Berchtesgaden - royal lake - Hitler's eagle's nest. How to get from Munich to Berchtesgaden. What to see in the surroundings

I have been planning this trip since last year, but every time something got in the way. I wanted to visit the Berchtesgaden National Park in summer, when the Alps are covered with greenery, the water in the lakes also acquires a turquoise hue, and the sun fills everything around with its light.

And only a year later I visited this amazing corner. To be honest, I didn’t really understand what to do in the mountains for more than a couple of days. But my idea of ​​​​this type of vacation was radically turned upside down after the trip. And now I can say for sure that here even two weeks will not seem enough. After noisy cities, to be in the very center of the Bavarian Alps, where green meadows with grazing cows stretch for hundreds of meters is just a dream of every traveler.

The inhabitants of Barchtesgaden speak German, more precisely in one of the dialects. They are very friendly and always happy to help tourists. The main thing is to be able to win over a person. Many people understand English, so there should be no problems.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders come here. And when the snow melts - lovers of walks in the mountains. Since I am more attracted to summer landscapes, the trip fell on June. And now, having returned from this wonderful place, I am thinking about going there in winter. It seems to me that celebrating Christmas and celebrating the New Year in the mountains against the backdrop of dazzling white slopes is a great idea. If you decide the same, then you need to look for and book a hotel at least one and a half to two months in advance. It is not so easy to find places in hotels at normal times (for adequate money), and during the holidays this problem is even more exacerbated. Therefore, this trip must be planned very well in advance. In the meantime, I'll tell you about my impressions of the summer vacation.

How to get there

Most best option to get to Berchtesgaden is first to fly to Munich, then by train to the Austrian Salzburg and from there by bus to arrive at the resort.

Yes, this scheme may seem complicated to someone, but I assure you that there are more hard-to-reach places. Here you are in an advantageous position, since it is possible to get there by public transport without going broke for taxi services.

I traveled by car. I will say right away that it is very convenient. Alternatively, you can rent a car at Munich Airport and drive straight to Berchtesgaden, taking in the natural surroundings along the way.

By plane

Having planned a vacation, immediately buy tickets to. Based on my experience of flying, prices never drop closer to the departure date. Therefore, it would be better to buy tickets as early as possible so as not to overpay.

Munich Airport

It is very large and convenient airport.

Despite its size, it is quite easy to navigate inside. You just need to carefully read the signs and follow the arrows. I'll tell you a little secret - the airport has its own brewery. Everyone can try freshly brewed beer in the restaurant. And for those who have time, it will be relevant to go on a tour of the brewery, where you will see all the stages of the production of this drink.

Moscow-Munich

There are many airlines flying from Moscow that offer direct convenient flights. The best part is that there are several morning, afternoon and evening flights every day. If you prefer to arrive in the afternoon, then choose the morning flight. This is convenient, because from the airport you can immediately go to the train to.

If it is more relevant for you to arrive at the place in the evening, spend the night in a hotel and set off on a further journey in the morning, then buy tickets for daytime flights.

Direct flights are carried out:

• Utair;

• Lufthansa.

Tickets cost 200-230 EUR in two directions. You can search for great deals, for example.

Saint Petersburg - Munich

You won't be able to fly from St. Petersburg without transfers.

All companies operate connecting flights:

• S7, Utair and AirBerlin (transfer to Domodedovo);

• Finnair (transfer to).

Ticket prices start from 230 EUR.

From Munich to Salzburg

You can get there by train or bus. Decide for yourself.

By train

At the airport, it is better to immediately find the ticket sales terminals and buy a ticket that allows you to travel by any type of transport throughout Bavaria (Bayern Ticket).

When buying at the terminal, it will cost from 22 EUR (depending on whether you buy a ticket for one person or for a group of people). On the card you need to write your name and surname (as in the passport). It operates on weekdays from 9:00 to 3:00 (nights), and on weekends - from 12:00 to 3:00. Keep in mind that everything is very strict in Germany - if the ticket starts at 9:00, the conductor will issue a fine if he checks your ticket at 8:55. The fines are high, so it's not worth the risk.

So, go out to the platform and sit down with the treasured ticket in one of the trains. Two lines stop at the airport: S1 and S2. Both trains go to the station.

At the station, you need to choose a train to Salzburg, get into a second-class carriage, and in two and a half hours you will arrive at.

That is, one ticket will allow you to pay for travel on all transport to Salzburg itself. Then it will no longer work.

The same way from the railway station can be covered in an hour and a half by bus. But here the Bavarian ticket does not work, you need to pay for the trip separately (about 35 EUR).

From Salzburg to Berchtesgaden

There is a bus station next to the railway station. From there, bus 840 leaves for Berchtesgaden. Travel time is about 40 minutes.

By train

It is not necessary to fly to Munich. For example, trains link Salzburg with many European cities. Therefore, if you decide to visit another major city in Austria instead of Munich, you can easily get to Salzburg by rail.

For example, you can take the train from Vienna.

• Travel time - 2:20 minutes.

• The cheapest tickets can be bought for 25 EUR. It will be a ride in second class, seated. By the way, it is also better to book in advance.

Another option is the train from Budapest to Salzburg.

• The journey will be longer - about 5 hours.

• The ticket will cost 95 EUR. I give approximate prices, because if you buy in advance, you can buy more profitable. Sometimes there are promotions and discounts.

When you get to Salzburg, go to the bus station (it is next to the railway station) and take the 840 bus to Berchtesgaden. Tickets can be bought at the box office.

By bus

And just a little life hack:

• If you are flying with Lufthansa to, then use the buses of this company. They depart from the airport and arrive at the Salzburg bus station. The life hack is that when buying tickets on the site, Lufthansa passengers receive a discount on the ticket.

And if you have another company, then choose regular buses. Tickets can be bought in advance online from 10 EUR. Travel time is about two and a half hours.

By car

Moscow - Berchtesgaden

If you are traveling by car, get ready for a long but interesting journey. The distance from Moscow is approximately 2240 kilometers.

You need to cross the border of Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria. Think in advance where you will make stops to rest and, if necessary, book a hotel room.

Also, do not forget to get an international driver's license.

Important! before the border with the Czech Republic and Austria do not forget to buy vignettes:

• Austrian vignette - minimum 10 days - 8.90 EUR

• Czech vignette - minimum 10 days - 12 EUR

You can take another road - through Germany, but it will be 200 kilometers further.

Saint Petersburg - Berchtesgaden

From St. Petersburg, the distance is slightly less - about 2160 kilometers.

The route passes through Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria. As I wrote above, you can not go through Austria and choose the road through Germany.

In any case, if you are driving in a country where a vignette is required, do not forget to purchase it, otherwise you will be tormented to pay fines later.

By ferry

I think it’s not even worth saying much here, since the Bavarian Alps have no access to the sea. However, there is one option - this is if you arrived by ferry to Venice.

From here it is easy to get to Berchtesgaden. The distance is about 400 kilometers. You can first get to Salzburg (by train 7 hours, a ticket costs about 60 EUR), and then according to the standard scheme that I have already described - by bus to Berchtesgaden.

But this is only for those who are not afraid of difficult routes, transfers, various modes of transport and long journeys.

Clue:

Berchtesgaden - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Yekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season. When is the best time to go

In fact, there is no such thing as "off season". Skiers fill Berchtesgaden from November to April (every year the skiing time may shift due to climatic fluctuations).

In spring, summer and autumn, hikers come here, and just those who are tired of noisy cities and want to be in nature, breathe fresh air.

Therefore, choose the season that is closer to you. For me, at the time of the trip, it was a priority to get there in the summer, when everything around is green and waterfalls fall in full force from the mountains. But the most interesting thing is the contrast of green mountains and a number of snow-capped peaks. It's just incredible.

Berchtesgaden in summer

From May to September, Berchtesgaden hotels are always filled to capacity. Even on ordinary days when there are no vacations and holidays. Tourists come with the main goal - to visit Lake Königssee, the deepest and cleanest in all of Germany.

If you also want to see this miracle of nature with your own eyes, then I advise you to choose the summer months.

Even on the hottest days in the mountains there is very fresh air. It doesn't mean it's cold there. On the contrary, the sun heats quite strongly. But at the same time, it is worth going into the shade, as you immediately feel a pleasant coolness. Plus, you can always wash in the lake - the water in it is soft and very clean. Many even take off their shoes and walk knee-deep in water along the shore. I saw only a few children swimming. I think the shores are not adapted for safe entry into the water, so even in the heat there are practically no people who want to cool off.

Berchtesgaden in autumn

From the end of September to November (the time when the skiing season has not yet begun) is quite comfortable for relaxing. First, the Alps change their color from emerald green to all shades of orange-red. There are no fewer tourists, because at this time boats still ply along Königssee, the weather is still quite warm. That is, you do not have to wrap yourself in scarves and hoods.

Castles are open almost all year round (with the exception of holidays), so the flow of tourists here always rolls over. In autumn, the number of families with children decreases, but elderly pensioners from all over Europe are added. These are the last ones that amaze me. It is difficult to imagine that our grandparents traveled around Russia in whole companies. Looking at this situation, it becomes very sad for our pensioners who cannot afford such leisure.

Berchtesgaden in spring

In general, here spring is a very blurred concept. In the mountains in April, skiers still ride with might and main, since the snow cover is quite dense. At the very beginning of May, it begins to warm up, the winter season closes and nature comes to life. Everything begins to bloom, bloom and smell sweet. The air is literally saturated with dozens of aromas. The sun is getting hotter and already in the second half of the month the air warms up to +26C. Evenings are still cool, you need to have closed clothes. It rains frequently at this time. It is very unpleasant if the weather spoils your vacation. general impression. But, unfortunately, in the mountains it is difficult to predict the weather. The forecast very often gives incorrect information.

Berchtesgaden in winter

It makes no sense to talk a lot about winter, since it is already clear that this is the time for winter sports. I will write about the Berchtesgaden pistes in detail below in the corresponding section. Both beginners who have just started skiing and professionals feel great here.

The weather from December to April is fairly constant, very snowy and frosty. Despite this, you need to have waterproof shoes and an umbrella. Because sleet can fall in the lowlands.

But in the mountains, the snow lies in a dense layer, the sun blinds everyone around and the skiing season is in full swing. Also, I would advise you to take a sunscreen emulsion with you. We do not attach much importance to the sun in winter, but in the mountains it is quite sharp, and the face can literally burn out in a day. There is little pleasant in this, especially if you ride in glasses or a mask that covers half of your face. Therefore, before going outside, you just need to apply a thin layer of cream, and this problem will be solved for you.

Clue:

Berchtesgaden monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Berchtesgaden is Small town, which for a resident of the metropolis will seem like a village at all. It will not be possible to select areas here, as is usually done in other places. On the map, I outlined the approximate boundaries of the city. As you can see, there are very few hotels here. The fact is that many hotels do not cooperate with booking systems, they simply have their own website (the most primitive option), where sometimes it is not even possible to book a room. Often you just need to call personally on the phone and ask about the availability of rooms. This option is only acceptable for those who either live in Germany or speak German. The rest have to choose from those few hotels that are on or similar sites.

If you are traveling by public transport, then choose hotels as close to railway station. Buses to Lake Königssee also depart from here (the main goal of all tourists in the city).

If you are by car, then you should not focus on the station. Choose a hotel away from the center, perhaps it will be located on a hill, in the mountains. But this is only a plus: fresh air and stunning landscapes are guaranteed to you. Most importantly, do not forget about the availability of parking, because if the hotel does not have it, then finding a place will be very problematic.

Also pay attention to the presence of a restaurant in the hotel. There are houses where the owners offer guests only rooms to spend the night. The lack of a restaurant can be very inconvenient as there is not always a cafe nearby. This means that you still have to spend time looking for a place to have breakfast. And in the evening, after returning from a walk, I really don’t want to go anywhere, and I don’t have the strength. And going down to the beer yard located in the hotel and having dinner is a much better idea.

What are the prices for holidays

Food

I advise you to look for breakfast included in the room price. Or just pay it separately at the hotel. Usually it costs 10-15 EUR for two.

As for lunch or dinner in a restaurant, I can say that the prices do not differ much from the prices in Germany as a whole.

For example:

• the second course costs from 15 EUR

• soups - from 7 EUR

• beer snacks - from 10 EUR

• beer (0.5) - from 4 EUR

• a glass of wine - from 5-6 EUR

Housing

As for hotels, the prices here are not at all low. If you book two weeks before arrival, then you will have very little choice, and the minimum room rate will be around 100-130 EUR. You need to book accommodation at least a month, or even two. In this case, you will be able to choose from many more hotels, and prices will not bite. By the way, you can compare them in advance.

As an example, I will give prices for hotels (if ordered two and a half months in advance).

The most budget option that I came across is a room in a guest house for 65 EUR with breakfast. It is very cheap, although the living conditions are suitable only for the most picky tourists. You can search for offers.

Most hotels offer rooms from 90 to 150 EUR. They usually don't have stars. But conditions are better. This is what a typical hotel looks like: a nice house with a parking lot nearby and an open terrace.

Some of them have indoor pools and saunas, gyms. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, balconies with picturesque views around, new plumbing.

And there are several hotels from the luxury segment, whose prices start from 220 EUR. Perhaps the best of them is the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden. Pleasure is not from the budget, but the network of these hotels is designed for travelers with the highest requirements. Paying about 270 EUR per night, guests get access to a large spa area, swimming pools, one of which is located under open sky and heated in winter, as well as a rich buffet (for breakfast).

Taxi

As I said, taxis in Germany are expensive, in Berchtesgaden - no exception. Boarding, and each piece of luggage, and even calling the car by phone are paid separately. Even for the most short distance(15 minutes drive) will cost at least 20 EUR. Payment is made by the meter, the highest price is usually for the first 5 kilometers, then it becomes lower.

Prices for each company may vary slightly, but in general, for an example, I will indicate the main prices:

• landing - about 3 EUR

• each kilometer (up to 5 kilometers) - 1.80 EUR

• from 5 km - 1.50 - 1.60 EUR

• one piece of luggage - 0.50 - 0.70 EUR

• calling a taxi by phone - 1.30 EUR

If possible, it is better to look for cars at special taxi stops so as not to pay more for ordering a car.

Main attractions. What to see

Despite the fact that the city itself is small, there is something to see here. Architectural monuments, natural resources - everyone can find something interesting for themselves. Save on visiting attractions will not work.

Entrance to each object is paid, in the range of 10-25 EUR. Pleasure is not cheap, but it's worth it. There is no general ticket for visiting several places. Therefore, before the trip, decide what exactly you want to visit and calculate how much money will be spent on these attractions.

Some places, such as the Eagle's Nest, can only be reached as part of an organized group. Independent visit impossible. I didn't really like it because I like to travel without guides and bus tours. But there are advantages to this: you are not looking for parking, they tell you everything in detail, answer questions and organize tourists' access directly to the sights.

As practice has shown, in order to see everything without haste, to enjoy all the beauties - you need to stay here for at least a week. And even then, I think that then you will not want to leave this place.

Top 5

Beaches. Which is better

There are no beaches in the Berchtesgaden area. In summer you can sunbathe on the open terraces of the hotels. I advise you to book a hotel with an outdoor pool, then you can fully feel yourself in a water resort.

There are no equipped swimming areas on Lake Königssee. And yes, the water is cold. Even in summer it does not warm up to comfortable temperature. They don't swim in the lake. Only once I saw a few daredevils who went into the water. And I'm not sure it's even allowed. The rest simply sat on the shore on the grass, exposing the exposed parts of their bodies to the sun.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Church of St. Bartholomew

This Catholic Church. It is located on the western shore of Lake Königssee, about 8 kilometers from the city.

You can walk here, but it's a very long walk (on a difficult mountain path about one and a half to two hours) along the lake. Basically, everyone uses the services of boats that carry tourists. The first stop of the boat is the Church of St. Bartholomew. The very first building was built in the XII century, later the building was decorated in the Baroque style. The red domes and snow-white walls of the church are visible from afar.

Church of St. Andrew

It has been rebuilt many times since its foundation. Today we can see beautiful building with pink-sand walls with five altars. And in 1993, a large organ was installed inside, which is played by local craftsmen. That is why organ music often sounds around the church.

Cathedral of Saint Peter and John the Baptist

It adjoins the royal cathedral. It can be recognized by its two rectangular towers. Inside, it is very elegantly decorated: a semicircular arched ceiling, skillful balconies and a majestic organ crowning the composition.

Church of Christ

This is the only Lutheran church in the city.

It appeared 90 years after the beginning of the revival of Protestantism. The church was built of brown blocks, and the green domed roofs stretched upwards can be seen from afar.

Maria Gern Church

At the top of the hill, almost at the very exit from the city, there is a Roman Catholic church. Against the backdrop of picturesque nature, it looks very harmonious. Snow-white walls, a two-story bell tower with a dome are hard to see from the city because of the trees. But you should definitely climb here and preferably in clear weather, as the views here are very picturesque.

Church Maria am Berg

This is a small church on the mountain, which is not easy to find.

There are no signs around. Only the steep stairs leading to the church have a small plaque. Unfortunately, there are a lot of such “hidden” places in the Alps, which are not easy to find due to mountainous terrain.

I only discovered it because I lived in a hotel nearby. Exploring the area, I accidentally came across this building.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

Salt Mine Museum Salzbergwerk

It is forbidden to take pictures inside the mine. But inside there are cameras that take pictures. At the exit, you can buy your favorite photos.

Each visitor is given a robe suit, a group of 10-15 people gathers and everyone gets on a train that takes tourists deep into the cave. Then the group goes on foot, slides down the hills as in childhood, goes down the stairs lower and lower. Be sure to take an audio guide in Russian or English language.

The most exciting part of the tour is the boat crossing from one side of the cave lake to the other. Around the backlight is installed, everything shines, immersing visitors in some kind of fabulous atmosphere.

In total, you will have to walk about one and a half kilometers, but this is absolutely not tiring.

• Open: from May to October from 9:00 to 17:00

• from November to April from 11:00 to 15:00

• Excursion price: 17 EUR

Hitler's House "Eagle's Nest"

In general, this place is called Kehlsteinhaus or tea house. It was given to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday by Martin Bormann.

The place for construction was not chosen by chance - a mountain peak at an altitude of about 1834 meters opens up a stunning panorama around. Here you can see the surroundings at a glance.

From Berchtesgaden there is a special bus that takes tourists to the tunnel. The road takes about 15 minutes. By the way, it was carved into the rocks in just one year. You can climb on foot, but it will take more than two hours to walk. This is only for trained people.

Leaving the bus, you need to immediately sign up for the return flight, because there are a lot of people and you need to book seats right away. Otherwise, you can lose the whole day waiting for a free place. Riding while standing is prohibited.

Then there is a path of 127 meters through the tunnel. It looks ominous - damp walls, yellowish lighting. And finally, travelers go to the elevator. In itself, it is a work of art. It has been preserved in perfect condition since its construction. The elevator takes visitors up to 124 meters.

Wear sports shoes - sneakers or mountain boots. The path to the house, although safe, is covered with stones that you can trip over.

When you get to the top, look around. You will see Berchtesgaden, the Austrian Salzberg and even royal lake Königssee. The spirit is breathtaking from what he sees.

There is a restaurant in the house where you can dine. But there are always more people who want to seats.

• Bus and lift ticket price: 16 EUR

• Open from the end of May to October from 8:30 to 16:30

Museum of the History of Nazism

Previously, this place was the headquarters of the Nazis. In the house, which was located right there, Hitler lived for some time, and nearby - a bunker.

The exhibition shows why Nazism was so popular, how it was propagated among the population. A visit to the museum involves viewing the exposition with a gradual descent into a cool and damp bunker. It was here that Hitler planned to hide with his associates in dangerous moments. In general, this descent symbolizes the fall of the country during the time of fascism.

• Open: weekdays from 9:00 to 14:00

• Ticket price: 3 EUR

Royal Castle Museum

The castle was the residence of the Bavarian royal Wittelsbach dynasty.

Over time, the building expanded and completed, and in different architectural styles. Today it can be observed if you walk around the castle - baroque, rococo and even gothic are mixed here. You can visit it with a guided tour.

• Ticket price: 9 EUR

• Open: from May to October from 10:00 to 16:00

• from November to the end of April from 11:00 to 14:00

parks

Berchtesgaden National Park

Located next to the city. Regular buses run constantly from the center, so getting to the park is very easy. The pearl of the park is Lake Königssee. This is where tourists flock to.

I arrived at the pier, from where the boats leave, early in the morning, and at that time a rather long queue had already gathered at the cash desk. I advise you to come here as early as possible - by 9 am.

Buy your tickets right away. A trip to the final stop - from where you can walk to the second mountain lake Obersee, will cost 17.80 EUR.

There is another option - a ticket to the stop where the monastery of St. Bartholomew is located. It costs about 10 EUR. But I advise you to buy the farthest route right away, because you definitely need to visit there. Do not lose your ticket, it is always checked when boarding the boat.

So, to the first stop (number 12 on the diagram), swim for about 30 minutes. In the middle of the way, the boat slows down and stops (number 8). The guide picks up the horn and blows through the open window. Here the famous echo is heard, which is reflected in the rocks. Impressive.

At the stop at the monastery, you can get off, walk along the shore of the lake, take an endless number of photos and go further.

Get on the boat and sail to the end. It's another 20-25 minutes on the way. There is simply amazing nature around - waterfalls, mountains, snowy peaks and emerald water.

Then you can go along the path to the next lake - Obersee and return back. And you can walk along it and climb to the waterfall (number 16 on the diagram). The main thing is to put on suitable shoes and take water with you. The road is difficult, runs along a steep cliff, up and down. But if you walk carefully and do not rush, then it is quite possible to reach even a not very athletic person. In general, many tourists went with small children almost infancy.

The entire journey from the pier to the waterfall and back with stops and rest will take about 5-6 hours.

At point number 15 there is a house where you can buy drinks (local beer, juice mixed with soda and fresh milk from cows that graze right there) and sandwiches with meat.

This snack is very handy, because there is no other place to eat here.

tourist streets

In fact, there are no tourist streets in the city. Attractions are scattered throughout the city and beyond. In the very center, near the station, there are cafes and restaurants. You can have lunch there. You can walk around the city along the river, which stretches along the entire Berchtesgaden. Evening walks are especially pleasant. During the day it is better not to waste time on this and explore other attractions.

What to see in 1 day

If you are passing through Berchtesgaden, then you won’t be able to see much. The day will be very busy, you will have to get up very early. But the experience you get is worth it. I will offer you my plan for how you can spend time in this beautiful place.

• 9:00 - 11:00 - after breakfast, go to the salt mine. In order not to waste time, tickets can be bought in advance online. Do not forget that the tours are held at certain times. So if you buy a ticket for 9:00, then you need to come 5-10 minutes before the start. If you are late, the turnstile will not let you through. The Germans are very punctual in this regard.
• 11:00 - 12:00 - in about 45 minutes you can get to the bus stop that goes to the Eagle's Nest.
• 12:00 - 14:00 - we examine the “nest”, admire nature and beautiful views around.
• 14:00 - 15:00 - it's time to refresh yourself. Choose a restaurant in the city and relax. Believe me, the forces will still be very useful to you.
• 15:00 - 16:00 - about the same time it will take to get to Königssee and stand in line at the ticket office. Be sure to check when the last boat goes back to the pier, so as not to be late. Each time of the year they have a different schedule. But approximately at 7 o'clock in the evening it is already necessary to gather back.

In fact, three hours for the huge Berchtesgaden park is very little. However, if you have only one day, then you will not be able to allocate more time. You will not have time to reach the waterfall (the farthest point). But you will see the monastery, admire the nature and understand that next time you will come here for at least a few days.

What to see in the surroundings

There are many interesting things around. It all depends on how much time you have.

Salzburg

The city is very close, you can get there by bus. It is better to go for the whole day - leave in the morning and return in the evening.

Bad Reichenhall

You can go to the neighboring resort town of Bad Reichenhall. There are thermal springs, and most importantly - a SPA center with a swimming pool, saunas and other pleasant things. In summer it is pleasant to swim in the outdoor pool and sunbathe, in winter it is heated and there are no less people who want to soak up the warm water overlooking the snow-capped mountain peaks.

Munich

Take a couple of days to Munich.

After the majestic Alpine landscapes, plunge headlong into the bustling city, where there are many churches, temples, museums and other places noteworthy.

Neuschwanstein Castle

I can't say enough about Neuschwanstein Castle.

It is located 230 kilometers to the west. The path is long, but if you have already arrived in the Bavarian Alps, it would be a shame not to see one of the most famous castles not only in Germany, but throughout Europe.

Food. What to try

Local cafes and restaurants serve approximately the same dishes. The basis is potatoes, vegetables and meat.

Order pork tenderloin, usually served with boiled potatoes and sauerkraut. This is simple country food with no frills.

For a snack, traditional white sausages with mustard are suitable. Here they are on every corner.

First courses are mostly rich soups in pots or deep bowls.

I advise beer lovers to try all the local beers. There are several varieties and they are all delicious. Intoxicating connoisseurs will appreciate it. Here everyone drinks beer - during the day in restaurants at dinner, in the evening while talking with friends. But the menu almost always has a selection of wine and soft drinks.

It's still impossible to leave Berchtesgaden without tasting hot crispy pretzel. It's already a classic. It can be bought right on the street in special trade counters.

It's hard for me to recommend anything specific. I had to eat every time in a new place, in the hotel restaurant, in restaurants that we met on the way from one point to another. I have no complaints about food. But don't expect a lot of restaurants here. haute cuisine, in Bavaria, everything is homely simple. But still there is literally a couple really expensive places with great service and a great menu.

You can also find not only Bavarian cuisine, but also Greek, French and even Thai.

Budget

Want to eat cheap? Then buy food in street tents - sausages in rolls, pretzels - this can be a tasty snack and save a lot.

Intermediate level

This niche is occupied, perhaps, by the lion's share of all restaurants in the city. Their prices are almost the same. Sometimes cafe signs are so inconspicuous that it is easy to miss them. Many restaurants belong to hotels but are open to the public.

Here are a few establishments as an example:

• Berggasthof Oberkälberstein;

• Bier Adam;

• Acropolis;

• Braustuberl.

Expensive

I will highlight the following restaurants:

• Edelweiss Panorama;

• Restaurant Le Ciel;

• Restaurant Johan Grill.

Holidays

The most beloved and long-awaited holiday of all citizens is the day of the city. It is traditionally held on April 1st. In fact, it’s hard to imagine that quiet Berchtesgaden, where you sometimes walk down the street and you don’t meet anyone along the way, is filled with crowds of people. But the day of the city is a whole event. The central streets, houses, show-windows of shops and restaurants are decorated. On central square people have fun, relax in restaurants - come at this time and see for yourself.

Safety. What to watch out for

There is nothing to be wary of here.

But do not neglect the basic rules:

• when buying any things, check the change (sometimes sellers can make a mistake due to the large number of visitors)

• do not keep bags with valuables open

In general - relax and enjoy nature and the beauties of the city and everything will be fine.

Things to do

The city has a rafting center. It is located near the train station on the banks of the river that flows in Berchtesgaden. You can rent equipment here. The instructor will tell you about all the nuances that are possible during the rafting process. For beginners, the routes are short and they pass through places that are not particularly dangerous. Here in this part of the city the river does resemble a stream.

For those who are confident in their abilities, the routes are more difficult.

I am not interested in such entertainment, so I can’t say how much one ride will cost. But going to the rafting center, if you are in Berchtesgaden, will not be difficult. You will walk around the city along the river - you will not pass by.

According to my own observations, I can say that the river has different slopes - both very small and steeper. Therefore, I think for fans of extreme sports, it will not be boring here.

I am more interested in hiking and cycling. In almost every hotel you can rent a mountain bike and rush towards adventure. By the way, you can ride here, as in all of Germany, only on special bike paths. So look for the signs. If there is no bike path, then you need to go along the road along with the cars in the direction of traffic, and not along the sidewalk.

If cycling is not for you, put on your running shoes and go to the mountains. There are many hiking trails here.

Do not forget your camera, because the higher you go, the more you want to take pictures of nature around. I was not afraid to get lost, because there are signs on the routes indicating how many kilometers still have to be covered. Moreover, there are a lot of tourists during the season. If you want to enjoy the silence and majesty of the mountains alone, you need to hit the road early in the morning.

Bars. Where to go

There are no bars in our understanding (entertainment establishments with a bar counter and a large menu of cocktails and strong alcohol) in the city. Basically, these are beer yards where you can eat and drink. They work on average until 22:00.

Clubs and nightlife

Don't even expect to hang out in a club. Simply because they are not in Berchtesgaden. They don't come here for that. And after a whole day spent in the mountains, the maximum that you have enough strength for is to sit in a restaurant.

extreme sports

Snowboard

In winter, during the skiing season, get on the board. Good trails here a large number of. For beginners, there is also a place to learn.

Rock climbing

Watzmann Peak is a paradise for extreme sports lovers. Its slopes challenge the most daring climbers. If the soul and body are asking for adrenaline - you are definitely here.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Magnets, mugs, bottle openers, plates, toys and key chains are classic souvenirs.

If you want to surprise your friends or relatives, bring a Bavarian hat with a feather as a gift. I don't know where to put it on, but there are a lot of them on sale.

How to move around the city

The city is best explored on foot or by bike.

Taxi. What features exist

For detailed taxi prices, see the "What are the prices for holidays" section.

Buses

I did not use buses, but I saw that several routes go around the city. They pass through Berchtesgaden and continue on to neighboring villages.

Transport rental

You can rent a car in major cities; there are no rental offices in Berchtesgaden. It is best to do this in Salzburg or Munich. If you book a car in advance via the Internet, you can save a lot. You can search for offers, for example. A simple model will cost 80-90 EUR. You can probably find cheaper.

The roads in the city are good, but in the vicinity they are mountainous almost everywhere. There are also serpentine, and sharp turns, descents and ascents. You need to take your time and be careful.

And the rest - the car will be your lifesaver. It is more convenient than buses, and if you are traveling with a company, it is even more profitable in a sense (plus saving time and absolute freedom route selection).

Berchtesgaden - holidays with children

I think the kids will like it here in the warm season. All kids love outdoor recreation, especially when there is where to run and frolic.

Another tip - if possible, book a hotel with a pool. In bad weather or just in the evening, you can go to the spa and relax in the pool with the whole family.

Ski holidays

Do I recommend skiing here? Of course yes! This is just the perfect place for an active winter holiday.

Even if you don't ride much, just enjoy the surrounding nature and fresh air.

Tracks

It offers about 50 kilometers of trails with different levels of difficulty:

• 10 green - 8 km;

• 9 blue - 15 km;

• 8 red - 12 km;

• 6 black (for extra-class pros) - 5 km.

Choose the slopes that suit your level of snow skills and enjoy skiing.

Have something to add?

How to get to Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is a year-round South Bavarian resort in the foothills of the Alps, considered one of the untouched corners of Germany. Berchtesgaden itself is a small cozy town with old narrow streets and colorful houses, but the surroundings of the town amaze with their scale and pristine nature - these are mountains, and lakes, and salt mines, and valleys, and forests.

In winter, tourists come to Berchtesgaden to explore ski slopes, in summer, to see with your own eyes the beauty of the Alps in its natural state with snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, meadows where local cows roam. And not far from Berchtesgaden is the place "Eagle's Nest", as well as the balneological resort of Bad Reichenhall. Holidays in Berchtesgaden are suitable for those who have long dreamed of seeing an idyllic picture of foothill nature, somewhat reminiscent of the landscapes of Switzerland, but only in Bavaria.

You can get to Berchtesgaden both from Munich and from the Austrian Salzburg, and the second one is located much closer to the resort, although it is located in another country. Salzburg is located 30 km from Berchtesgaden, you can get from one city to another by regular bus No. 840. In Germany, the nearest city to Berchtesgaden with international airport is Munich, which is located from the resort at a distance of almost 200 km.

How to get to Berchtesgaden from Munich

Getting from Munich to Berchtesgaden by public transport directly without transfers will not work. There are several options. One option is to use the trains, in which case you will have to change in the town of Freilassing, the travel time will be about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The train schedule can be checked on the railway service .

The second option is to take the train from Munich to Salzburg and then from Salzburg take the bus directly to Berchtesgaden. Travel time is also about 2 hours 40 minutes. In addition, you can stay in Salzburg longer, because the city is famous for its sights.

The only way to get directly from Munich to Berchtesgaden is by car. The cities are connected by road No. A8. In this case, you can order .Another option is to rent a car in Munich, subject to availability of an international driving license. It is not difficult to find a rental office in Munich, almost all famous companies- Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, many of them have offices right at the airport. You can book a car in advance using the service rentalcars.com, which compares the rental conditions and the cost of car rental for different suppliers.

Tim Dorr/Berchtesgaden National Park

Where to stay in Berchtesgaden

All hotels in Berchtesgaden are family-type and have a small number of places to stay. Most often, these are cozy wooden houses on one or two floors, equipped with everything you need. There are no usual chain hotels in the city. As a rule, breakfasts and parking are already included in the price of accommodation in Berchtesgaden hotels (check when booking). If you stay in an apartment, you will have to take care of the food yourself, but parking spaces are most often available.

Alpenhotel Kronprinz 4 stars

The hotel is located in a quiet area with views of the Bavarian Alps. The center of Berchtesgaden and the train station are within walking distance. It offers sauna, restaurant, terrace. Private paid parking is available on site.

Guests can choose from rooms with different capacities and different levels. All rooms are equipped with a safe, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, refrigerator, free Wi-Fi. Buffet breakfasts are included in the rate. The hotel received the highest ratings for the cleanliness of the rooms, the location of the hotel and the work of the staff.

Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 11.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Alpinhotel Berchtesgaden 3 stars

This new Alpine-style hotel is located right next to the ski lifts. There is a bus stop nearby, providing easy access to the center of Berchtesgaden. Guests of the hotel can always relax on the terrace with mountain views and leave their car in the free parking.

The hotel offers its guests classic and superior rooms. All of them are equipped with satellite TV, hairdryer, radio, free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have a balcony. Buffet breakfasts are included in the rate. The hotel received the best reviews for the cleanliness, comfort and convenience of the rooms, as well as for the work of the staff and the quality of the Wi-Fi provided.

An ATM, tour desk and luggage storage are available on site. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 11.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Hotel AlpinaRos Demming, unrated

This hotel in country style located in the center of Berchtesgaden, within walking distance from the railway station. The hotel has a bar. All rooms have a balcony with views of the Alps. The hotel provides free private parking on site.

The hotel has single, double and family rooms, which are equipped with satellite TV, hairdryer, kettle, free Wi-Fi. Buffet breakfasts are served in the dining room and are included in the rate. The hotel received high marks for the cleanliness of the rooms, the work of the staff and the location.

The hotel provides luggage storage and a tour desk. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 10.30. You can find out more about the availability and cost of staying at the hotel for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Luxus-Appartements in Berchtesgaden, apartments

The apartments are conveniently located within walking distance of the city center and a 5-minute drive to the ski lifts. The apartments have a furnished terrace with mountain views. Free parking is provided and free WiFi is available.

Vacationers can choose between apartments with a separate bedroom or studio apartments. Inside you can find a TV, safe, washing machine, hair dryer. The dining area is equipped with a kettle, dishwasher, oven, stove, toaster, coffee machine, kitchen utensils. The apartments received the best ratings for cleanliness, amenities and comfort of the rooms. The quality of the Wi-Fi provided was also highly appreciated.

Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 10.00. You can find out more about the availability and cost of living in apartments for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

What to see in Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden, being a cozy southern resort town with ancient streets, medieval squares and "gingerbread" half-timbered houses, attracts like a magnet. However, all the main attractions are still in the vicinity of Berchtesgaden. The city is located in the pre-Alpine valley, and this predetermined its resort orientation. The surroundings of Berchtesgaden are a mix of mountains, lakes, valleys and hills. In winter, it is good to ski, snowboard, skate, sledge, and you can also do extreme sports. In the summer it is good to combine hiking and mountaineering.

The main attractions of the surroundings of Berchtesgaden are mountains and ski slopes, a place called "Eagle's Nest", salt mines and, of course, numerous alpine lakes, such as the purest Königssee, Obersee and Hintersee.

Mountains and slopes for skiing

Berchtesgaden is literally surrounded on all sides by mountains - these are the so-called Bavarian Alps. Here on the slopes of the mountains winter time ski slopes of different difficulty levels are equipped, lifts work. A mountain is considered a mountain slope for mass skiing. Jenner, where ski slopes are equipped under different level difficulty, there is also a ski school where beginner skiers can learn the basics of skiing from the mountain slopes. The track is also good for beginners. Grünstein, it is also not difficult for lovers of this winter sport.

There are also more exotic slopes for skiing, for example, on the side of a mountain Gotchen you can come to ride even at night, special lighting devices are installed here. There are lifts to all slopes. In the summer, you can also ride them, from here you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the mountains.

"Eagle's Nest" and salt mines

There is a mountain peak near Berchtesgaden Obersalzberg, it is there, at its tip, that you can find a historical monument - the Eagle's Nest house and the famous salt mines. inside the building "Eagle's Nest" now there is a restaurant, and the area offers a panoramic view of the East side of the Alps. Interest is also a visit salt mines, because visitors can go down to a depth of 600 meters in the adits, where salt was once mined. Inside the adit there is an underground salt Lake where you can ride a boat under the effects of a light show.

The cost of a ticket to enter the mines is 16.50 euros for one adult and 9.50 euros for a child. You can buy tickets at the entrance or online on the official website of the Salt Mines Museum (salzbergwerk - German). The mines are open to the public daily from 09.00 to 17.00 in summer and from 11.00 to 15.00 in winter. At the entrance, you must wear special clothes that are issued for the duration of the visit.

Lakes Könegsee, Obersee, Hintersee

The lakes near Berchtesgaden have an undeniable advantage: being mountainous alpine formations, they are the cleanest lakes in Germany. To preserve the water biobalance, only non-motorized boats go through the lakes so as not to pollute the water. One of the most visited lakes by tourists is considered Königssee("Royal Lake") and adjacent Obersee.

You can go around the picturesque lake with a special boat tour, where the guide will tell you not only interesting information about the lake, but even play musical instrument so you can hear the sound bouncing off the mountains and the water. On the opposite shore of the lake there is an alpine valley with peacefully grazing cattle, as well as a small church of St. Bartholomew.

There are also hiking trails around the lake, including a visit to a more remote, but the same crystal clean lake Obersee ("Upper Lake"). The cost of a boat trip along the route Königssee - St. Bartholomew's Church (round trip) - 14.80 euros, along the route Königssee - Salet (from where the hiking route around Obersee starts) - 17.80 euros, there are also one-way tickets with the ability to return back on foot (8 and 9.50 euros respectively).

The lake is located near locality Ramsau and is also one of scenic spots near Berchtesgaden. The lake is surrounded pine forests and rocky shores, in some places there are real age-old boulders. On the lake you can go hiking and cycling, rent a boat and ride on the lake. Entrance to the lake is free.

All of the attractions listed are Berchtesgaden National Park named after the resort town of the same name. Along with the "Bavarian Forest" and the Black Forest Park, Berchtesgaden Park is a gem among the natural attractions of southern Germany. Read more about these and other places of interest in the region at .

Berchtesgaden is located 155 km from Munich, so tourists and travelers often combine visits to both cities. Munich is famous for its historical sights, palaces, squares, cathedrals, museums. Also in Munich is an amazing Botanical Garden and a popular zoo. More about .

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

On a note :

When traveling in Germany, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of registration tourist visa. You can take out insurance on your own without leaving your home. For this, there are special services, such as , and others. You can buy a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.

Photo at the beginning of the article: Bernd Thaller

Useful information for tourists about Berchtesgaden in Germany - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Berchtesgaden is a winter resort located in the southeast of Germany, in the part that juts out into Austria (25 km to Salzburg). Here it is mountain range Watzmann with the second highest peak in Germany of the same name (2713 m).

In addition to the most common winter sports - skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding, other forms of winter activities are very popular in Berchtesgaden: trekking in the surrounding mountains, skating on the ice of frozen lakes, sports sledding from the hills or tobogganing in deep snow, bobsleigh, freestyle, curling, downhill skiing and tandem boarding. The season runs from December to April.

For more than 30 years, Schönau has had a luge and bobsleigh track, the first in the world with artificial ice. In winter, competitions are constantly held here, in which guests of the resort also participate. For lovers of walks in the snow-covered expanses, 60 km of footpaths are arranged.

Cross-country skiers can enjoy 15 km of trails in Dorf-Königssee, Oberschönau and the Jenner and Grünstein foothills at an altitude of about 600 m, in the Aschauer Weier. The total length of cross-country trails is over 90 km.

Accommodation is offered in boarding houses, apartments, private hotels, lying right at the foot of the mountains. The resort has ski schools (including those with Russian-speaking instructors).

Favorable climatic conditions(mild winters and cool summers) Berchtesgaden, protected by its mountains from the winds, ozone-rich air is used for climatotherapy for respiratory diseases, anemia, functional disorders of the nervous system, etc.

In Berchtesgaden there is a unique salt adit. The healing gallery in the salt galleries was opened in 1990 and is the only one in Western Europe. A special electric train takes visitors deep into the mountain. After 750 m. of the path, a wooden gate opens into a hall with an area of ​​850 square meters. m., located in a solid salt layer. Special lighting creates an atmosphere in the hall fairytale castle. Visitors sit on comfortable wooden deck chairs around a salt pool with a fountain. No more than 50 patients visit the galleries in one run, they are accompanied by specialists. Staying in adits at an air temperature of 12 ° C and 85% humidity lasts about 2 hours. Special climate salt galleries causes a positive therapeutic effect in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, allergies, migraine, rheumatism, sleep disturbance.

The resort has a thermal complex Watzmann Therme. The complex offers: pools with numerous attractions, flow and massage, an 80-meter slide, a 25-meter pool, outdoor and indoor pools with therapeutic salt water, massage, a waterfall and therapeutic salt mines, as well as a Finnish sauna, a free-standing wooden outdoor sauna , steam room, herbal sauna, aromatherapy, solariums, beauty treatments and much more...

The cozy town of Schönau near the northern part of Lake Königssee is considered the gateway to the Berchtesgaden National Park, which lies in the southern part of this region of Bavaria. Ski slopes with a total length of almost 60 km, they pass at altitudes of 600–1874 m. There are no "black" - the most difficult - descents here. There are several ski areas around the city. They are located in different places, and it is unlikely that you will be able to visit all of them in a short time of rest.

Closest to the city is the ski area on the gentle slope of the Grunstein mountain (1304 m). There is one "green" track 500 m long and one drag lift. A little further from the city, at altitudes of 630–1800 m, lies ski area Jenner-Königssee (top - 1874 m), the descents of which are considered medium-difficulty slopes for specialists. There are eight tracks, of which six are red and two are blue. The total length is 10 km, the maximum length is 3.1 km. There are eight lifts for skiers. Snow cannons are used if necessary. There is a ski school "Jenner". To the east of Berchtesgaden, a short drive towards Austria is the Gutshof-Obersalzberg ski area (900–1050 m).

Almost on the border there is the Rossfeld resort (835–1550 m), which forms a single ski area with Austrian resort Zinken. It is famous for good natural snow. There are excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding, there is a half-pipe and a fun park.

Snowboarders call the real Eldorado the Götschen/Hirchkazer zone (880–1385 m), which is located west of Berchstegaden. Equipped with a beautiful halfpipe with night lighting. World championships in winter sports have been repeatedly held here. The Hochschwarzeck mountain (1103-1385 m) west of Götschen will be a little boring for experts, but its gentle, well-prepared pistes on a flat top make skiing a real pleasure for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

Berchtesgaden is a very cozy city with many restaurants, bars and cafeterias. The town has preserved a medieval castle with an 18th-century façade and a 14th-century Gothic dormitory. Interesting to see is the old Romanesque church of St. Peter and John of the XII century and the Franciscan church of the XVI century, decorated with ancient frescoes.

One of the main natural attractions in the vicinity of Berchtesgaden is the Berchtesgaden National Park. A wonderful variety of landscape: majestic cliffs, dense forests, deep abysses and glaciers are combined here with meadows and pastures, quiet river valleys. From the top of Mount Jenner (1874 m above sea level) there is an amazing view of Lake Königsee and the numerous peaks of Germany and Austria.

Berchtesgaden is a small town in Bavaria, located 30 kilometers from the Austrian Salzburg, and about 180 kilometers from Munich. The first mention of Berchtesgaden appeared in 1102, when Roman settlements appeared on the territory of today's Bavaria. After the discovery of salt deposits, the region began to grow rapidly and turned into a fairly large trading center.
In the 19th century, Berchtesgaden became the residence of the royal family...
Berchtesgaden itself, like its surroundings, appears to us as a very beautiful, clean and truly German settlement.

After the Nazis came to power, fans of Adolf Hitler and members of the fascist party chose this place for their gatherings and building their homes. Here, since 1928, Hitler's favorite residence, the Berghof, was located, where he received big politicians who visited Germany on an official visit. In 1945, the Berghof was bombed and the houses of the leadership close to Hitler were destroyed.
Of all the buildings that are in any way connected with the name of the Fuhrer, only the Kehlsteinhaus tea house (Eagle's Nest) remains.

Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest)

The salt mines of Berchtesgaden began to be developed from 1517. Guided tours in the mines have been held for over 170 years! The mines are still active (in another part of the mountain).


The mines are located inside salt mountain. The method of extracting salt in the salt mines of Berchtesgaden differs from the method of extracting salt, for example, in the Russian city of Solikamsk.
Wells filled with water are drilled in the mountain to extract salt. The water is subsequently pumped out of the wells and evaporated.
You can safely get dirty when walking through the mine: at the entrance, each visitor is given costumes worn over clothes (even the size of the costume is selected at a glance!). But it’s better to wear comfortable shoes: you will have a trip on small trailers, a walking alley and a very original descent into the mine along the miner’s hill.
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the mine. Attempts to take photographs are very jealously suppressed. At the same time, you will be photographed while boarding the trolleys and descending into the mine along the miner's hill (try to smile!). The cost of one photo at the exit is 10 (ten) euros.

Mining hours are limited:
From May 01 to October 31, they are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (the last excursion is at 5 pm); From November 2 to April 30, they are open daily from 11 am to 3 pm (last tour at 3 pm).
There are audio guides in Russian. The ticket price for an adult is 15 euros.

Lake Königssee

It is advisable to travel in sunny weather: you can not only ride on the lake, admiring the most beautiful rocky shores, but also go ashore at the St. Bartholomew station and walk deep into the canyon.

Viewing roads: panoramastraße

Roads are paid. The cost varies depending on the number of passengers and the age of the children (for example, we were charged 8 euros (one car, two adults and a 17 year old son)).

The list of interesting places and attractions of Berchtesgaden is not exhaustive: you can climb the mountains on funiculars, walk along mountain gorges(equipped paths and ladders), bask in thermal springs visit castles and museums…

When traveling around Berchtesgaden, be sure to take a map - a guide. Also, in some hotels, guests are issued "guest cards", which enable discounts on the purchase of excursion tickets.
When choosing your route around Berchtesgaden, be sure to consider the weather. If it suddenly turned out to be a clear sunny day in the morning, go to the mountains! The weather in the mountains is very changeable, and the next day, instead of good colorful photos, you can just get into fog or rain.

Transition to general information along the route: