A Favourite Spot for the Whole Family: Fresh Air, Monastery Views & a Lakeside Pause
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Whenever we drive home from Berchtesgaden, we already know one thing for sure: we’re not making it without a proper stop. The mountains are behind us, the kids are tired — but not quite tired enough to sit still in the car for two hours. And us? We don’t want the trip to fade out somewhere between a motorway service station and a petrol stop.
That’s why we’ve grown to love adding one final pause — at the beautiful Lake Höglwörth in the Rupertiwinkel region. Just a few minutes from the motorway, you’ll find a place that feels like a gentle extension of your holiday. In the middle of the lake sits the idyllic Höglwörth Monastery. It’s exactly the kind of setting that makes for a relaxed, restorative break on the way home from Berchtesgaden.
A Walk Around Lake Höglwörth
Our tip: start your stopover with a gentle loop around the lake. The circular trail is just under two kilometres long and can easily be completed in about 40 minutes. It’s the perfect distance to stretch your legs after a car ride.
After only a few steps, everything feels calmer. No traffic noise, no rush — just reeds, water and wide-open views across the lake. Our kids don’t need much entertainment here. A stick found along the shore, a few stones skipping across the water, maybe a quick race to the next bench — and everyone is happy.
Höglwörth Monastery: Rococo in the Middle of the Lake
The monastery itself sits on a small peninsula and feels almost storybook-like. The Rococo church in particular is well worth stepping inside. Its interior is surprisingly ornate for such a peaceful setting.
The former Augustinian canon monastery is considered one of the most beautiful ensembles in eastern Upper Bavaria — and yet the atmosphere remains wonderfully relaxed.
As a stopover near Berchtesgaden, in the
Rupertiwinkel region,
it strikes the perfect balance: a touch of culture for us, plenty of open space for the kids.
Summer at Lake Höglwörth: Swimming & Picnic Time
In summer, there’s a designated swimming area at Lake Höglwörth. The water is calm and the shoreline gently sloping — ideal with kids. If time allows, we sometimes even squeeze in a small picnic break. One last swim, stretching out on the grass, soaking up the sun before returning to everyday life. That’s exactly how a journey should come to a close.
Winter Mood by the Lake
But this place has a very special atmosphere in winter, too. When the lake freezes over and the sun sparkles on the ice, everything feels just a little bit magical. The air turns crisp, footsteps crunch underfoot, and the monastery reflects softly in the pale winter light.
A short winter walk here feels like pressing a reset button after the buzz of the mountains. Especially when coming back from a ski trip or a
winter holiday in Berchtesgaden,
it’s a beautiful way to breathe in that last hint of alpine air before heading home.
A Stop at the Klosterwirt
Right by the car park, you’ll find the cosy Klosterwirt Höglwörth. After a walk around the lake, we love stopping in for a warm lunch — or simply for coffee and cake.
In summer, the terrace is perfect for sitting out in the sun while the kids squeeze in a few last laps down toward the water. In winter, it’s all about the warm, snug interior. No frills, just honest Bavarian cooking and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.
You’ll find more ideas and favourite spots for exploring the region here:
Berchtesgaden with Kids.
