10 Unmissable Things to Do in Berchtesgaden, Germany

In this article, I will list the top 10 things to do in Berchtesgaden, including my personal experience with each spot, prices, and opening times. If you know me, you know I only write first-and travel advice and won’t ever tell you to visit a place I hated or thought was overrated. 

Everything worth visiting in Berchtesgaden has to do with mountains, food and beer gardens, and Hitler-related history. It’s a great travel escape for outdoor adventurers who want to enjoy several days, or even weeks, in the middle of the snow-capped Alps. While the mountains in Berchtesgaden National Park aren’t the highest mountains I’ve ever seen, the jagged peaks rising towards the sky will give you goosebumps!

Apart from beautiful sights (and thermal baths!), Berchtesgaden lures tourists with exquisite food and local beer that’s hard to resist. I’ll of course tell you where I found the best dinners (and drinks!) during my trip, because I’m a good guy like that.

Finally, I’ll add a brief itinerary for your Berchtesgaden trip (for 3 and 5 days) so you don’t need to spend an extra minute planning your own trip. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, history geek or food connoisseur, you won’t be disappointed in Berchtesgaden.

Read more about traveling in Germany

 

These are the 10 best things to do in Berchtesgaden Germany:

1. Visit the Eagle’s Nest 
2. Cruise across Königssee 
3. Hike the Watzmann in Berchtesgaden National Park 
4. Explore the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines 
5. Walk through Wimbach Gorge 
6. Drive the Rossfeld Panorama Strasse 
7. Relax at Watzmann Therme 
8. Learn at the House of the Mountains 
9. Eat your way through Berchtesgaden restaurants 
10. Take a day trip to Munich

 

Is Berchtesgaden worth visiting?

Me with goosebumps (you’re going to have to trust me on that one)
 

Absolutely. Berchtesgaden can easily serve as the base for a whole vacation in Germany, especially if you can appreciate the combination of nature, relaxation, and good food. One of the great things about the top places to visit in Berchtesgaden is that everything is within a stone’s throw away. You are able to get to anywhere you want conveniently and relatively easily. 

As a bonus, many of the activities that I list have an easier version and a more challenging one—like a full hike at Wimbach Gorge or a shorter circuit for just the touristy bits, another example is hiking to the Eagle’s Nest vs. taking the bus. Because of this, Berchtesgaden can be perfect for just about anyone.  

 

 

Berchtesgaden map: where are the top things to do?

A map with the most important spots in one place
 

Ok, time to get to it. Here’s what I think are the highlights of Berchtesgaden and my honest reviews of each one. The top things you can’t miss are:

 

1. Visit Eagle’s Nest for the most incredible views

Karin and I, happy to be at the top, but sad that we didn’t get dumplings in the restaurant
 

The most famous thing to do in Berchtesgaden is visiting the Eagle’s Nest. The Eagle’s Nest is a house on top of a cliff that belonged to Hitler, who actually hated it there because he was afraid of heights and was scared to ride in the over-the-top brass elevator. Nowadays, it’s a tourist restaurant with incredible views over the valley and surrounding peaks—and these incredible views (not the food at the restaurant) are the main reason to visit. 

Basic facts you need to know about the Eagle’s Nest: 

• It sits on a summit at the elevation of 1,834 meters (6,017 feet). 

• It was built in 1938 for the Nazi Party's meetings. 

• People often think it was Hitler’s residence. It was not. The truth is that Hitler suffered from the fear of heights and visited the Eagle’s Nest 14 times altogether. The Nazis just built it there because they wanted to show off.

• Nowadays it’s a must-visit place near Berchtesgaden, open for tourists between May and October.

I have a whole guide to visiting the Eagle’s Nest if you want details about how to get there and what I liked and disliked.  

Getting there

You can choose from two ways of getting up: by bus, or on foot. You can’t drive up to the Eagle’s Nest yourself, everyone parks down in the parking lot by the Documentation Center in Obersalzberg. We decided to not be lame and hike from the parking lot under the hill: Scharitzkehlstraße 10-12 Parking.  

The elevation gain was a little over 900 meters (2,950 feet), and after hiking our brains out of their slumber, we thought the bus maybe wasn’t such a bad option. Our calves hurt for another 3 days.

However, the trail was beautiful, and took only two hours, even though it was quite steep and tricky.

These views made all the aches and pains worth it

 

2. Take a cruise on Königssee, the most beautiful lake to visit near Berchtesgaden

Ladies and gentlemen, the King’s Lake! 
 

• Price: Jennerbahn mountain cable car is EUR 45 round trip, boat cruise on the lake costs EUR 29

A day trip to Königssee, aka the King’s Lake, is undoubtedly one of the best (and most beautiful) things to do in Berchtesgaden. It's only 15 minutes by car from Berchtesgaden and is absolutely worth a visit. Königssee is a natural lake, the third deepest in Germany and 7.7 km (4.8 miles) long. 

We parked our car in Schönau am Königssee, the town on the northern tip of the lake. The parking lot is called Königssee Parkplatz and costs EUR 9 per day. An advantage is that the Parkplatz is located just next to Jennerbahn—a cable car that takes you up to a viewpoint where you can see out to the Eagle’s Nest, Watzmann, and the rest of the Alps.  

A super expensive cableway leads up the mountain. The spacious gondolas are modern, from 2019, and cost, and beer is sold all around. 

It takes 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to Königssee Lake. You can take a trip across the lake on board of an electrical boat. We did. It costs EUR 29 per person and you can buy the tickets online so that you don’t have to waste your time on the spot.

 

 

Trail from Königssee to Röthbach Waterfall

The ship brought us to the other tip of Königssee, where we got off and took a short, 20-minute walk to Obersee. Then we continued another 30 minutes to Fischunkelalm, a farm with delicious food and fresh milk, and other 20 minutes to Röthbach Waterfall.

Obersee is not too shaby either

 

3. Hike in Berchstesgaden National Park to Watzmann Peak (or turn around at Watzmannhaus)

Watzmann Peak—a cruel family turned to stone or a giant’s snack? 

One of the obviously amazing things to do in Berchtesgaden is hiking. Cue Watzmann the dominant peak in the Berchtesgaden National Park. Its unusual shape is unmissable. A legend says the mountain is a cruel royal family cursed by a shepherdess to turn into stone. And cruel it really is—towards all who want to climb it. To me it looks like a giant took a bite out of the tip of the mountain. Everyone needs to snack while hiking, after all! 

The hike to Watzmann is one of the most beautiful and at the same time most challenging in the Berchtesgaden National Park. The trail is called Watzmann Via Ferrata, is 23 km (14 miles) long and has an elevation gain of 2,000 m (6,562 feet). For conquering Watzmann, you need approximately 14 hours. And lots of steam.  

The trail starts at Wimbachbrücke Parkplatz and goes up to Watzmannhaus, where you can sleep. If you decide to continue, the hard part comes. We climbed up a steep rocky slope to Hocheck, and then across Watzmann Traverse. It’s a out-and-back trail, so after summitting, you’ll do the whole thing backwards again. 

Just remember the hike can get dangerous, as the trail is not well signed, the slopes are steep, and snow can surprise you at the high altitude even in the summer. If you’re looking for adventurous activities in Berchtesgaden, you can stop looking. And start hiking Watzmann.

A shorter alternative: just hike to Watzmannhaus and back

If you’re not in great shape or not up for a full-on trekking adventure, just hiking to Watzmannhaus and then back down might be enough for you. The views will be stunning nevertheless. It’s still 4 hours one-way and 1,300 m (4,250 ft) elevation gain, so in no way an easy walk. 

 

4. Pretend you’re a miner in the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines

Salt Mines in Berchtesgaden are still in use
 

• Price: EUR 25.50 per person, but families get huge discounts
• Opening hours: daily 9 am–5 pm

Berchtesgaden’s salt mines are still active; they’ve been used without interruption since 1517. Five centuries of history attract numerous visitors who want to experience at least part of the salt miracle. It’s a fun and educational place to see in Berchtesgaden, and you know that’s a winning combination for me. 

Guided tours in the mines are one hour long. (and try out!) the miners’ slides, walked to the salt cathedral and there's even a salt lake. A salt shop is located next to the caves so that you can buy salt-related souvenirs. You do want a salty lamp, right?  

Get your tickets online to avoid lines at the ticket desk. 

 

5. Walk through Wimbach Gorge to see some of Germany’s most beautiful nature 

The stunning Wimbach Gorge
 

• Price: EUR 4
• Opening hours: daily 7 am–7 pm

Another top tip for those looking for hiking in Berchtesgaden: Wimbachklamm (Wimbachgorge) is a stunning gorge and an even more beautiful valley. The entrance fee could’ve been 10x as high and it would’ve still been worth it! It is clear that exploring nature is one of the absolute best things to do in Berchtesgaden, and Wimbach Gorge shouldn’t be missing from your itinerary.

The hike starts at Parkplatz Wumbachbrücke in Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, goes through the gorge, along wooden walkways andcontinues along nature paths to Wimbachgrieshütte, where you can have lunch before hiking back. 

Alternatively, if you’re short on time or the will to hike, you can just take half an hour on the tourist trail and call it a day. Here are the options:

Some of the hikers are really good looking
 

The full-day hike to Wimbachgrieshütte

When I did the full hike, I was positively overwhelmed. Epic views surrounded me from all sides. After 8 km (5 miles)and 700 m (2,297 feet) of elevation gain, I got to Wimbachgrieshütte and felt I fully deserved that solid mountain meal. It took me three hours to walk there and another two hours to walk back. Totally worth it.

The short version: a half-hour tourist trail

But if you’re not up for the full hike for whatever reason, still don’t skip Wimbachklamm. You don’t have to do the whole thing. 

Many visitors just do the short Wimbachklamm circuit, which takes about 30–45 minutes round trip and still delivers the dramatic narrow gorge part of the hike. Also, some of the hikers are really good-looking, which doesn’t hurt. Wink, wink.

 

6. Drive the incredible Rossfeld Panorama Road

Rossfeld Panorama Strasse
 

• Price: EUR 9.50
• Opening hours: non-stop

Rossfeld Panorama Strasse is a panoramic road winding on a mountain ridge on the German-Austrian border—literally, in some parts, you’re really in Austria. I am always up for a great scenic drive, so seeing this one only takes 20 minutes without stops, it was a no-brainer for me. Berchtesgaden is a great outdoor adventure destination, but sometimes, you just want to sit in your car and stare out your window, you know? Even I’m not mad at that. 

Pro tip: It’s easy to fit Rossfeld Panorama Road into your Berchtesgaden itinerary right after an Eagle’s Nest visit, because the loop road starts right in Obersalzburg (which is where you park for Eagle’s Nest).

You can see the scenic Rossfeld Panorama Road isn’t long, but it delivers serious views that you won’t want to miss when you’re visiting Berchtesgaden (and yes, you will be dipping into Austria while you’re at it)

Don’t get me wrong, there’s no chance you’ll be done in 20 minutes, because stop you will, taking photos of the mountains and selfies of yourself and the mountains. They’ll all look the same in the end, we all know that, but who can resist a good mountain pic? 

There wasn’t any traffic when I visited, and the parking lots make it easy to stop and enjoy the view in several places. You can, of course, see a lot from the car, but your view is obstructed by the wooden railing in most parts. 

From the viewpoints, you can enjoy the views of the Eagle’s Nest, and the Tennen and Dachstein mountain ranges in Austria. And Berchtesgaden Valley below looks like a toy model! Various hiking trails start from the road, and several refreshment opportunities along the Strasse will ensure you won’t starve.

 

 

7. Relax at Watzmann Thermal Baths (complete with Alpine views!)

Problem: Your feet ache. Solution: Watzman Therme. Bonus: Your eyes won’t hurt either.
 

• Price: EUR 14,20 for 2 hours, EUR 19,90 for 4 hours, EUR 22,30 full day, extra for saunas
• Opening hours: Daily 10 am–10 pm

What to do in Berchtesgaden when you want to elax or relieve those tired legs after hiking? t? Visit Watzman Therme, the thermal baths in Berchtesgaden! You’ll experience an awesome two-hour relaxation for just EUR 14,20.

The baths contain indoor and outdoor pools, saltwater pools, water attractions, and six different saunas. All of that with a beautiful view of the snow-capped Alps.  

Either come here after your hike to chill or at the beginning of your trip to get hyped for trekking. The views are really nice and some lazier folk might even toy with the idea of being content with just looking at the Alps from the comfort of a warm pool. No judgement here.   

 

8. Get smarter at the House of the Mountains (information center)

House of the Mountains in Berchtesgaden
 

• Price: free 
• Opening hours: Daily 9 am–5 pm

The House of the Mountains is Berchtesgaden’s visitor center. It’s an architecturally interesting building (former hotel) that will catch your eye immediately. Once you step in, you’ll find yourself in a museum dedicated to Berchtesgaden's nature and to the Alps in general. 

The exhibition educates about the waters, forests, meadows, and peaks of the national park, targeting all of your senses. It’s done in a clever way that takes you essentially on a walk from inside Königssee through the forest and then into the Berchtesgaden mountains. 

I only had an hour to spend here but could imagine spending longer, especially if you’re a nature enthusiast. It’s also the perfect introduction to the area, which is why I put it as the first stop on day 4 of my Bavaria itinerary, ahead of visiting more of Berchtesgaden National Park, Wimbach Gorge, and Königssee

This museum isn’t a must-do in Berchtesgaden because you won’t be able to live without it, but it gives you fantastic background knowledge that’ll make all the other places that much more special. 

 

9. Eat amazing duck (and other delicacies) at Berchtesgaden’s bestrestaurants

There she is: the world’s best duck (as decided by me) at Holzkäfer
 

Alright, and now for the really good stuff (did you get the pun?)! Food can make or break a tourist destination like Berchtesgaden. You probably already know that beer and schnitzel are the bread and butter of Bavarian cuisine. And on my trip to Berchtesgaden, I  discovered two heaven-like Berchtesgaden’s restaurants and would like to share our experience with you! 

The best duck of my life 

Before visiting Berchtesgaden, I’d heard many good things about Holzkäfer. And good it was indeed. Great, actually. The restaurant is so popular that you won’t get a seat without a reservation, and the food was so delicious that I went there twice in one trip.  

I had duck with sauerkraut and dumplings, and I swear it was the best duck in the world. The next time I ordered schnitzel and it was delicious as well. The restaurant even brews its own beer. 

A great restaurant experience elevates any trip, and for me, Berchtesgaden wouldn’t have been the same without Holzkäfer.

Budget about EUR 80 for a dinner for two.   
 

An exquisite restaurant in the center of Berchtesgaden 

You don’t need a reservation to dine in Gasthof Neuhaus. It lies in the very heart of Berchtesgaden, a few steps from the beautiful Berchtesgaden Castle, and is ideal for a beer or two with friends. The restaurant is spacious and popular, and you’ll need about EUR 65 for a dinner for two. Expect meat, meat, meat, dumplings, potatoes, and sauerkraut. 
 

If all else fails(or you’re just really curious), head to Salzburg (Austria)

In the end, you don’t need to eat at a Berchtesgaden restaurant. You can be international and hop and hop over the border to Austria and pay Salzburg, the city of Mozart a visit. The choice of restaurants in Salzburg is much wider and you will be able to find something to suit even the most niche of tastes.  

It will take you only 35 minutes to drive to Salzburg from Berchtesgaden. 

 

10. Head Head out on a day trip from Berchtesgaden to Munich

Munich
 

Berchtesgaden has things to do to keep you busy for several days, but maybe you want something different for a day? How about a lively metropolis that pulses with clubs, bars, shopping malls and cultural events just two hours from Berchtesgaden? That's Munich, the capital of Bavaria. The city is home to 6 million inhabitants in its metro area, and is a big change from the tranquility of Alps. 

In Munich, there are limitless ways to entertain yourself. You can party hard until dawn (I wouldn’t, but you do you). You can eat in fancy restaurants (that’s more my style) and visit hipster cafés (I would, but just for the coffee while hating all the hipsters).

If it all gets a little too urban for you, go for a stroll in Olympiapark or in the English Garden Park. There’s plenty of sightseeing too, and you can be admiring significant churches and cathedrals in no time. Or, you can surf on the artificial waves at SurfTown MUC or hang out at Eisbachwelle—a river surf spot in the middle of Munich (currently closed for surfing due to a tragic accident in 2025). 

Surfing in Munich? Eusbachwelle is a popular surf spot on the river—not for beginners! 

How cool is that? That’s why a day trip to Munich could be the perfect thing to do near Berchtesgaden if you’ve got extra time.

Pro tip: If you want to stay in Munich overnight, check out MOMA1890 Boutique Hotel. I’d tell you what it’s like there, but since every room is designed differently, that would be a brain-breaker. 

 

The perfect trip plan: notes for a 3-day and 5-day Berchtesgaden itinerary

For me, 3–5 days in Berchtesgaden is the ideal amount of time to explore the area and fit in all of the top things to do. To save you time, I’ve put together two quick itinerary suggestions based on how much time you have, and how I spent my own time in Berchtesgaden.

The 3-day itinerary covers all the major sights at a faster pace, squeezing in shorter versions of hikes and quick visits, while the 5-day itinerary includes everything in the 3-day plan plus a full-day hike in the Watzmann area, time to do the full Wimbachgrieshütte trail, and the flexibility to relax more or explore Munich on a day trip on the last day. 

3 days in Berchtesgaden itinerary

Day 1: Eagle’s Nest Hike + Salt Mines + Watzmann Therme

• Morning: Hike up to the Eagle’s Nest (2 hours up, 1.5 down) or take the bus; spend 1 hour at the restaurant at the top
• Afternoon: Berchtesgaden Salt Mines (for 1 hour)
• Evening: Watzmann Therme (for 2 hours)

Day 2: House of the Mountains + Königssee + Obersee Hike

• Morning: House of the Mountains information center (for 1 hour)
• Afternoon: Boat cruise across Königssee, short hike to Obersee and Röthbachfall (3–4 hours)
• Evening: Dinner in town. Get the duck @ Holzkäfer

Day 3: Wimbach Gorge (short or full hike) + Rossfeld Scenic Road

• Morning: do the quick Wimbachklamm circuit (for 45 minutes) or the full trail to Wimbachgrieshütte (6 hours)
• Afternoon: drive the Rossfeld Scenic Road (for 1 hour + stop for coffee)

 

5 days in Berchtesgaden itinerary

Day 1–3: Same as 3-day itinerary

Day 4: National Park Hike – Watzmann

• Full hiking day. Take on one of the Watzmann routes OR pick a mid-level trail in Berchtesgaden National Park

Day 5: Day Trip to Munich

• All day: Drive to Munich for a day in the city before heading home.

 

How many days do you need in Berchtesgaden?

It depends. If you want to see the best of Berchtesgaden and move on, I say 3–5 days is perfect. But if you want to go on several hikes and explore every corner of the national park, you can comfortably spend two weeks in Berchtesgaden. Such a small area, so much to do!

 

One final tip: Save money in Berchtesgaden 

Money doesn’t grow on trees, and even if you have enough, it’s nice to save some with a trick or two up your sleeve. In Berchtesgaden, the trick is hidden in a Guest Card. Everyone staying overnight in Berchtesgaden gets one, so keep an eye out when you’re checking into your hotel. 

With the Berchtesgaden Guest Card, you’ll get discounts almost everywhere. And not insignificant ones; the discounts are usually 10–20% of the original price. You also ride free on most buses and even take the train to Salzburg for free. 

 

 

You might also be interested in reading:

• One Week in Bavaria Itinerary—An Ultimate Guide

• 1 Day in Dresden: A Detailed Itinerary

• Neuschwanstein Castle: 10 Facts You Need to Know Before You Go

• 5 Reasons Why You Have to Visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of my links, I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!