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Where Eagles Soar

Berchtesgadener Land, amid the Bavarian Alps
 
Expect top-notch, traditional gastronomy, high-quality hotels and stunning Alpine scenery on this self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walk. After some challenging routes, enjoy a relaxing sail across fjord-like Königssee.
Where Eagles Soar. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Where Eagles Soar. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in the Bavarian Alps

As steeped in history and Bavarian culture as it is in Alpine splendour, the walkers' paradise of Berchtesgadener Land lies enfolded within the granite embrace of the mighty Watzmann Mountain and its eight lofty companions. At their feet, tucked into the folds of the valley like an emerald in a cluster of diamonds, beguiling Lake Königssee stretches silently into the monolithic shadows beneath the ever vigilant eye of the Eagle's Nest, perched 1,200 metres above.
From the spa town of Bad Reichenhall where the world's oldest cable car ferries passengers 1,614 metres up the side of Predigstuhl to the Lattengebirge ridge; through the dramatic Wimbach Gorge alongside picture-postcard Ramsau; to the heady high pastures (Almen) of the Jenner Mountain and the shores of Königssee, this holiday takes you along some of the most picturesque sections of the long-distance SalzAlpenSteig path which runs like a timeline thread through the salt mining history of Berchtesgaden. Along this 'white gold' trail, you travel from hidden lakes and green valley floors to where eagles soar above the summit of Germany's most beautiful mountain.

Beautiful, Alpine-lodge-style hotels set on high meadows with views to the mountains and over the valleys, provide a welcoming base for your Berchtesgadener Land exploration. With excellent traditional dining, luxurious rooms and pampering spa facilities, challenging days are rewarded with relaxing evenings and restful nights in the peaceful embrace of the mountains.
 

Book now for summer 2021

We are now taking bookings for 2021. We are keeping our prices the same, so you can book for summer 2021 at 2020 prices.

What we’re doing so you can book and travel with confidence >

This holiday is not available in 2020.
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 2 4 8 13 18 21 23 22 19 14 7 2
    mm 74 71 78 97 126 167 176 157 99 79 84 88
  • Arrival in Bischofswiesen
    Night 1: at Hotel Hundsreitlehen (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.

    You will be given a guest card at each hotel, entitling you to free travel on most local trains and buses. Pay locally for cable-car tickets.
  • Choice of walks from Bischofswiesen: 14km or 17km

    Predigtstuhl walk: 14km, 5hrs; 340m ascent/1300m descent
    It is worth taking the Predigtstuhl 'Grande Dame of the Alps', the oldest cable car in the world, to enjoy grandstand views over Watzmann, Hochkalter and their seven rocky companions as well as to the Alps beyond the spa town of Bad Reichenhall. You then head along the ridge from the cable-car station via Karkopf (1,738 metres) and descend to Bischofswiesen.

    Hallthurm walk: 17km, 6hrs; 600m ascent/descent
    For a lower perspective, follow a pleasant woodland trail through meadows dotted with alpine chalets and backed by the drama of the Lattengebirge mountain range, to the little hamlet of Hallthurm and return along a picturesque path at the foot of the Untersberg mountains with the entire valley spread before you. The walk can be shortened by taking a bus at the start or end of the day.
    Typical mountain restaurant around Bischofswiesen
  • Bischofswiesen to Ramsau: 14.5km, 5hrs; 530m ascent/570m descent
    Your route ascends through woodland to a panoramic path above the valley before joining the long-distance SalzAlpenSteig, a former salt traders' route through the region. Traversing high Almen, the trail passes a mountain Hütte before descending gently to a beautiful hillside path that skirts the Ramsau valley and follows the Stations of the Cross and the pilgrimage church of Maria Kuntersweg to reach the Berghotel Rehlegg, your base for two nights.
  • Choice of walks from Ramsau: 14km to 16km

    Hintersee walk: 16km, 5.5hrs; 550m ascent/descent
    Climb above the imposing Wimbach Gorge along the side of the Hochkalter mountain range to reach an eagle's eye viewpoint over the hidden lake of Hintersee before descending to circumnavigate its scenic shore.

    Blaueishütte walk: 15.5km, 6hrs; 1030m ascent/descent
    For a truly spectacular table with a view, ascend steeply to the panoramic terrace of the Blaueishütte which sits at 1,680 metres above sea level, nestling in the crook of sheer cliffs, its terrace looking out over the Hintersee sparkling far below, and above to the blue glacier from which it gets its name.

    Wimbach Gorge walk: 14km, 4.5hrs; 480m ascent/descent
    Descend into the Wimbach Gorge itself on wooden walkways alongside gushing waterfalls before following this scenic valley which lies between the Watzmann and the Hochkalter mountain ranges, to a remote Hütte  where you might like to pause for lunch at the foot of the mountains.
    Blaueishütte walk
    Hintersee circular option
  • Ramsau to Schönau am Königsee: 17km, 6.5hrs; 1040m ascent/980m descent
    Your onward journey from Ramsau follows a scenic path across the low meadows of the Lattengebirge mountains to reach the panoramic Soleleitungsweg which traces the contours of the valley on a splendid walk superlatively dubbed ‘God’s Balcony’. You then descend to cross the valley floor and begin your woodland ascent to the Grünsteinhütte, from where the effort of the climb is rewarded with your first sight of the jaw-dropping beauty and drama that abounds in your final destination. From your vantage point on the side of the Watzmann, gaze upon the Jenner and Schneibstein mountains; the pine covered Hagengebirge range; and the glittering tip of emerald Lake Königssee, all of which await you. Your target, where you spend the last three nights, is the Alpenhof in Schönau am Königssee.
    Views on the route to Schönau am Königssee
  • Choice of walks from Königssee: 9.5km to 19km

    Eagle’s Nest walk: 9.5km, 3.5hrs; 490m ascent/250m descent
    Ascend through forest to a low ridge of the Hoher Göll mountain range and the base of the Kehlstein, to reach the Dokumentation Obersalzberg where the compelling history of Berchtesgaden during the Third Reich is chronicled. From there, a special bus climbs the 7km of intestinal mountain road to reach a tunnel and elevator inside the mountain which take you to the Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle's Nest, now a popular tourist destination with its jaw-dropping views over Berchtesgaden National Park to the Alps and the Salzburg basin.

    Lakes walk: 19km, 6.5hrs; 640m ascent/descent
    Sail the beautiful, fjord-like Königssee (ticket provided) to reach its furthest shore, from where a short walk takes you to Obersee, a hidden lake whose still surface reflects the granite splendour of the Hagen mountains. Follow a path to its furthest shore where a Hütte  sits overlooking the water. Continue your boat ride to St Bartholomä where a path leads from behind its iconic pilgrims’ church to a viewpoint over the Eiskapelle, a dome-like glacier at the foot of the east face of the mighty Watzmann.

    Mount Jenner walk: 16km, 5.5hrs; 430m ascent/1050m descent
    Take the Jenner cable car to the 1874-metre summit of Mount Jenner, from where you gaze down onto the shimmering emerald waters of Lake Königssee lying at the foot of the sheer east wall of Watzmann. Your route continues through granite peaks, pine-covered slopes and flower-filled meadows where the tinkling bells of grazing cattle provide a gentle soundtrack to nature's stunning canvas in the high Almen. There is the option to shorten this route slightly by travelling to and from the cable car station by bus.
    Views from the Eagle's Nest
    Mount Jenner route
 

Accommodation

Your days of walking are rewarded with relaxing evenings in beautiful, Alpine-lodge-style hotels.

Please note: most beds in German hotels are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. We refer to these as 'Austrian Twins' and they are locally regarded to serve requests for both double and twin bedded rooms. Separate twin beds or traditional double beds with one large mattress are rare and cannot be guaranteed.
 

Summer 2021

We are keeping our prices the same, so you can book for summer 2021 at 2020 prices.
 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 06 June 2020 - 01 October 2020

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    6 - 12 Jun 2020 £1260 £295
    13 Jun - 24 Sep 2020 £1295 £295
    3rd & 4th person discount -£25
    Single traveller supplement £25

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    If you would prefer to drive from the UK, please contact us for self-drive prices.

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Berghotel Rehlegg, Ramsau
    Junior suite with mountain views: 06 Jun - 01 Oct 2020 £48
    Superior: 06 Jun - 01 Oct 2020 £22

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hotel Hundsreitlehen, Bischofswiesen (with dinner) Double room Single room
    06 Jun - 30 Jun 2020 £108 £170
    01 Jul - 01 Oct 2020 £112 £170
    Berghotel Rehlegg, Ramsau (with dinner) Double room Single room
    06 Jun - 01 Oct 2020 £125 £190
    Alpenhof, Schönau am Königssee (with dinner) Double room Single room
    06 Jun - 27 Jun 2020 £160 £164
    28 Jun - 01 Oct 2020 £168 £173
  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Salzburg

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Salzburg airport to hotel (0h35) £34 flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi to Salzburg airport (0h35) £36 flexible

    Connecting travel options - flying via Munich

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Munich airport to Bischofswiesen (3h), taxi Bischofswiesen to hotel (0h05) £34 1530
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    taxi hotel to Berchtesgaden (0h10), rail Berchtesgaden to Munich airport (3h05) £34 1230
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    1 picnic
    7 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • boat trip on Königssee
Last fetch time is : 8/4/2020 7:03:13 AM