Find the most beautiful alpine scenery, perfect for enjoying quality time with your loved ones!
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Berchtesgaden – just the name fills my heart with happy memories of sparkling lakes, magnificent mountains and endless forests. Come and find your happy place in Berchtesgaden, where the Königssee sparkles in the sunlight and the Watzmann proudly stretches its impressive silhouette into the sky. This is Germany’s only Alpine National Park, where nature is not only the backdrop, but the main actress!
This wild, romantic natural paradise in the south of Bavaria has stolen our hearts from the very first moment we laid eyes on it. As a family, Berchtesgaden offers exactly what we love most: nature in its most beautiful form, mountains, tranquility and time for adventure.
In this blog post, we’re excited to share our favourite places and insider tips for an unforgettable family holiday in Berchtesgaden. The region is not only breathtakingly scenic, but also ideal for families who like to be outside and want to recharge their batteries in the great outdoors.
Family holiday in Berchtesgaden
What awaits you in Berchtesgaden?
In Berchtesgaden, you’ll find a truly magical landscape, full of untouched beauty and a deep connection to nature. In the lovely mountaineering village of Ramsau, you can spend the night in traditional guest houses or farms, just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Hintersee and the enchanting fairytale forest. The lovely market town of Berchtesgaden has some truly delightful places to relax and unwind, both day and night. We’ve got hikes for all ages, and even if it rains, there are lots of indoor activities to keep you entertained.
How long should we plan to stay in Berchtesgaden?
We really recommend spending at least five to seven days in Berchtesgaden so you can enjoy all the wonderful nature experiences on offer. The region has so many beautiful places that you really must visit!
Which season is best for a family holiday in Berchtesgaden?
You really can’t go wrong with visiting Berchtesgaden at any time of year! In summer, the green meadows and fresh mountain air are just so tempting! In winter, the region transforms into a magical snow-covered wonderland, perfect for tobogganing and snowshoeing. But for us as a family, spring and autumn are especially special. In spring, nature awakens to new life, and in autumn, the golden light immerses the landscape in the most beautiful splendour of colours. So why choose the hustle and bustle of the high season when the quieter months have so much more to offer?
The most important sights in Berchtesgaden
Königssee
If you visit outside the season, you’ll be able to enjoy the silence and beauty of this natural jewel even more! A trip on the electric boat, which has been used here since 1909, over the crystal-clear water is a highlight for children and adults alike – it’s so much fun! Listen to the famous echo, which bounces off the steep rock walls, walk to the Obersee and enjoy a typical fish bread in front of the St. Bartholomä church. After that, hop on the Jennerbahn, which takes families up to the mountain, where all the splendour of the mountain world is revealed, especially in autumn. With the See-Gipfel-Ticket for 49.00 euros you can kill two birds with one stone here.
Watzmann: the majestic Giant
For older children and ambitious parents, the Watzmann, Germany’s second highest mountain, offers an exciting hiking experience between the Steinernen Meer and picturesque mountain lakes. We chose the majestic giant of the Königssee, the Jenner and the Wimbachgries and were deeply impressed by the views. The view from above is well worth the effort – but you need to be sure-footed and have children who love hiking.
Our favourite places in Berchtesgaden
Wimbachklamm and Wimbach Castle
An absolute must for young and old explorers is the Wimbachklamm. Here the waterfalls roar in full force and the moss-covered rocks give the gorge a fairytale charm. Especially in autumn, when the fresh air envelops the rising water vapour, an impressive spectacle unfolds that amazes both children and adults. If you want to take the adventure even further, you can continue your walk to Schloss Wimbach – a charming old hunting lodge that invites you to take a well-earned rest in the middle of the mountains, complete with a ball track for the kids.
Magical Forest & Hintersee
The Zauberwald at Hintersee is a place where the boundaries between reality and fairy tale are blurred. In this enchanting patch of land, every step you take is a new adventure, arousing the curiosity of young and old alike. The one-hour walk takes you through a forest of moss-covered trees and babbling brooks. Kids can let their imaginations run wild at the many play stations, while signs along the nature trail provide additional information. Arriving at Hintersee, the crystal-clear water in dazzling shades of blue and green is a sight to behold. From pedal boating to relaxing on the shore, the aura of this magical gem is sure to leave an unforgettable impression.
Under tags in the salt mine
The Salzminwerk Berchtesgaden is a fascinating adventure that captivates the whole family. Since 1517, people have been exploring the mysterious world of “white gold” deep under the Berchtesgaden Alps. With the Mubenbahn you go on an exciting journey into the darkness, where the sounds of the outside world are silent and a magical silence sets in. A highlight is the fast-paced Bergmannsslide, which provides a lot of fun and joyful screams. But even after the slide, a quiet moment awaits you on the sparkling Spiegelsee, where spherical sounds and lights bring the life of life of the miners to life.
Real insider tips in Berchtesgaden for families
Berchtesgaden is full of surprises! There’s so much to see and do here, from the fairy tale trail to the amazing suspension bridges and the fantastic interactive exhibitions. Every excursion is an unforgettable family moment. So, are you ready to experience Berchtesgaden from a whole new side?
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- Family hike in Berchtesgaden: Fairytale path BischofswiesenA magical hiking trail that ignites the imagination of children with imaginative characters and exciting stories.
- Child-friendly hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park: Hangebrücke KlausbachtalAn exciting experience for young and old! The swinging suspension bridge offers breathtaking views and takes you deep into the national park.
- Journey through childhood dreams: Hans-Peter Porsche TraumwerkChildren’s dreams come true here: A huge model railway and numerous nostalgic toys will not only amaze the little ones.
- Café Guttmann – Family-friendly café in BerchtesgadenPerfect for a relaxing break: here there is not only delicious cakes, but also a play corner for children.
- Pidinger Bienenweg: Hike with small children in BerchtesgadenAn educational walk where children can learn everything about the life of the bees in a playful way.
- Interactive exhibition Berchtesgadener Alpen: Haus der BergeA must for nature and animal lovers. The interactive stations bring the wildlife of the Alps within reach!
Maxl – your holiday companion for Berchtesgaden
Maxl is here to make your family holiday a truly unforgettable experience! The interactive app is so much more than just a digital travel guide! It brings fun and discovery directly to your smartphone, with weather-dependent recommendations and exciting missions to keep you engaged. Whether you’re looking for child-friendly destinations, playgrounds or restaurants, Maxl has all the information you need and offers additional discounts through the digital guest card.
Where to stay on your next family holiday in Berchtesgaden?
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay in Berchtesgaden, we’ve got two special spots that we think you’ll love! The first is the Erlebnishof Etterlehen, and the second is the Gästehaus Hinterponholz.
Erlebnishof Etterlehen
On the Erlebnishof Etterlehen tradition meets family happiness! This lovely family-run farm is tucked away in a gorgeous spot between green meadows and rolling hills. It’s part of the wonderful „Blauer Gockel“ initiative, which celebrates the best farm holiday experiences in Bavaria. You’ll love staying in the beautiful chalets with stunning mountain views, relaxing in the Schwitzstuben, and swimming in the natural bath on warm days. The kids will adore experiencing country life up close, whether it’s feeding the animals or frolicking around on the vast meadows.
Guest house Hinterponholz
The Gästehaus Hinterponholz is a real hidden gem! It’s tucked away in a quiet spot, but just a few minutes from the national park, so it’s the perfect base for hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains. The cosy, rustic rooms and the delicious, locally-sourced breakfast really make you feel right at home!
