Lurking in Germany’s southeasternmost tip is the astounding wonderland of Berchtesgaden, a dreamscape of idyllic lakes, soaring mountains and more postcard scenes than two eyeballs could ever handle.

Indeed, this is a place so beautiful, it’s the go-to vacation spot for thousands of domestic and international tourists alike, who come in droves for its spectacular natural beauty, world class wellness hotels, and turbulent historical legacy.

But what is there to actually do in and around Berchtesgaden?

In this post, I’ll be sharing things to do in Berchtesgaden’s main town, along with some of the most amazing sights around it, from shimmering lakes and mountain-top hideouts to sweet treats and unique museums.

Getting Around Berchtesgaden

Before we start, I want to share a practical tip about navigating Berchtesgaden, because many first time visitors underestimate how spread out everything is.

So, just to clarify: when people talk about Berchtesgaden as a travel destination, they often don’t make the distinction between Berchtesgaden Town, and Berchtesgaden National Park. Berchtesgaden Town (which is where you’ll find the train station) is adorable but there isn’t a ton to do there apart from some cafes, restaurants and shops.

Most of the attractions people classify as must-dos in Berchtesgaden (like the lakes and mountains) are actually spread across the national park (or more broadly, in the district ‘Berchtesgadener Land’), which makes getting around without a vehicle or guided tour quite difficult. Taxis are available but could add up quickly, and bus service isn’t ultra frequent, so limits how many spots you can hit in a day.

So, while planning, just make sure you also look into the logistics of getting from place to place, because many visitors assume that Berchtesgaden is as compact as other small German towns, but that’s not actually the case!

Now, let’s move onto that list of things to do in Berchtesgaden, starting with the actual town, then branching outwards to must-sees in the region.

1. Wander Around Berchtesgaden Innenstadt (Town Centre)

Truthfully, when talking about things to do in Berchtesgaden proper, there’s not that many. The town itself is small, with mostly shops, cafes, and restaurants to peruse, which is why most visitors spend time exploring the surrounding nature instead.

But what it lacks in must-sees or activities, it makes up for in charm. The Berchresgaden Innenstadt (Town Centre) is aggressively adorable, with pastel buildings adorned with charming shutters, balconies and the region’s famous Lüftlmalerei, exterior wall paintings depicting folk scenes or stories.

With its compact size, you’ll no doubt come across most of Berchtesgaden’s main sights while simply exploring, but some nice spots to see include…

• Marktplatz: The main square which has a fountain with a lion in the center and lots of Lüftlmalerei paintings on the surrounding buildings – like the famous Hirschenhaus
• Schlossplatz: The square in front of the main castle, with beautiful a fountain in the middle and more Lüftlmalerei paintings
• Kurgarten: A beautiful little city garden with sculptures located behind the tourist information center

2. Schloss Berchtesgaden

In terms of actual attractions in Berchtesgaden Town, the main one is Schloss Berchtesgaden, a medieval monastery turned summer residence of the Bavarian royal family… including Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria and later King Ludwig II, who was known for his extravagant architectural projects such as Neuschwanstein Castle.

As you might expect from its stint as a royal getaway, Schloss Berchtesgaden is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, featuring a mix of medieval and Baroque elements.

Luckily, these days, it’s open to visitors who can explore its historic rooms, halls, and gardens on guided tours. There are also a number of unique themed tours to join including a candlelit night tour, an advent tour at Christmas time and a musical tour… though beware that most tours are only offered in German, so double check before you commit to anything.

3. Get a nice view over town

There’s no shortage of nice views around Berchtesgaden, but if you like higher vantage points with minimal work, one of my favourite things I did while exploring town was walking uphill along the Weinfeldweg.

From here, you can get a pretty view of Berchtesgaden’s town skyline with the sweeping mountains lurking behind – definitely worth the short climb.

Note: You can continue your walk to the Kirchleitn Kapelle (about 20 minutes total from Schlossplatz), which is a lovely Roman Catholic Chapel in a traditional Alpine-style building, featuring a simple yet elegant design typical of the region. You reach it via a meditation path which features sculptures representing the Beatitudes of Jesus.

Unfortunately, I didn’t make it all the way there on my visit, but if photos are anything to go by, it’s definitely worth the extra walk.

4. Enjoy a cozy meal or drink

Berchtesgarden is located in Bavaria, which means it’s one of the best regions for gorging on delicious traditional Bavarian food and drinks while you’re there!

Since this is such a cute town, there are also a lot of charming cafés, cosy restaurants and cool beer gardens in which to have a meal or just a drink. Some of the best ones to check out include…

• Gasthof Neuhaus: A beautiful and typical Bavarian Inn with wooden interiors and a lovely terrace in summer, serving traditional Bavarian cuisine.
• Goldener Bär: A cosy pub-like restaurant that’s family-run and also serves traditional German food.
• Restaurant PANORAMA: A slightly more gourmet offering with impressive panoramic views of the town and mountains (hence the name). They serve traditional Bavarian cuisine as well as international dishes.

5. Haus der Berge

Housed in a sleek modern building just outside of Berchtesgaden Innenstadt, the Haus der Berge is an educational visitor center that focuses on exhibits about the region’s wildlife and landscapes. If you’re looking for things to do in Berchtesgaden with kids, this would be a great bet!

Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, displays, and multimedia presentations that cover a wide range of topics related to the Berchtesgaden National park. It also serves as a starting point for exploring the national park with information on hiking trails, wildlife, geology, and conservation efforts.

The building housing the Haus der Berge is also really cool to look at as it’s a modern, environmentally friendly structure designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Along with the exhibits there’s a visitor information desk, a gift shop and a café on-site to check out, so definitely consider putting it on the list.

6. Boat Ride on Königssee (King’s Lake)

Alright, with the Berchtesgaden main town must-sees out of the way, now let’s move onto some of the more well-known things to do around Berchtesgaden National Park.

My personal favourite? A boat ride on Königssee, one of Germany’s most pristine lakes. When the sun hits it right, the lake’s crystal-clear waters become a stunning mix of blue, turquoise and green, with the surrounding mountains creating an impossibly idyllic landscape.

Touristy as it may be, the best way to appreciate the lake’s beauty up close is a boat ride, a highlight of which is when the skipper busts out a trumpet and plays a song for you to hear how it echoes through the mountains. It’s simply magical!

Tickets must be purchased at the Schifffahrt Königssee stall which is next to the dock in the town of Königssee. In summer there are ferries every 15 minutes which do a loop to the Salet/Obersee dock and then back, with a stop at Saint Bartholomä Church in the middle. In winter the loop only goes to Saint Bartholomä Church and back. NOTE: Tickets are very pricey, costing around €28.50 return, but you can find all the information you need on the official website.

NOTE: “See” in German means lake, so calling it Königssee Lake would be calling it “King’s Lake Lake”, which is why the more proper name is simply “Königssee”. Same with any other lake – adding a ‘lake’ after it is usually redundant.

7. St Bartholomew’s Church

Another must-see in the Berchtesgaden area is St. Bartholomä (St Bartholomew’s) Church.

This iconic pilgrimage site on Königssee is known for its vibrant red onion domes and stunning location. Located at the first of two stops made by the Königssee boat rides mentioned above, most visitors stop here en route to the second stop of Salet, which we’ll talk about next.

The origins of St. Bartholomä Church date back to the 12th century when a chapel was first built on the site in honor of Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Over the centuries, the chapel was expanded and renovated multiple times, eventually becoming the picturesque church that visitors see today.

The exterior features a striking contrast of white walls against the surrounding natural landscape, while the interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes, altars, and religious artwork. St. Bartholomä Church has long been a place of pilgrimage and spiritual significance for Catholics in the region, who visit to pay homage to Saint Bartholomew and seek blessings. The church also hosts regular Masses, processions, and festivals throughout the year.

8. Walk to Obersee

As stunning as Königssee is, my personal favourite lake here is actually the much smaller Obersee, accessible through a short hike from the final boat stop of Salet.

The Obersee is surrounded by steep mountain slopes and dense forests which create stunning views to admire (and photograph!). There are several trails that lead around the lake and offer opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness. I’d recommend making your way all around the lake to the Fischunkelalm, where tasty refreshments and amazing views await.

NOTE: The Königssee boat does not go all the way to Salet during the winter, so this activity is only accessible in warmer months.

9. Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

For history buffs, probably the most interesting thing to do in Berchtesgaden is a visit up to the infamous Eagle’s Nest (known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus).

Perched high above on the Kehlstein peak of Berchtesgaden National Park, this mysterious house was once a private meeting place for members of the Nazi Party, and one of the few remaining monuments that stand undestroyed as a legacy of Hitler’s reign.

NOTE: While many people know it as “Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest”, there are only about a dozen documented visits from Hitler at this spot since his actual vacation home was at the Berghof farther down the mountain (now completely destroyed).

Granted, its main attraction is a beer garden now, but you do get to see the various rooms of the (relatively small) property, which have a few historical explanations on site, along with some truly mesmerizing views of the surrounding area. The main highlight for me was a ride up the secretive brass-coated elevator to reach the top. Definitely a must-see if WWII history is of interest.

You can read my full guide to visiting Kehlsteinhaus for more info.

10. See the Famous Ramsau Church (St. Sebastian’s Church)

Another picturesque sight in Berchtesgaden is the iconic Parish Church of St. Sebastian in Ramsau, a charming church framed by the Watzmann mountain range.

This photogenic spot has become a symbol of Berchtesgaden over the years, with its distinctive onion-domed tower and a whitewashed exterior. It’s also located right next to the Im Tal River so you can get that famous and pretty shot showing the river, bridge, church and mountains in the background.

The origins of the Ramsau Church date back to the 16th century when it was first constructed as a chapel dedicated to St. Sebastian, the patron saint of the village. It’s still quite small and cosy on the inside, if you arrive on a Sunday then you will see locals attending the weekly service.

Most people come here to get their snaps and then go again, but there’s also a pretty interesting graveyard next door worth checking out.

11. Hintersee

An underrated lake that often gets overshadowed by Königssee is the gorgeous Hintersee, known for its smooth glassy reflections and dramatic mountainscape backdrops.

Honestly, this place is straight out of a postcard, and the relatively flat 1.6-mile loop trail around is the perfect walk. If there’s one walk you do in the Berchtesgaden area, make sure this is the one!

They even have these adorable easels showing paintings of the lake, created by artists over the years. Not tough to see why it inspired so many painters, honestly!

12. Berchtesgaden Salt Mine (Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden)

Another main attraction in Berchtesgaden is the famous Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden (Berchtesgaden Salt Mine).

The history of salt mining in the Berchtesgaden area dates back over 500 years. In fact, salt has been extracted from underground salt deposits in the region since ancient times, so it’s no surprise that the salt mine in Berchtesgaden has played a significant role in the local economy and culture.

Nowadays on a visit to the salt mine, you can take a guided tour to learn about the history of salt mining in the region with cutesy highlights like travelling through the mine on little train, with stops at different sections to see exhibits all about the mine’s history, admiring an illuminated salt grotto and underground salt lake, and even gliding down a miner’s slide.

13. Dokumentation Obersalzberg

Curious to explore a darker chapter of local history? The Dokumentation Obersalzberg is a museum and documentation center located near Berchtesgaden that outlines the area’s role during the Nazi era.

For a little context: the Obersalzberg area was once a key location for the Nazi leadership. Back in the day, Hitler had a residence known as the Berghof and several other buildings constructed in Obersalzberg, which served as his retreat and headquarters. Today the Dokumentation Obersalzberg features a range of exhibits, photographs, documents, and multimedia presentations that explore various aspects of the Nazi regime, including this era decades ago.

Exhibits cover topics such as Hitler’s rise to power, the construction of the Berghof, the role of propaganda, and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. While it might not be the most fun of attractions, it serves as a place of commemoration and remembrance for the victims of the Nazi regime, and is well worth visiting if you’re interested in WWII history.

14. Enjoy a wellness hotel experience

If there’s one thing that Bavarians excel at, it’s a wellness hotel… and Berchtesgaden is full of them.

Little wonder why Berchtesgaden is one of the most popular vacation spots for domestic travellers – the region is filled with beautiful hotels built for relaxation, with on-site spas, delicious restaurants, and epic views for days.

For a more affordable option, I stayed at the Berghotel Rehlegg and had an amazing time. I’ve also heard great things about the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden, if you’re looking for a more luxurious pick.

15. Watzmann Therme

And if you can’t get in on the full wellness hotel experience, you can still enjoy the wonders of Germany’s spa culture with a visit to the Watzmann Therme, which is basically a combination of thermal spa and water park!

The thermal water used in the pools at Watzmann Therme is sourced from natural springs deep underground that’s known for its mineral content and therapeutic properties.

These days, the spa features a range of indoor and outdoor facilities designed to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and well-being, including thermal pools with mineral-rich thermal water, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, relaxation lounges, and outdoor sunbathing areas.

Plus, for those with kids in tow, Watzmann Therme is also a family-friendly attraction, with designated family pools, water slides, children’s play areas, and activities such as aqua fitness classes and swimming lessons.

16. Watzmann Mountain

Now besides wading around in luxury spa waters, another must-do when visiting Berchtesgaden is a trip up the mountains.

There’s plenty to choose from, but one of the most famous mountains in Berchtesgaden National Park is the Watzmann, actually Germany’s third-highest. The most popular thing to do here is hike along the ridge connecting its three summits: Hocheck (2,651 metres), Mittelspitze (2,713 metres) and Südspitze (2,712 metres), so be sure to add that to your list if you’re looking for something more active to do.

The mountain is characterized by its distinctive east face, known as the Watzmann-Ostwand, which is the highest wall of its kind in the Eastern Alps and presents a formidable challenge to climbers.

Granted, this is definitely more of a Berchtesgaden activity for the adventurous, but if you’re looking for epic hikes to do in the area, this is definitely one to put on your list!

NOTE: Mount Watzmann is steeped in legends and folklore, with stories dating back centuries. One of the most famous legends is the Watzmannsage, which tells of a king and his family who were transformed into stone as punishment for their greed and arrogance. The towering peaks of Mount Watzmann are said to be the petrified remains of the king, his wife and their five children. oOOOh.

17. Feast on a Windbeutel

Now on the opposite end of the spectrum of “hiking across three mountain peaks”, we have another fun Berchtesgaden activity: trying a local pastry known as a Windbeutel.

Made up of choux pastry, this giant cream puff-like treat is known for its heavenly mix of cream or ice cream and flavored syrup, with the Windbeutelbaron being the most popular place in town to enjoy one.

Best of all? It comes with sweeping mountain views.

18. Jennerbahn Cable Car

Another fun must-do in the Berchtesgaden area is a ride on the Jennerbahn cable car up to the Jenner Mountain. From the summit, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Berchtesgaden Alps.

Once at the mountain station, visitors can explore a variety of activities and attractions on the Jenner Mountain. These include hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, mountain biking routes, and alpine meadows perfect for picnicking or enjoying the sunshine. In the winter months, the Jenner Mountain also offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

The mountain station also features a lovely restaurant, which offers traditional Bavarian cuisine and panoramic terrace seating with views of the surrounding mountains.

19. Maria Gern Church

As far as gorgeous photography spots are concerned, another must-do close to Berchtesgaden Town is a visit to the Maria Gern Church, a stunning baroque church with breathtaking views of the Watzmann.

This idyllic church may be one of the most photographed sights in the area, mostly because of its charming Alpine-style architecture, featuring a tall spire and onion dome. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the church has a backdrop featuring the stunning natural beauty of the Bavarian Alps!

The interior of the Maria Gern Church is equally impressive, featuring ornate altars, religious artwork, and stained glass windows. The focal point of the interior is the high altar, which is adorned with statues and decorations depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.

20. Adventure onwards

This post is long enough already, but you should know that there are still MANY other cool things to do near Berchtesgaden that I haven’t mentioned, ideal for half-day trips, day-trips, or additional legs of your itinerary.

So, if you have the time, some other great spots within an hour drive of Berchtesgaden include…

• Almbachklamm (15 min drive from Berchtesgaden town): A natural gorge with epic waterfalls and the oldest marble ball mill in Germany!
• Schellenberger Ice Cave (20 min drive from Berchtesgaden town): A unique and chilly adventure deep below the Earth’s surface, where you can witness subterranean ice formations via guided tour (which you can only organise once there)
• Salzburg (40 min drive from Berchtesgaden town): The beautiful Austrian city most famous for its Sound of Music connections, but with lots of other fun things to do there as well

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Berchtesgaden?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Berchtesgaden activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂