Photography - Ivan Andrejic
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Berchtesgadener Land Germany’s only alpine biosphere reserve provides plenty of scope for active pursuits and relaxation with its unspoilt nature and picturesque landscapes. Magnificent peaks, fragrant alpine meadows, mountain and riverside forests, crystal-clear streams and lakes ... the area between Mount Watzmann and the Salzach river offers up a wide range of habitats in the Alps and their foothills. This area is home not just to marmots, golden eagles and gentians, but also to man himself, who has also played a role in shaping this stunning corner of south-east Upper Bavaria. Family-owned farms in the area ensure the production of wholesome food and the care and maintenance of an idyllic landscape enjoyed by millions of visitors a year. Whether you explore on foot or by bike, bus or rail, excursions to suit all tastes are available. Berchtesgaden National Park, which contains Mount Watzmann and Lake Königssee, offers a wide range of outdoor activities, and the Berchtesgadener Land region as a whole features educational trails and themed walks where you can learn about the biosphere’s diverse plant and animal life. The towns and communities here attest to a rich cultural history as well as providing all kinds of leisure activities. You could also get to know the area through its fine food and drink and handicrafts, available at farm shops and markets or even directly from local farms and businesses.
Berchtesgaden Old Town Berchtesgaden already had been receiving prominent guests before the term holiday was even invented - Bavaria’s kings, artists and noblemen preferred this town over others. Fortunately, you no longer have to be an aristocrat to enjoy the place! The town invites you to discover interesting sights such as the historic Rococo town centere with its town houses, monastery church and royal palace. Stroll around leisurely, visit one of the cozy cafés and have fun browsing through the charming shops. Those who want to experience «great moments» of history in Berchtesgaden, have the opportunity to accompany the night watchman on a tour through the historically interesting town center.
Lake Königssee Lake Königssee is a true natural Kingdom. A boat ride along the sheer rock faces of Lake Königssee, the jewel among Berchtesgaden lakes, makes for a special experience - rent a paddleboat and enjoy the National Park’s nature in peace and quiet, away from the commercial boat traffic. Lake Königssee with its emerald green color and nestled at the foot of the imposing eastern wall of Mount Watzmann in the heart of the Berchtesgaden National Park is one of nature’s true masterpieces. The greatest luxury in these fast-paced times is silence. As soon as you board one of the attractive electric passenger boats all the noise, hustle and bustle is left behind. During the crossing to St. Bartholomew the boatman plays his trumpet to lure out the world-famous Königssee echo from the steep rock face. In St. Bartholomew the lovely pilgrimage church is world-renowned for its wine-red onion domes. Malerwinkl, the so-called painter’s corner, is the only point easily reached on foot on the lake’s banks. The steep mountains surrounding the lake forbid the development of any trails or roads around lake Königssee making it unique among Central Europe’s larger lakes.
Jennerbahn Cable Car high above lake Kรถnigssee As of June 2019 a new 10-person gondola is open on two sections on the 1,874 -meter (6,148-foot) high Jenner Mountain. The new gondola are accompanied by the new stations at the peak, middle, and in the valley in the town of Schรถnau am Kรถnigssee. The spacious panoramic restaurant at the top station with 400 indoor and 400 outdoor seats offers day visitors a gastronomic experience and provides an unparalleled location for groups and companies seeking an exciting site or special events. The previous Mitterkaser 2-seater chairlift has been replaced by a 6-person chairlift as of June, 2019. Furthermore, the old Jennerwiesen 2-seater chairlift was removed from its former location and will be operating between the middle and bottom station. The relatively easy terrain here is a great practice ground for children, which is why all technical facilities are built kid-safe.
Hintersee The area of Hintersee Lake and Ramsau are among the most picturesque in the Bavarian Alps. Artists and novelists discovered both sites in the 1800s and, later, film-makers chose this area as an idyllic setting for alpine majesty and pastoral romance. Surrounded by gigantic peaks and located in Ramsau at the foot of the Reiter-Alm, Hintersee Lake has fascinated many landscape artists and poets. The most beautiful footpath to the lake leads from Ramsau through the Zauberwald (Enchanted Forest), and along a wild mountain stream. Take a walk on the theme trail leading around the lake and presenting information on the romantic-period painters of the 19th century. The lake has provided the setting for many an Alpine movie and can also be crossed by boat. A world-famous view of the charming church of Ramsau can be had from the banks of the mountain torrent at Malerwinkl (painters’ corner), some 200 m downstream from the quiet parish church.
Ramsau - Germany’s first mountaineering village Ramsau’s history has always been influenced by the surrounding mountains, especially by the infamous Watzmann. The famous mountaineer Johann Grill (1835-1917), known as “der Kederbacher”, was the first to scale the Watzmann’s legendary east wall, the highest of the Eastern Alps and also was the initial landlord of the Watzmannhaus. His statue can be found adorning the garden in front of Ramsau’s town hall. Ramsau’s special relationship to the mountains, especially Mount Watzmann and Hochkalter, can still be felt today: The village of Ramsau arguably has the highest number of mountain guides in Bavaria and the whole of Germany. Thus, it is understandable that Ramsau applied for the title “mountaineering village” at the German Alpine Association. The idea of mountaineering villages stems from Austria, where the Austrian Alpine Association already has awarded 20 villages with this quality seal. A mountaineering village fully dedicates itself to soft tourism, the promotion of nature conservation, agriculture and sustainable development, in order to preserve the culture and traditions of the Alpine region. On September 16th 2015, Ramsau achieved its goal and was officially awarded the title of first Bavarian mountaineering village by the German Alpine Association.
Almbachklamm and Wimbachklamm Gorges Hikes through Berchtesgadener Land’s gorges and ravines offer a fantastic experience that won’t easily be forgotten. Wild and romantic: the Almbachklamm near Marktschellenberg with its thunderous waterfalls is one of the most beautiful gorges in the Bavarian Alps. At its entrance one can admire Germany’s oldest marble mill, the so called Kugelmühle. Since 1683 chunks of marble are beautifully ground into smooth balls of different sizes here. The Wimbach Gorge, located at the entrance of a massive high valley and at the foot of Mount Watzmann, is a geologically impressive sight, as well as a picturesque natural monument. Opening times: May 1st - Nov 1st
The Eagle’s Nest Open for the summer season A historical viewpoint high above Berchtesgaden: the Eagle’s Nest on top of Mount Kehlstein (1,834 m/6,017 ft) provides a breathtaking panoramic view. The building was completed in 1938 and in 1960 the Bavarian State entrusted it to a foundation. The Eagle’s Nest is managed by the tourist region of Berchtesgaden-Königssee company and run as a mountain restaurant by private leaseholders. The Eagle’s Nest road is closed to private traffic special busses chauffeur visitors up to a viewing platform from where a 124 meter (407 feet) long tunnel leads to a brass elevator going 124 meters (407 feet) up into the Eagle’s Nest. The Eagle’s Nest road or Kehlsteinstrasse is considered to be a unique architectural masterpiece and a true feat of engineering: in a single hairpin bend, the tremendous 700 metres (2,297 feet) in elevation between Obersalzberg and the Eagle’s Nest parking lot are climbed, passing twice through the steep north-west face of Mount Kehlstein. The history of how the road was constructed is likewise impressive: in only 13 months, the 6.5 kilometer (4 mile) long road was blasted out of the mountain’s hard rock. In 1952 the Eagle’s Nest road was closed to public traffic and a special mountain bus service was put into operation.
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden Wellness Hotel in the Bavarian mountains. A unique blend of five-star luxury, Bavarian style, warmth and recreational activities make Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden one of the most special locations in the Bavarian Alps. Here, 1000m high in the mountains, guests can relax, unwind and enjoy being close to nature, all while trained and professional staff take care of everything.
Exceptionally comfortable, the 138 rooms and suites radiate warmth and contemporary flair, all while offering guests a unique view over the beautiful alpine surroundings of the hotel. When you’re not relaxing, take advantage of the countless leisure opportunities available in this spectacular Bavarian setting, during both the summer and winter months. Classic European hospitality in one of the continent’s most picturesque retreats.