:...

This route follows Stage 9 of the SalzAlpenSteig, traveling from Ramsau to Königssee on one of the more demanding days in the Berchtesgaden section. It combines forest paths, partly paved stretches, terrain along the edge of a bird sanctuary, and the line of the historic brine pipeline with a more distinctly alpine character around Grünberg and the Grünsteinhütte, where broader views across the Berchtesgadener Land shape much of the stage before it eases down toward Königssee. Overnight stays...

Stage 8 of the Bodensee-Königssee cycle path at the foot of the Alps. The last stage of the long-distance cycle path first leads past Höglwörther See, where a visit to the Augustinian monastery Höglwörth is worthwhile before moving on to the next highlight: the salt and spa town of Bad Reichenhall. The list of attractions and sights in the Alpine city includes the Bildstöckl Chapel, Marzoll Castle and the pilgrimage church in Karlstein, which is enthroned on the Pankrazfelsen. In front of...

This route follows Stage 8 of the SalzAlpenSteig, traveling from Bischofswiesen to Ramsau on a more demanding point-to-point day through the Berchtesgadener Land. It combines quieter forest and valley stretches with steeper mountain sections, fast-moving streams, alpine meadows, and broader views, giving the stage a more varied feel than a simple connection between towns and carrying the trail’s alpine character forward in a clear way. Overnight stays are usually in inns or village...

This route is stage 22 and the final section of the Maximiliansweg, a long-distance trail through Germany and Austria, beginning at the Zwieselalm and ending in Berchtesgaden. The path descends from the Staufen massif into the spa town of Bad Reichenhall, passing the royal gardens and historic architecture. It continues through the Berchtesgadener Land, flanking the Lattengebirge and the Untersberg massif with views of the Watzmann peak before finishing in Berchtesgaden. Overnight stays are...

This route follows Stage 7 of the SalzAlpenSteig, traveling from Bad Reichenhall to Bischofswiesen on a more demanding day through the Berchtesgadener Land, where the trail’s salt-route character comes through especially clearly. From town edges, forest, and partly paved sections, it climbs through a mountain landscape more closely shaped by settlement, passing traces of the historic brine pipeline as well as landmarks such as the Reichenhall Museum, the Stadtkanzel area, and Hallthurm before...

Beautiful hike on the German-Austrian border, Bavaria. Start is at the Watzmann car park. The bus stop "Altes Forsthaus Unterwirt" is also located here. From Ramsau, the route then leads to the Reiteralm. The Neue Traunsteiner Hütte is located here, surrounded by impressive peaks and mountain pine fields. The hut is open between mid-May and mid-October. Highlights: - Maria Himmelfahrt pilgrimage church - Hintersee lake near the route - Summit scenery