Sandwiched between the snowy Austrian Alps and verdant Bavarian forests, the alpine village of Berchtesgaden is a destination defined by incredible natural beauty. While hiking trails, Königsee lake cruises, and epic ski resorts make visiting the nearby Berchtesgaden National Park one of the most popular things to do in the region, the town itself is home to the infamous Eagle’s Nest, once Hitler’s headquarters, as well as 16th-century salt mines.
In the summer, Berchtesgaden is popular with tourists, who come to explore the hiking trails and see famous alpine sights like Lake Königssee. Summer also brings the Folklore Associations’ Annual Event, a quirky celebration that dates back to 1950 and aims to preserve local dance, music, costumes, and culture. To avoid the summer crush, plan a visit in the spring or fall instead; the weather will still be great for hiking, and you can visit popular attractions, such as the Eagle’s Nest, without such big crowds.
The Old Town of Berchtesgaden is easy to explore on foot, but if you want to see highlights outside of the city center, it’s best to travel by bus. There are four main bus routes, and all of them stop at the main Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof train station. You can also find plenty of taxis at the station, as well as trains to major cities, including Salzburg, which is only about 15 miles (24 kilometers) away.
Berchtesgaden is famous for its signature dessert, the windbeutel cream puff, a sort of German-style profiterole that is typically served with cream and fruity syrup. Try them at the Windbeutelbaron, a popular local spot. If you need a break from heavy German cuisine, visit Bauchgfui; the restaurant specializes in healthy salad bowls, and they offer lots of vegan options.
