Berchtesgaden’s Best Natural Wonders & Panoramic Views

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If you’re looking for the best spot in Germany to soak in breathtaking natural beauty, I’d say Berchtesgaden without a second thought. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden is a paradise of jaw-dropping scenery. Picture towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, dramatic gorges, and even fascinating caves and mines—it’s all here. The views are simply unforgettable!

To me, Berchtesgaden is like Germany’s answer to Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen, often called “Heaven on Earth,” or Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites.” Once you take in the views from its many vantage points, you’ll see why!

Here’s a sneak peek at the natural beauty you can see in Berchtesgaden.

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1. Eagle’s Nest

The Eagle’s Nest, or “Kehlsteinhaus,” is a stunning landmark in Berchtesgaden with a fascinating history. Built in the early 20th century, it served as a social and government meeting place for the Nazi Party. Its nickname came from French ambassador André François-Poncet, who described it after a rare diplomatic visit with Hitler.

Perched at 1,834 meters (6,017 feet) on the ridges of Hoher Göll, the Eagle’s Nest offers breathtaking views of Berchtesgaden and beyond. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Jenner, Königssee, and even Salzburg, Austria, 25 kilometers to the north. It’s the kind of scenery that leaves you speechless.

From this vantage point, you’re at eye level with the towering peaks of Watzmann, Hochkalter, and Rotpalfen. The rugged skyline of the Northern Limestone Alps stretches across the horizon, while the land below transitions from jagged mountains to rolling hills and flat plains—it’s like watching nature’s masterpiece unfold.

While you’re there, relax at the restaurant with a cold drink and a snack, or join a historical tour to learn more about the site’s past. The combination of incredible views and rich history makes the Eagle’s Nest a must-see destination.

To get to Eagle’s Nest from Berchtesgaden Hbf, start by taking RVO Bus 838 to Busbahnhof Kehlsteinhaus. From there, switch to RVO Bus 849, which will take you up to the mountain’s upper parking area. Once you arrive, you’ll walk through a tunnel that leads directly to Eagle’s Nest.

Keep in mind that private cars aren’t allowed beyond Busbahnhof Kehlsteinhaus. Don’t worry—there’s parking near the bus stop where you can leave your car while you visit.

You can stay at Eagle’s Nest as long as you’d like, but buses run every 25 minutes from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, so plan accordingly. Most visitors spend 1–2 hours, though the stunning views often make people stay longer.

Feeling adventurous? You can hike up from Busbahnhof Kehlsteinhaus to Eagle’s Nest. The trail climbs 848 meters and takes about 1.5 hours, but it’s rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

Eagle’s Nest is open from mid-May to late October, depending on the weather. Check the official Kehlsteinhaus website for updates before your trip, and use the live camera to see if the skies are clear or if the peak is hidden in fog. (See resources section for more info)

2. Kneifelspitze

When you visit Eagle’s Nest, you’ll spot Kneifelspitze, a smaller mountain that sits in front of the Untersberg massif, the northernmost part of the Berchtesgaden Alps.

Kneifelspitze rises to 1,189 meters above sea level, offering incredible views of the Berchtesgaden Valley. Located just 3 kilometers northeast of Berchtesgaden’s town center, it’s an easy and rewarding destination.

At the top, you’ll find Paulshütte, a cozy restaurant with a sunny terrace where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning scenery. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty around you.

Kneifelspitze is slightly separated from the Untersberg massif, giving visitors dramatic, up-close views of Berchtesgaden and the southern Watzmann Mountain.

Photographers love this spot for its spectacular vantage point, where you can capture the crescent-shaped ridge of Watzmann’s peaks: Kleiner Watzmann, Watzmannkinder, and Mittel Spitze. The unique landscape creates a breathtaking backdrop and a memory you won’t forget.

There aren’t any cable cars or buses that go directly to Kneifelspitze, so the only way to reach it is by hiking. You can choose between two trails, both starting from popular spots in Berchtesgaden: the Salzbergwerk (Salt Mine) or the picturesque Wallfahrtskirche Maria Gern (Maria Gern Church).

To get to these starting points, take a bus from the Berchtesgaden bus station. Bus 837 will drop you off near Maria Gern Church, while Bus 840 will take you to the Salt Mine.

If you’re starting from Maria Gern Church, I’ve planned a route that’s perfect for an intermediate-level hike. This trail winds along the west side of Kneifelspitze, making it less steep and more enjoyable. It should take about 1 hour and 17 minutes to reach the top. Enjoy the journey!

Click the square above the plus and minus zoom buttons to recenter the map.

If you’re starting from the Salt Mine, here’s the route you’ll follow. It’s similar to the trail from Maria Gern Church, but a bit longer and includes a detour to a spot called Marxenhöhe.

Marxenhöhe is another great viewpoint on Kneifelspitze. While it’s slightly lower than the summit, the views are still incredible. There’s a bench and a swing at Marxenhöhe where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery of Berchtesgaden and Watzmann. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty around you.

3. Königssee

Konigssee, located in Germany, is not just a scenic lake. It’s also the third deepest and cleanest lake in the couKonigssee is a stunning natural lake in Germany, formed during the last ice age. Today, it stretches 8 kilometers long, 1 kilometer wide, and has a perimeter of 20 kilometers.

Here are some cool facts about Konigssee:

The name “Konigssee” means “King’s Lake” in English.
The lake’s water is so clean it’s almost drinkable.
Since 1909, only electric-powered boats, rowing boats, and pedal boats have been allowed on the lake to keep it pristine.
The towering rock walls around the lake create an echo that can bounce up to seven times.
The lake has one island at its northern tip, called Christlieger, which features a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of water safety.
There’s also a peninsula in the middle of the lake called Hirschau, where you’ll find the famous Saint Bartholomew’s Church.

Konigssee’s beauty is hard to describe. On a sunny day, its crystal-clear, emerald waters sparkle in the sunlight, reflecting the towering mountains that surround it. It’s so peaceful and perfect, it almost feels like heaven on earth.

On the western shore of the lake, halfway along, is Hirschau Peninsula, home to Saint Bartholomew’s Church. Behind it, Watzmann Mountain’s massive face rises in the background. The reflection of these landmarks on the lake’s surface is absolutely breathtaking.

As you head south past Hirschau Peninsula, you’ll see the Schrainbachwasserfall waterfall tumbling down a limestone wall covered in lush greenery. From a distance, it looks like a white stick piercing the lake’s emerald waters.

Konigssee is especially beautiful in autumn, when the fall colors create a magical scene. But the best time to visit is on a clear, sunny day when the vibrant colors of the lake, forest, and mountains come to life. It’s a view that will leave you in awe.

Getting to Konigssee from Berchtesgaden is easy. Just hop on bus 841 or 842 at the Berchtesgaden railway station, and you’ll be there in about 10-15 minutes. Buses leave twice an hour from 05:50 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

If you’re feeling active, you can also hike from Berchtesgaden to Obersee, which takes less than an hour.

Keep in mind that there are no hiking trails around the lake’s edge. To explore other parts of Konigssee, like the Hirschau Peninsula, Kassel (an Alpine pasture), and Salet (which connects to Obersee), you’ll need to take an electric boat or hike around the surrounding mountains.

You can buy boat tickets at the docks. For info on prices, schedules, and online tickets, be sure to check the official Konigssee website.

4. Jenner Aussichtsplattform

Jenner Aussichtsplattform, Berchtesgaden, Germany

Jenner is a mountain in Berchtesgaden known for its amazing views. It’s part of the Göll massif, just like the ridge where Eagle’s Nest sits. But Jenner isn’t just about the views—it also has ski resorts and beautiful Alpine pastures, making it a great spot to visit in winter and explore in summer.

At the summit, which is 1,874 meters above sea level, you’ll find the Jenner Aussichtsplattform, or observation deck. From here, you get a stunning view of almost the entire Berchtesgaden National Park, with the Watzmann Massif in the distance. This spot is called “The Royal Look” because it overlooks the King’s Lake (Konigssee) below, and the view is truly breathtaking.

From the deck, you can see the Watzmann Massif and the length of Konigssee stretching out below. Many people say this is one of the best views in the region.

You can watch electric motorboats glide across the lake or admire the towering rock walls surrounding Konigssee. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a sea of clouds over the lake, which turns the mountain peaks into islands and makes it feel like you’re in heaven.

Konigssee is especially beautiful in autumn when the fall colors create a stunning scene. No matter the season, though, it’s best to visit on a clear, sunny day when the colors of the lake, forest, and mountains really pop.

Visiting Jenner, like Konigssee, starts in Schönau am Königssee. From the Berchtesgaden train station, you can take either bus 841 or 842 to get there.

Once you arrive in Schönau, head to the large parking lot north of the Konigssee Dock and walk east. You’ll soon spot the cable cars heading up the mountain. Follow their path, and you’ll reach Jennerbahn.

At Jennerbahn, get a ticket that covers the full ride to the top station. You can check prices or book tickets online on the Jennerbahn website.

When you reach the top, you can enjoy an easy 15-minute hike to the summit and the observation deck. The hike offers amazing views along the way.

5. Aussichtspunkt Feuerpalfen

Aussichtspunkt Feuerpalfen, Berchtesgaden, Germany

Aussichtspunkt Feuerpalfen is a hidden gem in the Gotzen Mountains, just a short trip from Berchtesgaden. This scenic lookout sits about 1,740 meters above sea level, and 1,125 meters above the surface of Konigssee.

It’s a must-see spot in the Berchtesgaden Alps, offering a unique view of both Konigssee and Watzmann. The views here are absolutely breathtaking and will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.

From Aussichtspunkt Feuerpalfen, you get a perfect, eye-level view of Watzmann Mountain, which has the longest mountain face in the Eastern Alps. You can also look down at the Hirschau peninsula, where the Church of Saint Bartholomew sits.

On a clear day, you’ll see an amazing color gradient where the peninsula meets the lake, a sight that will truly take your breath away.

If you look closely, the peninsula almost looks like molten earth that flowed from the mountains and solidified when it hit the water. It’s a cool observation, and just one of the many things that make exploring nature so fascinating!

The only way to get to Aussichtspunkt Feuerpalfen is by hiking, and there are a few trails you can take. However, most of them require intermediate or expert hiking skills.

To save time and energy, start your hike from one of the two Jenner cable car stations. This way, you can skip the steep parts of the trails. In about 4 to 5 hours, you’ll reach Aussichtspunkt Feuerpalfen, where you’ll get incredible views of Königssee and Watzmann.

You can try the following:

Jennerbanh-Mittelstation to Feuerpalfen (round trip)
Jennerbanh-Mittelstation to Feuerpalfen to Obersee (end in Salet)
Jennerbanh-Top station to Feuerpalfen to Jennerbanh-Mittelstation
Jennerbanh-Top station to Feuerpalfen to Obersee (end in Salet)

If you want to check out two more scenic spots near Feuerpalfen, I recommend hiking on to Obersee. Here are two sample hiking routes from Komoot that show what the paths to Obersee are like.

Note: To see the full routes, click the square button above the plus and minus signs.

From Jenner Mittel Station to Feuerpalfen (roundtrip):

From Jenner Top Station to Feuerpalfen to Obersee:

You can click the “Elevation” dropdown to change the view of the graph to “Waytypes & Surfaces.”

Before you follow this hiking route, make sure to check with the tourism office to see if there are any current path restrictions. It’s important to confirm this.

When hiking to Feuerpalfen, there’s a mountain hut called Gotzenalm near the viewpoint where you can rest or even spend the night. You can learn more on the Gotzenalm website, and here’s a Google Maps link to help you find it.

If you plan to finish your hike with a boat ride on Königssee from Salet, be sure to grab a one-way ticket at the ticket counter first. Right now, you can only book roundtrip tickets online.

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If you’re planning a trip to Berchtesgaden, I’ve got a few more posts to help you make the most of it. Check out my tips on how long to stay, getting around, and discovering other amazing attractions in Berchtesgaden.

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6. Obersee

Obersee is another beautiful spot near Berchtesgaden. It’s a smaller lake, only about one-tenth the size of its neighbor, Königssee. Located southeast of Königssee, a ridge of land called a moraine sits between the two lakes, making it look like they were once one giant lake.

The name Obersee means “Upper Lake” in German, which makes sense since its surface is about 10 meters higher than Königssee’s.

Despite its beauty, Obersee has never been settled because it’s in a remote area, tucked away in a valley behind another lake. However, there’s a small cabin called Fischunkelalm that’s open during the hiking season for anyone wanting to enjoy the peace and quiet of this secluded place.

Like Königssee, Obersee offers a stunning landscape, but with its towering mountains, it provides an even more breathtaking view. On a clear, sunny day, you’ll be blown away by the incredible 180-degree panorama. The calm surface of the lake perfectly reflects the mountains, creating a scene straight out of a dream.

Standing by the lake, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Words can’t fully describe the beauty here, but the 360-degree image below gives you a taste of what’s waiting for you.

There are two ways to reach Obersee: hiking or taking a boat ride. If you’re up for a good hike, follow the trail I’ve outlined for you. Or, you can take a scenic boat ride across Lake Königssee. From Schönau am Königssee, buy a boat ticket to Salet. Once you’re at Salet, it’s just a short hike east to Obersee.

7. Röthbach Waterfall

Röthbach Waterfall, Berchtesgaden, Germany

At the edge of the valley where Obersee lies, you’ll find another hidden gem – the Röthbach Waterfall. Dropping an impressive 470 meters, it’s the tallest waterfall in Germany.

Unlike more popular spots, Röthbach is fairly untouched by tourists because of its remote location. Fed by melting snow from the peaks above, the waterfall shows its most powerful display in the spring, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Picture a white curtain of water cascading down against a backdrop of towering mountains – that’s the breathtaking sight waiting for you at Röthbach. Your journey to the waterfall takes you through an alpine pasture, where you’ll hear the gentle sound of cowbells, feel the fresh mountain breeze, and catch the distant roar of the waterfall.

Before reaching the base, you’ll pass a small, peaceful lake. It’s a perfect spot to capture beautiful mirror images of the waterfall. While some travelers enjoy the view from Obersee, nothing beats the experience of standing beneath this massive waterfall, feeling the mist on your skin and hearing its thunderous roar echoing through the valley.

Röthbach Waterfall, the highest in Germany, should definitely be on your bucket list. Its remote location has kept it free from crowds, preserving its natural beauty and offering an unforgettable experience.

To reach the stunning Röthbach Waterfall, tucked between the majestic peaks east of Obersee, start with a scenic boat ride across Lake Königssee to Salet.

From there, take a moderate 40-minute hike (at a steady pace) that will take you past the peaceful Obersee and up to Fischunkelalm. By the time you reach Fischunkelalm, you’ll already have a close-up view of the waterfall cascading down the mountainside.

For the more adventurous traveler, there’s a tougher option: a challenging hike over the Göhl mountains to reach Röthbach Waterfall.

8. Hintersee

Hintersee is a stunning spot with a beautiful lake that’s easy to visit from Berchtesgaden. The lake covers 16 hectares and sits on the border of Berchtesgaden National Park, near Ramsau.

Did you know? Hintersee has been a favorite of painters and photographers since 1850 because it looks like a postcard. Famous landscape artists like Wilhelm Busch, Carl Rottmann, Friedrich Gauermann, and Ferdinand Waldmüller have even made it the subject of their work.

It’s easy to see why so many people call Hintersee a truly romantic lake, with its unique character and breathtaking views.

From the northern shore of Hintersee, looking south, you’ll be amazed by the sight of the lake perfectly reflecting the towering peaks of Berchtesgaden. The lake’s emerald-clear water and scattered rocks give it a mystical feel, almost like it’s home to a magical creature—a fairy playground.

The scenery at Hintersee becomes even more magical in the early mornings. As the sun rises, it lights up the mist over the lake, creating a fairytale-like scene straight out of a movie. The nearby mysterious forest only adds to the magic of the place.

You definitely don’t want to miss Hintersee, especially at dawn when the peaks of Hochkalter and Blaueiskar are bathed in golden light from the rising sun. The reflection of these mountains on the surface of the lake is a spectacular sight you won’t forget.

Getting to Hintersee from Berchtesgaden is easy. Just hop on the RVO bus 846, which runs between Berchtesgaden, Ramsau, and Hintersee. The ride takes about 30 minutes or less.

9. Wimbachklamm

The mountains and lakes aren’t the only beautiful spots you can visit around Berchtesgaden. Even the rocks here put on a show!

Not far from the mountaineering village of Ramsau is the stunning 200-meter-long Wimbachklamm gorge. Carved by the Wimbach torrent over 50 million years, it’s a true natural wonder.

Walking through Wimbachklamm and spotting fossils on the gorge walls feels like stepping back to the Late Triassic period, when parts of Europe were still underwater! You’ll follow boardwalks and footbridges, leading you to the gorge’s million-year-old marvels.

Wimbachklamm is a natural masterpiece. The views here aren’t just rock formations but spectacular carvings made by nature, with water flowing through them. The wooden trail becomes magical when sunlight hits the gorge, making the plants and grass on the rocks glow. The milky Gatorade-blue water rushing through the gorge is sure to captivate you, too.

Wimbachklamm is a narrow gorge near the mountaineering village of Ramsau, located at the entrance of the valley between Watzmann and Hochkalter. It’s easy to get there from Berchtesgaden—just take bus 846 and get off at the Wimbachbrücke stop. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk south to the gorge.

10. Eiskapelle (Ice Chapel)

Last but not least, on the list of scenic spots around Berchtesgaden is the amazing Ice Chapel, or Eiskapelle—a natural wonder that stands out from all the other places mentioned! Eiskapelle is Germany’s permanent ice field, located below the eastern face of Watzmann mountain. It’s also the lowest snowfield in the Alps, sitting at just 800 to 1,000 meters above sea level.

Eiskapelle is more than just a tourist attraction, though. It’s a fascinating natural wonder that lasts all year, especially in summer when the snowline in the Alps rises above 2,000 meters.

While Eiskapelle stays frozen year-round, it’s not considered a glacier yet; it’s firn—an intermediate stage between snow and a glacier. It’s basically ice leftover from the past winter that’s been compacted and recrystallized into a denser form.

Studies suggest Eiskapelle exists because it gets a lot of snow from avalanches off Watzmann’s peaks every year. What makes Eiskapelle so interesting is the view inside its ice cavity.

The inside of Eiskapelle looks otherworldly. The ice walls and ceiling have unique, mysterious shapes formed by the melting process.

If you enter and step inside a little, you’ll see the melting ice shapes lit up by light from outside. Since Eiskapelle is rebuilt by huge avalanches each winter and shrinks every summer, its shape, size, and location are always changing.

If you plan to go inside, keep in mind that Eiskapelle is always at risk of collapsing. People have died after being buried by falling ice, so be cautious and don’t go too far in.

The only way to get to Eiskapelle, or Ice Chapel, is by hiking a trail that starts at Hirschau Peninsula, where the Church of Saint Bartholomew is. You can begin your journey by taking a boat from Schönau on Königssee to “St. Bartholomä.” From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour hike to Eiskapelle. For more details about the route, see below.

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Map & Resources

Below’s a map with all the scenic spots in Berchtesgaden. It’ll make it easier to plan your trip if you’re aiming to visit a few great viewpoints.

Here are some websites where you can find more info on how to get to the scenic spots in Berchtesgaden:

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