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Looking for a ton of outdoor activities in one spot to keep the whole family busy? Whether you’ve got a week or weekend, you should absolutely consider Berchtesgaden, which is located in the German Alps near the border of Austria.
Home to the Berchtesgaden National Park, which offers spectacular views, the third largest mountain in Germany and a glacial lake, you’ll experience some of the best nature activities in the country. These include skiing during the winter, rock climbing during the summer, and cycling nearly all year round.
Star of the show: Hiking in Berchtesgaden
But Berchtesgaden really shines when it comes to hiking. In addition to mountain trails — which are many and easily found — walkers have the chance to see a stunning variety of beauty. Check out the Hintersee, a lake which has been a magnet for artists for centuries. While you’re at it, disappear into the Zauberwald for a while: It is rightly billed as a magical forest and lovely during any month of the year.
If you really want to maximize your trail enjoyment, consider an autumn trip to Berchtesgaden. The scenery transforms from staggering to otherworldly. The amazing greens remain in sweeping fields of wild grass and evergreen trees; but the leaves put on a show, with golds, oranges, reds and purples. It is truly an incredible time to be there.
The Berchtesgaden area has trails for all hiking levels — from highly technical to family-friendly. If you’re looking for a challenge, make sure you research your route, gear up, and prepare well. If you’re looking for something incredible and not too difficult, choices abound. You could try the popular Wimbach Gorge hike (which is especially gorgeous — pun intended — in spring or autumn).
Hikers will find trails that are extremely well-marked, and that follow a color classification system: Yellow trails are adapted for those with limited mobility; blue is for beginners, red for moderate difficulty, and black for high levels of difficulty.
Berchtesgaden Old Town
Ready for some true Bavarian charm? The town of Berchtesgden is filled with both German Alpine loveliness and adventures of a more tranquil sort. The food is hearty, filling, and delicious, and the old town offers ample opportunities for window shopping. If you want a more laid-back weekend, send everyone else to the trails while you relax in one of Berchtesgaden’s thermal spas.
The best thing to do in the old town, however, is just to enjoy it. Wander the narrow streets. Snap photos. Go out early (before lots more tourists show up in the afternoon) or late (when the lights seem to make the place feel like magic). Berchtesgaden is a fantastic place to unwind and just…be.
Getting to Berchtesgaden
By car, Berchtesgaden is approximately 5.5 hours from Kaiserslautern, 3.5 hours from Stuttgart, and 5.5 hours from Wiesbaden. Check with Deutsche Bahn for train information.
Explore more by checking out these websites (all in English):
