One Picturesque European National Park In The Alps Offers An Amazing Mountain Excursion

Tucked in the southeastern corner of Bavaria, near the Austrian border, is the picturesque Berchtesgaden National Park. An oasis for nature lovers and hikers, Berchtesgaden is Germany's only alpine national park and has pristine mountain lakes, dramatic peaks, and plenty of cultural gems. Since millions of visitors come to Bavaria every autumn to drink beer, when thinking of the largest state in Germany, it's easy for the mind to fill with images of large Munich beer halls, Lederhosen for men, Dirndl for women, sausages, music, merry energy, and all the things associated with Oktoberfest. Of course, the region is a lot more varied than that with quaint villages, must-see castles, and secluded nature.

The Bavarian Alps offer a serene, remote juxtaposition to the crowds of the world-famous beer festival. The stunning scenery of the mountains contains the balance of peace and adventure with rolling foothills, dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and alpine meadows. The world-class beauty was forever immortalized in the 1965 classic The Sound of Music – many of the most iconic scenes were shot in Berchtesgaden National Park.

A short train or drive from Salzburg, Austria (15.5 miles), or a slightly longer ride from Munich (115 miles) will take you to the mountain town of Berchtesgaden. The area is relatively small and well connected via buses, but a personal car opens up the freedom to explore a bit further. There are plenty of hotel options as well, from the higher end Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden to something more affordable like Gastehaus Alpina. Once there, the fresh alpine air and hiking trails to outlooks with panoramic views of jagged peaks offer an amazing mountain excursion — it also always helps to know a few essential words and phrases before your trip to Germany.

A must during any trip to Berchtesgaden National Park is a visit to Lake Königssee. This long, thin, emerald-green alpine lake is tucked into a valley. The imposing eastern wall of Mount Watzmann stands on one side, with a forest-covered hill on the other. It's exactly how one would imagine a lake way up in the Alps: silent, clean, and breathtaking. There are electric boat rides available, where one of the boatmen plays a trumpet, allowing passengers to hear the famous echo as the melody slides across the water and bounces back off the rock face. The boat takes visitors to St. Bartholomä Church, famous for its iconic red domes.

The best way to connect with nature in this rural, alpine escape is to hike. Berchtesgaden National Park has over 160 miles of mapped-out trails for all endurance levels. Take a half-day stroll up the hills to a mountain meadow, explore the short but steep Wimbach gorge walk, or jump on the Jennerbahn cable car for a hike followed by lunch at The Jenneralm with panoramic views. After taking the boat from Lake Königssee, you can also hike to Germany's tallest waterfall, Röthbachfall. Route information is available online or at the park. Be sure to check conditions before heading out and wear layers as the weather can change quickly.

The activities go beyond hiking with rowboats on the lake, mountain biking trails, 20 golf courses within an hour's drive, tours of the Grassl Gentian Schnaps distillery — which dates back to 1692 — the infamous Eagle's Nest from WWII, and so much more.

Many of the natural attractions and steep hiking trails are only open from around May to October. However, the adventures don't end once the snow falls in Berchtesgaden National Park. There are still 124 miles of trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through snow-covered pines with white valleys below, surrounded by a ring of snow-capped peaks. 

The Berchtesgaden area might not have the top ski resort in the world or be the premier destination in the Alps for downhill activities, but it wouldn't be the Alps without some skiing or snowboarding. There are dozens of miles of runs with altitudes ranging from nearly 2,000 to 6,000 feet ,  and most are very family friendly. Many ski areas like Gutshof Obersalzberg are suitable for experts and beginners, with chair lifts, T-bars, and children's zones. Jennerbahn has the aforementioned cable car, and once up on the mountain, it offers tobogganing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, ski tours, and freeriding down the mountain on ungroomed powder-covered slopes.

With weary legs and rosy cheeks, the perfect way to end a day in the Alps — in all seasons — is back in the town of Berchtesgaden tucked into a restaurant, enjoying some hearty, warm Bavarian classics. For an even more luxurious experience, visit one of the many resort spas like the one at Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden for a full treatment package or some rejuvenating time in the sauna. You could also sit in the warm, outdoor infinity pool looking at the white peaks of Mount Hoher Göll, Jenner, and Watzmann, the ultimate backdrop to an amazing excursion in Berchtesgaden National Park.