Berchtesgaden Day Trip From Salzburg Guide, Tips, and More

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Located at the foothills of the Alps, Salzburg offers its visitors beautiful day trips that are just a quick ride away from the city.

For instance, there’s the Hellbrunn Palace, boasting unique water features, the Hohenwerfen Fortress, a medieval castle perched on a hill, and St. Gilgen, one of the most beautiful villages in Austria.

However, since Salzburg is adjacent to the Austrian-German border, travelers must not forget that they can also take a day trip to beautiful Bavarian towns like Berchtesgaden. It’s a breathtaking alpine escape, located 24 kilometers south of Salzburg.

You can drive there in 40 minutes, take a single bus ride of 50 minutes to an hour, or hop on a train for an hour and 30 minutes with a transfer.

Visiting Berchtesgaden from Salzburg? Let me share with you everything I think you need to know to help you make the most of your visit. From getting there to things to do and essential tips, I’ve got them all covered!

Honestly, I was blown away by the beauty of this town’s natural attractions. I’m sure other wanderers out there would love to see it as well.

Interestingly, Berchtesgaden offers a blend of experiences. It’s home to a World War II historic site and an 800-year-old salt mine.

Not to mention, this town also has a wander-worthy old town that is as charming as St. Gilgen. As a lover of all things alpine, I can say that you’ve made a good decision if you’re visiting Berchtesgaden from Salzburg…

Considerations Before Going to Berchtesgaden From Salzburg

I’ve mentioned that taking a day trip to Berchtesgaden from Salzburg is a good decision, but it’s not always the case. There are a few things to consider, such as the overall experience — is Berchtesgaden really for you? Another factor is the season… outdoor activities during winter? It’s possible, but not ideal! Let me go through each detail below.

First of all, it’s important to remember that Berchtesgaden is all about nature, history, and salt — its local industry since the medieval ages.

Different tourist attractions in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a Salzburg Day Trip
Different tourist attractions in Berchtesgaden

If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, taking in breathtaking views, or learning about history, Berchtesgaden is a trip you won’t want to miss.

In fact, Berchtesgaden is where we can find the “Eagle’s Nest,” a tourist attraction that is both scenic and historic. It was once a vital location for the Germans during World War II, and it overlooks the entire town of Berchtesgaden.

Berchtesgaden is also home to a salt mine that dates back to the early 16th century, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a whole new world beneath the majestic mountains.

While it may seem like an attraction geared towards adults, it’s actually a fun destination for families and kids, too!

Since you will be coming from Salzburg, where you have probably learned about salt (salt has been Salzburg’s primary industry for centuries), your visit to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine shall be a chance to learn more about how salt was extracted in the region.

Finally, Berchtesgaden is surrounded by stunning lakes that are an absolute must-see for nature lovers.

Pristine, picturesque, and truly magical — that’s how I would describe them. One of Berchtesgaden’s lakes, Konigssee, even has a charming church in the middle that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Trust me, when you visit, you’ll be left speechless by its beauty.

Do these make you feel excited?

Salzburg is a great destination to visit year-round. Berchtesgaden has close proximity to Salzburg. Both are true, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that Berchtesgaden is also worth visiting at any time of the year.

The best time to visit Berchtesgaden from Salzburg is during the non-winter months, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and most tourist attractions are open.

It may be better to stay in Salzburg during the winter and enjoy the Christmas special events and musical performances in its Old Town Salzburg, instead of visiting Berchtesgaden unless you’re interested in skiing and winter sports.

So, is Berchtesgaden worth visiting during summer, warmer, dry months? Not always. You should consider the weather, especially if you want to go to the mountains or Eagle’s Nest. If the weather is bad, you might not be able to see any view because of the fog, and the cable cars or buses to the mountains might not run for some safety reasons.

In case you really want to see Berchtesgaden, it’ll be a good idea to have a flexible itinerary and a backup plan in case you can’t go on the day you planned. Monitor the weather forecast and the live webcam feed, which displays the current weather conditions in the mountains. The link to live broadcast can be found in the resources section of this post.

See the gallery below to get a feel for how Berchtesgaden transforms with the changing seasons and weather.

Berchtesgaden during the summer and winter, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Berchtesgaden during the summer and winter
Bad weather vs perfect weather in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Bad weather vs perfect weather in Berchtesgaden
View with fog and view with cloud clearing in the Berchtesgaden National Park Mountains, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
View with fog and view with cloud clearing in the Berchtesgaden National Park Mountains

Festivals and cultural events are a great way to create lasting memories while traveling. They offer a unique and fun way to discover the culture of a place.

In Berchtesgaden, there are several events that you might enjoy.

These fascinating and fun events are a great reason to take a day trip to Berchtesgaden from Salzburg, no matter the season. You can check the official website of Berchtesgaden for a calendar of events (see the link in the resources section).

However, some events that I recommend checking out are the Fasching Festival, May Day Celebration, and the Great Bavarian Evenings.

So, what is the Fasching Festival?

It’s a lively pre-Lent celebration that takes place in February, similar to Carnival or Mardi Gras. You can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy traditional music, dancing, and delicious food and beer. And if you’re lucky enough to attend when the festival falls over Valentine’s Day, you might even get to see couples participating in wheelbarrow races! 

If you’re traveling during Spring, May Day Celebration is the event to watch out for.

This joyous event is all about celebrating the fertility of the season.  The festivities kick off with the raising of the towering May Pole, which can reach heights of up to 50 feet. Get ready to dance to the sounds of brass band music and enjoy local food and drinks at the temporary beer gardens!

I’m sure that many of you are planning to visit Berchtesgaden during the summer. So, I must mention the Great Bavarian Evenings.

Every Monday evening from June to September, Market Square in Berchtesgaden comes alive with authentic bands and men’s performing groups doing thigh-slapping, heel-whacking dances called Schuhplattler. The evening continues with brass band music and a live DJ. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and have some fun! 

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A glimpse to Berchtesgaden

View from the hill that’s a 10-minute walk from Old Town Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany
View from the hill that’s a 10-minute walk from Old Town Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden scenic town center, a day trip from Salzburg, in Bavaria, Germany
Berchtesgaden scenic town center
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Unmissable Things to Do

Although there are more than a dozen things to do in Berchtesgaden, such as visiting the mirror-like lake (Hintersee) and exploring the canyon (Wimbachklamm), a day trip from Salzburg would be just enough to see Berchtesgaden’s highlights. They’re the unmissable things to do in Berchtesgaden and you’ll find them below. 

1. Eagle’s Nest (Kehlstein)

Eagle’s Nest or Kehlsteinhaus is a unique attraction in Berchtesgaden; a great destination for the breathtaking views and a glimpse into history it offers to visitors.

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Eagle’s Nest Panorama overlooking Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Eagle’s Nest Panorama overlooking Berchtesgaden
Eagle’s Nest restaurant with scenic mountains in the backdrop in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Eagle’s Nest restaurant with scenic mountains in the backdrop in Berchtesgaden
Pieces of history in Eagle’s Nest, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Pieces of history in Eagle’s Nest
Eagle's Nest beautiful wood-carved signage, tunnel, and different views, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Eagle’s Nest beautiful wood-carved signage, tunnel, and different views
Architectural features of Eagle's Nest - tunnel and fire place, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Architectural features of Eagle’s Nest – tunnel and fire place
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Perched atop the summit of the Kehlstein, a rocky outcrop rising above Obersalzberg, sits the Kehlsteinhaus

Known in English as the Eagle’s Nest, this Nazi-constructed building was once used exclusively by members of the Nazi Party for government and social meetings, and was even visited by Adolf Hitler on 14 documented occasions.

Today, however, it has been transformed into a seasonal restaurant, beer garden, and tourist site.

While Eagle’s Nest looks like just a building or restaurant on a mountaintop, it’s actually a marvel of engineering.

From the winding mountain road to the regal elevator powered by a submarine engine, every detail of this structure is noteworthy.

Remarkably, the Eagle’s Nest survived the Second World War unscathed, meaning that everything you see here is original and not reconstructed.

History buffs will appreciate the sun terrace outside, which features a series of display panels detailing the history of this place.

Interestingly, there you’ll learn that despite being built for Hitler, he rarely visited and never stayed overnight due to his fear of heights!

Are you now interested in visiting Eagle’s Nest? Here’s how to…

  • Your journey to the Eagle’s Nest begins at Berchtesgaden Hbf, where you’ll board RVO Bus 838 to the Eagles Nest Bus Stop (Kehlstein Busabfahrt).
  • From there, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for the special RVO bus 849, which will whisk you up to the Eagles Nest Tunnel or parking area known as Kehlsteinparkplatz, where the last leg of the journey to Eagle’s Nest will begin.
  • For the more adventurous, there is also the option to hike up to the Eagle’s Nest, though be warned that it is a long and challenging trek (taking at least 2-3 hours) — I do not recommend it!
  • The final leg of your journey involves walking through a cold, dark tunnel from Kehlsteinparkplatz before riding a gleaming, brass elevator all the way up to the Eagle’s Nest itself. You can’t take photos in the elevator, though. 

Before you go, it’s important to note that the Eagle’s Nest is not a year-round attraction.

It is only open to visitors from mid-May to October.

During this time, the Kehlsteinhaus is open from 8:30am to 4:50pm, with the last bus from Kehlsteinparkplatz departing at 4:50pm.

So be sure to plan your visit accordingly! Please see the official website of Eagle’s Nest in the resources section of this post for latest information. Bus schedules and online ticketing site included.

2. Salt Mine Berchtesgaden

As you explore Salzburg, you’ll undoubtedly hear the word ‘salt’ mentioned time and time again. It was named after this precious mineral that brought it prosperity for centuries — the white gold of the region!

A visit to the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden is a great activity for anyone looking to further discover the industry that sustained the region for so many years.

Also, it’s fun and adventure!

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River under the mountain in Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
River under the mountain in Salt Mine Berchtesgaden
Outside Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Outside Salt Mine Berchtesgaden
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The Salt Mine Berchtesgaden is an ancient mine that has been in operation since 1517, making it the oldest salt mine in Germany.

It boasts salt deposits up to 300 meters below the valley floor.

When you venture inside, you’ll discover a breathtaking salt cathedral in an extraordinary way — by taking an exhilarating ride down a miner’s slide.

In some parts, you’ll be learning the formation and extraction of salt during train and boat rides.

You will be following the Salt Experience Trail through the mystical Moserrösche mine gallery, a tunnel that stretches over 100 meters and reveals the structure of a glacial moraine.

With 3D animations and an underground boat trip across a salt lake, it’s an almost one-hour tour adventure for all ages. 

At the end of your walk, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Watzmann!

While the tours are conducted in German, audio guides are available in other languages.

Taking photos isn’t allowed during the tour, though. But don’t worry about not being able to take photos during the tour — above ground, you’ll find perfect photo stops around the Salt Mine and on the Salt Experience Trail. 

There are life-size miners and mining machines providing the perfect backdrop for your souvenir photo of the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine…

Getting to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine couldn’t be easier, thanks to its convenient location along the bus no. 840 route.

Just hop off at the Salzbergwerk bus stop and take a short walk to the Salt Mine visitor’s entrance.

This bus route links Berchtesgaden and Salzburg, so if you’re coming from Salzburg and prefer to use public transportation, the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden is an easy first stop on your Berchtesgaden day trip.

The Salt Mine Berchtesgaden is usually open all year round, from April to the first week of November. It is open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.

From the second week of November until March, it is open daily from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.

However, it is always best to check the official website of Salt Mine Berchtesgaden for updates and latest information, as the opening hours may change due to holidays or other unforeseen circumstances.

3. Königssee

While Salzburg has a number of lakes in Salzkammergut and its lake district, when it comes to beauty, they are outmatched by Konigssee.

It’s the unreal-looking lake nestled in the heart of the Berchtesgaden Alps, in the town of Schönau, just a stone’s throw away from the town of Berchtesgaden.

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Tranquil scenery in Konigssee, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Tranquil scenery in Konigssee
The stunning scenery you'll see during a boat ride in Konigssee, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
The stunning scenery you’ll see during a boat ride in Konigssee
St. Bartholomew Church and Watzmann Mountain seen from Konigssee, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
St. Bartholomew Church and Watzmann Mountain seen from Konigssee
The traditional electric boats in Konigssee, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
The traditional electric boats in Konigssee
Inside the boat in Konigssee, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Inside the boat in Konigssee
Angelic view of Konigssee and St. Bartholomew Church in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany
Angelic view of Konigssee and St. Bartholomew Church in Berchtesgaden
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This stunning lake, Germany’s third deepest, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters — so pure that it’s known as the cleanest lake in all of Germany.

To preserve its natural beauty, only electric-powered passenger ships, rowing boats and pedal boats are allowed to grace its tranquil waters.

Königssee is not only a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Of course, it is also a magical place for everyone; all because of its echo.

The surrounding sheer rock walls create an echo — so clear that it has become a tradition for boat tours to stop and play a flugelhorn or trumpet to demonstrate this phenomenon.

The sound echoes up to seven times, creating a wonderful mix of sounds that will make you think.

With the awe-inspiring view, this unique experience is just one of the many reasons why the Königssee is a must-visit destination for travelers.

Halfway down the western shore of the lake lies the picturesque St. Bartholomä, a famous pilgrimage church with an inn nearby. This church is one of the most famous in Germany because of its location.

If you are a photographer, this church will undoubtedly inspire you to take many photos during your visit to Königssee.

Are you going to Lake Königssee?

It’s just a bus ride away from Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof. Hop on bus #839, 841, or 843 and you’ll be dropped off at the lake’s parking lot.

While the view from the shore is already breathtaking, I highly recommend taking an electric boat tour to explore the lake.

From April to October, daily tours are available to cross the entire lake and visit Saint Bartholomeus and Lake Obersee.

You can purchase tickets at the booth in front of the boat docks, which opens 30 minutes before the first boat departs.

Don’t forget to keep your ticket with you for the return trip — you won’t be allowed back on the boat without it.

Know that you can find the timetables for Lake Königssee on the official website, in the resources section.

4. Jenner

Whenever I hear about people visiting Konigssee without also visiting Jenner, I can’t help but feel a twinge of regret on their behalf.

Missing Mount Jenner means missing out on an incredibly breathtaking experience. 

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View from the top of Jenner Mountain in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
View from the top of Jenner Mountain in Berchtesgaden
Sea of clouds over Konigssee seen from Jenner Mountain in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Sea of clouds over Konigssee seen from Jenner Mountain
Another view from Jenner Mountain in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Another view from Jenner Mountain
Another sea of clouds view over Konigssee from Jenner Mountain in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Another sea of clouds view over Konigssee from Jenner Mountain
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From the top of the mountain, accessible via cable car from Schönau, visitors can take in panoramic views of the Watzmann range and Königssee below. It’s truly a sight of the Bavarian Alps to behold! 

While tickets for the Jennerbahn may seem pricey at first glance, the scenic experience is worth every penny.

The experience starts with Jennerbahn’s spacious cable cars, providing a safe and enjoyable 20-minute ride up the mountain, with stunning views of the landscape passing by.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can exit at the middle station and hike part of the way up or down.

Otherwise, take the cable car all the way to the top, where you’ll be greeted by a terrace with a restaurant and breathtaking overlooks.

After arriving, you can hike to different viewpoints to take it all in.

The top station has a restaurant, Jenneralm.

It offers indoor and outdoor seating, serving up delicious Bavarian cuisine, beer, and cocktails where you can dine with a view before or after exploring the mountaintop.

The Jennerbahn is just a short walk from Lake Königssee, but before heading up the mountain, be sure to check the weather conditions and views from the top of Jenner Mountain.

You can purchase tickets online or at the ticket booth upon arrival. The resources section of this post contains links to the live webcam view and the online ticketing page.

5. Old Town Berchtesgaden & Kirchleitn Kapelle

If you’re looking for a free, simple yet charming and scenic experience in Berchtesgaden during your day trip from Salzburg, exploring Old Town Berchtesgaden and visiting Kirchleitn Kapelle are the perfect activities.

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Colorful houses in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Colorful houses in Berchtesgaden
Christmas stalls in Old Town Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Christmas stalls in Old Town Berchtesgaden
Lüftlmalerei in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day trip from Salzburg
Lüftlmalerei in Berchtesgaden
Kirchleitn Kapelle in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day tip from Salzburg
Kirchleitn Kapelle
Golden Hour view of Kirchleitn Kapelle in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, a day tip from Salzburg
Golden Hour view of Kirchleitn Kapelle
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The historic town center of Berchtesgaden is filled with charming Rococo buildings, including town halls, a church, and a royal palace.

It may be small, but you’ll surely be amazed by the Luftmalerei that adorns the facades of the houses in it.

So, what is Luftmalerei?

It is a stunning form of mural art that can be found in the charming villages and towns of southern Germany and Austria.

This folk-oriented variation of trompe-l’œil from the Baroque period is especially popular in Upper Bavaria (where Berchtesgaden is) and in Tyrol.

It imitates architectural elements and, just like ‘high architecture’, it also embeds pictorial cartouches, mirrors, and fields.

Because of them, strolling through the streets of Old Town Berchtesgaden, you’ll feel like you’re walking on the pages of a color book.

It’s a unique experience in the German parts of the Alps.

North of Old Town Berchtesgaden, however, lies an iconic landmark and picture-perfect spot in Berchtesgaden — Kirchleitn Kapelle.

It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in Berchtesgaden.

Nestled above the Weinfeld in Berchtesgaden, it is the chapel that you can see with the overlooking view of Berchtesgaden Old Town and Watzmann mountain in the backdrop.

Because Kirchleitn Kapelle creates a scene straight out of a fantasy movie, it has become an iconic symbol of Berchtesgaden and became one of the most photographed motifs in all of Bavaria.

If you want to make your Berchtesgaden day trip from Salzburg (or any other place) unique, this church is the off-the-beaten-path destination you should not really miss.

To reach the stunning Kirchleitn Kapelle from Old Town Berchtesgaden:

  1. Start your journey at Marktpl and make your way toward Schlossplatz.
  2. Take a left onto Weinfeldweg and keep an eye out for the rustic Spielplatz am Weinfeldweg playground, where you’ll turn right.
  3. Continue along the pathway through the picturesque meadows until you reach a fork at the end.
  4. Take the stairs and after just a few more steps, you’ll see Kirchleitn Kapelle.

Map

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Map of Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany
Map of Berchtesgaden
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Transportation

If you’re thinking about taking a day trip from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden, you’ve got three options: Bus #840, Train, or Taxi.

But undoubtedly, the bus is the way to go. Not only is it the cheapest option, but it also takes you directly from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden without any transfers, unlike the train.

Plus, the bus is about 20 minutes faster than the train! And with the added bonus of extra stops, you can even hop on Bus 840 in Salzburg and alight at places like the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine on its way into town.

You can buy tickets for Bus #840 directly from the bus driver with cash, or from the outdoor machines at the Salzburg station bus depot. Alternatively, you can get your tickets from the OEBB official website, which I’ve linked in the resources section of this post.

Note that bus 840 departs every hour from Bus Stall J (Engelbert-Weiß-Weg), just across the road from McDonald’s near Salzburg’s main bus depot. 50 minutes after departing, you should’ve arrived in Berchtesgaden.

If you wish to watch the sunset in Berchtesgaden, you’ll probably miss the last bus back to Salzburg. But don’t worry! You can still use the trains. Trains from Berchtesgaden to Salzburg have last returning trips between 9:30-10:10 pm daily.

Itinerary

While there are many amazing tourist attractions and activities in Berchtesgaden for your day trip from Salzburg, it’s practically impossible to do them all in just one day. But don’t worry if you can’t hit them all — visiting two or three should be enough and could already give most travelers a satisfying experience.

You can check my guide to decide how long you must spend in Berchtesgaden for more information.

In this section, I’ll share the main practical tips for maximizing your day trip from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden. We’ll cover two key aspects: (1) How much time to allocate for each tourist attraction in Berchtesgaden, and (2) Various ways to plan your day trip.

Part 1. Time to Spend at Each Attraction

To plan your Berchtesgaden day trip, it’s essential to understand how much time each tourist attraction requires. Below, you’ll find details about the places you can visit. Click on each item to learn more.

If you’re planning a trip to Eagle’s Nest, it’s a good idea to set aside more or less two hours for your visit.

This will give you enough time to explore the area and even grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant if you’d like. Keep in mind that there may be a wait for transportation to and from the site, so be sure to factor in an additional 30 minutes to an hour for queuing and travel time.

When it comes to Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, be sure to allow at least two hours for your tour.

This will give you enough time to complete the tour and take care of any necessary tasks, such as purchasing tickets, borrowing miner’s clothes, changing into them, and returning them after your visit.

If you’re planning to visit Königssee, it’s a good idea to set aside at least five hours for your trip.

This will give you enough time to take the four-hour round-trip boat ride, make a quick stop at Saint Bartholomä Church, and take care of any necessary tasks such as queuing and buying tickets.

If you’re interested in hiking, there are some great opportunities at the southern tip of Königssee, in an area known as Salet. From there, you can continue on to Obersee (Upper Lake) and Rothbachfall (Germany’s tallest waterfall).

Obersee is particularly stunning, with its mirror-like clear water and calm surface.

It’s only a 10-minute hike from the ferry dock in Salet, so I highly recommend taking the time to visit. If you do decide to see Obersee, be sure to allow an additional 30 minutes for hiking to the lake, relaxing for a few minutes, and taking photographs.

If you want to hike around Obersee and visit the idyllic Fischunkelalm Farm & Pasture on the other shore, you’ll need to allow another 30 minutes.

However, I don’t recommend hiking further to Rothbachfalls as it can be quite time-consuming and may prevent you from seeing other attractions in Berchtesgaden on your day trip. 

Visiting Jenner mountain would be slightly shorter than the tourist attractions previously mentioned.

You can expect to spend about an hour and a half exploring Jenner. If you’d like to grab a bite to eat at the mountaintop restaurant, be sure to allow an additional 30 minutes, for a total of two hours.

If you’re planning to explore Old Town Berchtesgaden and visit Kirchleitn Kapelle, you can expect to spend about an hour seeing both.

However, depending on your plans, such as watching the sunset over Berchtesgaden from Kirchleitn Kapelle, you may want to allow for a bit more time. 

Part 2. Ways to Do a Berchtesgaden Day Trip

Now that you have an idea of how much time to allocate for each tourist attraction in Berchtesgaden, you can easily plan your day trip and decide how many attractions you can visit.

To further assist you with your trip, I’ll share my sample itineraries. These offer various ways to spend a day in Berchtesgaden during a day trip from Salzburg.

  • Morning — Salt Mine Berchtesgaden
  • Lunchtime and early afternoon — Eagle’s Nest 
  • Afternoon — Jenner (optional but highly recommended)
  • Evening — Old Town Berchtesgaden and Kirchleitn Kapelle

Our goal is to catch the first tour of the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine by leaving Salzburg at 8:00 AM or earlier. Instead of going directly to the Berchtesgaden bus station, we’ll get off at the Salt Mine’s bus stop, which is along the route of bus number 840. 

  • Morning until early afternoon — Königssee
  • Late Afternoon — Jenner
  • Evening — Old Town Berchtesgaden and Kirchleitn Kapelle (optional)

In this itinerary, you’ll head straight to Königssee after arriving in Berchtesgaden from Salzburg.  Keep in mind that the Königssee tour takes around 5 hours, so it’s important to plan your meals accordingly.

One option is to bring a packed meal from a local supermarket to save money. Alternatively, you could eat a heavy meal before exploring Königssee and then have your next meal at the restaurant in Jenner.

  • Morning — Eagle’s Nest
  • Early lunch until the afternoon — Königssee
  • Late afternoon until evening — Old Town Berchtesgaden and Kirchleitn Kapelle

Eagle’s Nest and Königssee are two of Berchtesgaden’s most unique and beautiful attractions. I highly recommend visiting both to see the best of what Berchtesgaden has to offer.

In this itinerary, I suggest taking an early lunch at Eagle’s Nest so that you can head straight to Königssee after your visit.

  • Morning — Salt Mine Berchtesgaden
  • Afternoon — Königssee
  • Late afternoon until evening — Old Town Berchtesgaden and Kirchleitn Kapelle

Don’t worry if bad weather strikes during your day trip to Berchtesgaden.

While you may not be able to see the breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps from Eagle’s Nest or Jenner, you can still make the most of your trip by visiting the Salt Mine and soaking in the misty, magical views of Lake Königssee. 

  • Late Morning — Salt Mine Berchtesgaden
  • Lunch — Jenner
  • Afternoon — Old Town Berchtesgaden and Kirchleitn Kapelle

If you have limited time for your day trip to Berchtesgaden from Salzburg, I suggest this itinerary to help you see as many different beautiful parts of Berchtesgaden as possible.

Instead of visiting Eagle’s Nest that needs almost three hours to visit, go to Jenner instead.  Jenner is a breathtaking alternative to Eagle’s Nest for views of the Bavarian Alps.

Additionally, since Jenner is located close to Königssee, it also gives you the opportunity to see the lake up close or from a beautiful perspective overlooking it. 

Here are the ways to explore Berchtesgaden and reach its tourist spots.

Note that for itineraries 2 to 5, you may not need to leave Salzburg as early as 8:00 AM. However, especially during peak season, it’s still a good idea to arrive early in Berchtesgaden so that you can visit its tourist attractions without having to navigate through large crowds.

Guided Day Trips

For a hassle-free visit to Berchtesgaden, consider using the guides and tours listed below. They’ll take care of the planning, ticket purchasing, and transportation for you, so you can skip the long lines and focus on enjoying your trip.

  1. Best for groups — Highlights of the Bavarian Mountains incl. Eagle’s Nest — Be on an unforgettable journey with your family or friends to the breathtaking Eagle’s Nest and Konigssee or Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, all with the convenience of free hotel pick-up and drop-off. You’ll surely enjoy the company of an informative, friendly, and professional guide and driver. A bonus in the tour is a quick stop at a Sound of Music scenic filming location.
  2. Quick visit to Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest from Salzburg — Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg — Grab a skip-the-line access to Eagle’s Nest in this round trip journey to Berchtesgaden from Salzburg! What’s nicer? You’ll be traveling in a luxury bus instead of the ordinary one.
  3. Quick visit to Berchtesgaden and Königssee from Salzburg — From Salzburg: Half-Day Tour of Berchtesgaden — If you’re short on time but want to see Königssee, this half-day tour is perfect for you. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will provide you with tips and interesting stories about the places you’ll visit.
  4. Quick visit to Berchtesgaden Salt Mine from Salzburg — Bavarian Salt Mine Tour and Berchtesgaden — Get your priority entry to Salt Mine Berchtesgaden by joining this tour. You will be accompanied by an informative multilingual guide who will share local knowledge to help you make the most of your trip.
  5. Experience no hassle, go wherever you want in this Berchtesgaden tour — Private Eagle’s Nest Tour & Königsee from Salzburg — Experience the ultimate luxury with this personalized tour, designed to give you the flexibility to pick and choose the venues you would like to visit. This fully-guided tour focuses extensively on the Eagle’s Nest, Bavarian mountains, and the Königsee. The tour also includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, bottled water, a friendly driver/guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Tips: Getting Around Berchtesgaden

If you’re planning to explore Berchtesgaden using buses, you can save money by purchasing a Berchtesgaden Day Ticket, also known as BRB TagesTicket.

This ticket, issued by the Bayerische Regiobahn or Bavarian Regional Train system, gives you unlimited transport on local buses, excluding the special Eagle’s Nest buses, and even covers a bus ride to Salzburg.

The ticket costs a few Euros per adult, with discounts available for children and families. For an additional Euro, you can also travel on trains and buses between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden.

Additionally, this ticket entitles you to a 10% discount on popular attractions such as the Eagle’s Nest bus, Königssee boat cruise, Jennerbahn gondola, and the salt mine tour.

You can purchase the Day Ticket online, on buses including bus #840 in Salzburg, from ticket machines, or at the Berchtesgaden and Salzburg Hauptbahnhofs. Learn more about BRB TagesTicket from Bayerische Regiobahn official website linked at the resources section of this post.

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Resources

Alright! I hope you find this post about Berchtesgaden helpful. To further assist you with your Berchtesgaden day trip from Salzburg, here are some links to the latest information you will need for your planning.

By the way, if you need more ideas on how to spend your days in Salzburg, my one-day, two-day, and three-day itineraries for Salzburg are sure to be helpful as well. Be sure to check them out!

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