The Berchtesgaden National Park
The Berchtesgaden National Park is located in southeast Germany in the Free State of Bavaria and borders on the Austrian state of Salzburg. The park was founded in 1978 and, covering a surface of 210 km2 or 81 sq. miles, it is state property in its entirety. Its high mountain landscapes are characterized by extensive forests and steep rock faces.
Protecting Nature
The National Park's primary mission is to let nature take care of itself. This is why we intentionally abstain from human intervention in the heart of the protected area and nature's development is left to run its own course. Forests, for example, are allowed to grow old, decay and be reborn on their own. On the other hand the useable area can continue to serve traditional functions: summer grazing for cattle, as well as a fishery and boat traffic on Königssee.
The development of unnatural spruce growths into a more typical mixed forest is assisted in the grooming area by the purposeful planting of beech and fir trees. If necessary, measures may be taken to combat the bark beetle (without the use of destructive products) so as to protect the commercially used forests neighboring the National Park.
Environmental Education
The native American Indian, Tatanga Mani, told the "white man": "I did not attend any of your higher schools, yet I went to the best university that exists: the great university out there in nature."
In order to help you, too, experience the variety of nature in the National Park with all your senses, we have put together an extensive environmental program.
Visitors' Information
The main information center is the Nationalpark-Haus in Berchtesgaden. There, with the use of exhibits, films, a slide show, books and much more, you can find out all about the National Park. Other information points are located at the entrances to the National Park (Königssee, Wimbachbrücke, Klausbachtal), as well as at St. Bartholomew on Königssee. The Park service staff would be glad to be of help in the Park as well.
Hiking Programs
A varied program of free guided hikes with a number of themes is available both in summer and in winter. Should you want to experience nature on a long hike or find out more about a particular theme on location, we have taken the most diverse age groups and special interest groups into account. During school vacations we offer activities for children and families with plenty of fun and games. In the winter the program is complemented by interesting lectures at the Nationalpark-Haus. Pick up a free copy of our current program at all our information points, at the tourist offices or by dropping us a line.
Special Group Excursions
For a small fee, we can arrange special group tours (7 persons min.) on request with a focus on the group's particular interests. Participants can choose from numerous themes. Please write well in advance to the Nationalparkverwaltung Berchtesgaden, Dept. of Environmental Issues, including all pertinent information. In addition we offer continuation studies for teachers, educators, group leaders and others.
Recreation
A total of 230 km (143 miles) of hiking paths and climbing trails make for ideal conditions for an enjoyable vacation. Starting with easy walks in the valleys to high monntain hikes lasting several days, there is something here for everyone. To complete the offer, mountain huts serving refreshments and overnight huts are open in the summer months. You will also find numerous cattle huts that serve fresh milk products during the grazing scason.
Important: The panoramic map pictured here serves only to give a general view of the National Park. For safe hiking, we recommend the hiking maps of the Bayer. Landesvermessungsamt: "Nationalpark Berchtesgaden" 1:25.000 or "Berchtesgadener Alpen" 1:50.000 available at the Nationalpark-Haus and in book stores.
Hiking Suggestions:
Hiking in the Berchtesgaden National Park appeals to all: some may prefer a relaxed stroll through the valleys, whereas others are drawn to the challenge of the high peaks. For this reason our hiking suggestions are listed in four categories from which to choose. Generally speaking, the main idea is to exercise on alpine terrain and that one should follow the advice of the mountain rescue staff and of the hut personnel. Good walking shoes, waterproof and warm clothing, as well as an adequate map with which to plan the route are indispensable!
A relaxed pace
Easy walks on well-groomed trails with little incline. Walking time: about 1 - 2 hrs. Refreshment stops available.
Malerwinkel-Rundweg
Length of trail: 4 km; difference in elevation: about 100 m
Route: From the Königssee boat dock follow the wide trail to the left of the boathouses to the outlook point. The circular trail continues on through a mixed monntain forest to the Jenner cable-car base station. From there, return to Königssee.
Note: Allow time to enjoy the gorgeous view across Königssee to St.Bartholomew.
Obersee
Length of trail: 2 km
Route: From the boat dock at Salet on Königssee the path leads via Mittersee to Obersee. Huge boulders on either side of the trail bear witness to an ancient rock slide. From Obersee it is possible to continue along to Fischunkelalm (open for refreshments in summer) on the opposite bank or to return to Salet.
Note: Remember to return to the dock before the last boat departure!
Short, but challenging
2 - 3 hr hikes with occasional steep inclines for those in good physical shape and sure-footed. Refreshments available at the trail heads.
Eiskapelle (Ice Chapel)
Length of trail: about 6 km; difference in elevation: about 240 m
Route: From the National Park information point at St. Bartholomew the level trail leads to Kapelle St. Johann und Paul. Continue steeply uphill throngh the woods until you reach the large avalanche snow field at the foot of the Watzmann's east wall. Return the same way.
Note: The "ice chapel's" shape and size change from season to season and it is not always easy to discover! Please do not enter: the glacier door can easily collapse causing a fatal accident.
Halsalm in the Klausbachtal
Length of trail: about 6 km; difference in elevation: about 440 m
Route: Passing the National Park information point near Hintersee follow the tarred road a short way before veering to the right. A continuous climb leads to Halsalm. A narrow path leads from the hut over the pasture to offer a superb view of Hintersee and the Ramsau valley. Continue towards Ramsau to Fernsebner parking lot. From here the footpath follows the road back to your starting point.
Note: With a little luck you might spot the "king of the skies": the golden eagle!
Far to go, but worth it
Average inclines are negotiated on the National Park's trails. The main requirements include stamina, hiking boots and a snack for the trail. Hiking time: 6 - 8 hrs.
Bindalm in the Klausbachtal
Length of trail: 12 km; difference in elevation: 320 m
Route: From the National Park information point near Hintersee follow the Klausbach valley on a level trail to the Engert Holzstube (wooden hut). >From there, you'll encounter somewhat steeper sections till Bindalm. From there you can either continue to the Austrian border at Hirschbichlpass or return the way you came. From May till October you can use the regular bus service linking Weißbach and Hintersee.
Note: Klausbachtal is great for mountainbikers as well!
Wimbachtal
Length of trail: 18 km; difference in elevation: 700 m
Route: From the National Park information point at Wimbachbrücke an asphalt road leads to Wimbachklamm (entrance fee into the gorge). A gentle incline leads along the Wimbach stream and woods to Wimbachschloss which serves refreshments in summer. Alternating from rock bed to wooded trail, continne on to Wimbachgrieshütte (open in summer).
Note: At the top of Wimbach valley one can discover a botanical rarity called the Spirken in German, an upright form of dwarf-pine!
Up into the heights
Challenging full-day hiking tours with steep upgrades. Only for those who are sure-footed and in good physical shape. Hiking boots and snacks are prerequisites!
Gotzenalm
Length of trail: 18 km; difference in elevation: about 1100 m
Route: From the parking lot at Königssee, pass the Jenner cable-car station along the road till the last houses. Take the right fork onto Hochbahnweg (Nr. 493). The shady forest path leads to the forest service road which you follow to Königsbachalm (refreshments served in summer). At the crossroads continue on trail Nr. 493 via Gotzentalalm and via switch-backs on to Gotzenalm (refreshments available in summer). Return either to Hinterbrand parking lot or to Kessel dock or Salet dock on Königssee.
Note: From Gotzenalm a 10 min. walk takes you to the lookout point at Feuerpalfen with a spectacular view down to the peninsula of St. Bartholomew and Königssee!
Watzmannhaus
Length of trail: 12 km; difference in elevation: about 1300 m
Route: From the National Park information point at the Wimbachbrücke parking lot cross the bridge and turn right immediately onto trail 441. Follow this up passed Stubenalm and Mitterkaseralm. From here the road turns into a climbing trail via Falzalm to Watzmannhaus (open in summer).
Note: Those wishing to "conquer" Mount Watzmann must be experienced, fit and well-equipped!
Important Adresses
Our information points are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00
Open year-round:
Nationalpark-Haus
Information Center
Franziskanerplatz 7
D-83471 Berchtesgaden,
Germany Tel: ++49-(0)8652-64343
Fax: ++49-(0)8652-69434
National Park Information Office
Wimbachbrücke
Wimbachweg 2
D-83486 Ramsau, Germany
National Park Information Center Hintersee
Hirschbichlstraße 26
D-83486 Ramsau, Germany
Tel: ++49-(0)8657-1431
Fax: ++49-(0)8657-985935
National Park Information Office
St. Bartholomew
Nationalpark-Informationsstelle Engert-Holzstube
an der Hirschbichlstraße
D-83486 Ramsau-Hintersee
Further Informations:
Nationalparkverwaltung Berchtesgaden
Doktorberg 6
D 83471 Berchtesgaden
Phone 08652/9686 0
Fax 08652/968640