Pilgrimage church Maria Gern nearby Berchtesgaden in the surroundings of Munich.

Berchtesgaden

King Watzmann’s realm

The mighty Watzmann mountain as a backdrop, and a medieval town centre: Berchtesgaden has plenty to recommend it for a day trip from Munich.

The town is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Bavaria, where visitors can stroll around the historical market surrounded by beautiful townhouses, buy mementoes in tiny stores, and relax in the cosy cafés or distinctively Bavarian taverns.

One of Berchtesgaden’s most famous sights is the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. John the Baptist at the Augustinian monastery, which has a three-aisled Gothic nave at its heart, a twin-towered façade which dates from the Romanesque era, and an early Gothic choir, built between 1283 and 1303, which is a particular attraction.

Berchtesgaden Royal Castle was also built by the Augustinians in the Middle Ages. Its late Romanesque cloister reflects the era in which it was built – though after secularisation took hold in the region, the ruling Wittelsbach family used it as a hunting lodge. The castle, with its many works of art including two altarpieces by Tilman Riemenscheider (dating from around 1500), can only be visited as part of a guided tour.

Why not combine your visit to Berchtesgaden with an underground expedition into the local salt mine? Alternatively, you could take the bus from Kehlsteinstraße to the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest), from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the states of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg.

The Dokumentation Obersalzberg documentation centre is also well worth a visit. This historical centre hosts an exhibition detailing the story of Obersalzberg and the National Socialist dictatorship – Hitler bought his Berghof mountain residence in the area, and spent much of his time there during the war. In fact, after 1933, Obersalzberg was a second centre of power during the Third Reich.

Of course, you could also opt for a side trip to Königssee lake and travel from there by electric boat to St. Bartholomä; or even further afield to Salet, located at the end of the eight-kilometre-long lake.

Those wishing to learn more about the area of Berchtesgaden National Park around Königssee lake and the Watzmann, as well as its flora and fauna, should head to the Haus der Berge (House of the Mountains). This information and educational centre is located at the entrance to the village of Berchtesgaden.

Video: Lakes & Mountains

Tip: Anyone planning a day trip to Berchtesgaden should rise early, as the trip from Munich takes around two hours.

www.berchtesgaden.de

 

 

Photo: Tobias Schnorpfeil / Carolin Unrath
Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

Royal wanderlust

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Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Landscape near Kochel am See

The home of ”Der Blaue Reiter“

Our author goes on a hike in search of the places where Franz Marc found his inspiration.

Our author goes on a hike in search of the places where Franz Marc found his inspiration – and finds a magical place.

Two hiker are on a mountain ridge near Munich.

After-work hiking

Getting out into nature quickly: no problem in Munich, even in the afternoon. Five hiking tours for late risers and after-work athletes.

Getting out into nature quickly: no problem in Munich, even in the afternoon. Five hiking tours for late risers and after-work athletes.

View of an alpine hut in front of a mountain panorama in Munich.

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Barren rocks, wild mountain forests – and a fairy-tale castle.     

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A woman with the Tegernseer chalet in the background at the Bavarian foothills of the Alps in the surrounding region of Munich.

10 mins from the main station

In Munich you can reach mountain tops, Alpine views and creature comforts in no time. Here are a few suggestions.

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Two women with a bicycle on a pier by a lake in Bavaria.

Bathe, banter, bike

Whether „Hopfen and Bier-Schleife“, „Salz-Schleife“ or „Kunst- and Kulturschleife“, Munich is the hub for all routes of the water cycle paths.

Whether „Hopfen and Bier-Schleife“, „Salz-Schleife“ or „Kunst- and Kulturschleife“, Munich is the hub for all routes of the water cycle paths.

Entrance of the Hündeleskopfhütte, the first vegetarian hut in the Alps near Munich.

Alpine huts around Munich

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Kehlsteinhaus Berchtesgaden including a panoramic view of the valley in the surroundings of Munich.

Hitler’s tea room

A historical lookout high above Berchtesgaden, offering a stunning panoramic view.

The Kehlsteinhaus has been retained in its original form as a historical monument from the Third Reich, and is among the most popular destinations for trips in Germany.

Nymphenburg Palace in Munich at sunset.

Castles and palaces in and around Munich

The magnificent castles and palaces in and around Munich are world famous. An overview.

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Tegernsee lake in wintertime

Eight great winter excursions

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From snow-covered Neuschwanstein Castle to the icy Partnachklamm gorge: eight excursion ideas that are particularly beautiful in winter.

Two skiers skiing down in deep snow in front of a mountain panorama.

Under your own steam

From Munich, you can experience the combination of climbing under your own steam and descending through untouched snow within a weekend.

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View from above of a snow-covered winter landscape with a monastery in the outskirts of Munich.

Into the snow!

Whether in the city centre, along the banks of the Isar river or up a mountain in advance of tobogganing back down into the valley, Munich offers a wide selection of winter hikes to enjoy.

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Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Lakes & Mountains
Boat trip at the Königssee with panoramic view of the Alps in the surroundings of Munich.

Königssee

Emerald-green water at the foot of the legendary Watzmann.

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Lake Chiemsee with the Bavarian Alps in the background.

Chiemsee

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A man is standing on rocks at the shore of Eibsee nearby Garmisch in the surrounding region of Munich.

Zugspitze

The Zugspitze is only 90 kilometres away from the Bavarian state capital.

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Watzmann in the Berchtesgadener Land in the surrounding of Munich.

Watzmann

The Watzmann has long fascinated mountain climbers from all over the world.

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Windsurfer on the Walchensee in the hinterland of Munich.

Walchensee

Walchensee is not only the perfect destination for swimming, but also for windsurfing and hiking. Tips and information for a day trip from Munich.

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Boats in Starnberger See in the Five Lake Region nearby Munich with the Alps in the background.

Starnberger See

Anyone who fancies a swim, bike ride, leisurely stroll or boat trip won’t be disappointed on a trip to Starnberger See.

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The Tegernsee in the evening light with cloud reflection on the lake surface near Munich.

Tegernsee

Lake Tegernsee lies nestled between hillsides of dark-green forestation, is a wonder of nature whose origins date back to the last ice age.

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Evening atmosphere with sunset at Ammersee near Munich

Ammersee

It is not only one of the largest lakes in Bavaria, but also a popular destination for those seeking peace and tranquillity.

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View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.

Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 64 €!

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.