Of course, we headed back to our Bavarian home to Regensburg over the Christmas Holidays. And as we’re smart people, we used the time between Christmas and New Years Eve for a short trip to the Bavarian Alps. Because Germany is pretty, too. (Not that there were any doubts.)
To be precise, our destination was the region of Berchtesgadener Land and its National Park. As mountains are the mountains and actually it was winter time, we had all kinds of weather during our short stay: Clouds, rain, snow, wind, sunshine and Winter Wonderland. This might definitely be an important factor for your trip.
Berchtesgadener Land
The Berchtesgadener Land is for sure Bavarian idyll at its best. You can imagine the Austrians looking jealously over the border as they would also love to call that part of the mountains their own.
The region is perfect for hiking, especially in summer. Depending on the conditions, of course also in winter.
We stayed two nights here. On the one whole day, the weather gods weren’t kind to us and we had to find some indoor activities. Nasty weather options are for example visiting the salt mine in Berchtesgaden. And even smarter would be finding a place for wellness.
You can choose between Rupertus Therme with its huge sauna area and the Watzmann Therme with a smaller sauna area. This day we weren’t the only ones with that idea, so we actually didn’t have a choice but going to the of Watzmann Therme. ‘Therme’ means thermal bath, but this one is actually more of a fun family pool. It was better than nothing at all.
Photo opportunities
The thing we love the most, especially Jan, is hunting for photo opportunities. To sum it up: They’re everywhere here. But some places are even better than others.
What’s also amazing: all the places are so close to each other, you don’t waste too much time sitting in the car.
Berchtesgaden
The town of Berchtesgaden itself is not that spectacular. It’s actually more the town being surrounded by a fantastic landscape, especially with the Watzmann mountain in the background.
Ramsau near Berchtesgaden
This picture perfect place is known worldwide. The church of St. Sebastian with the mountains in the background and the little bridge over the small stream make it the Bavarian motive per se; and this during any time of the day or the year.
Hintersee and Zauberwald
Hintersee Lake is probably the best known Bavaria motive thanks to Instagram. When we were there, parts of the lake were frozen so people could go ice skating on the lake. The reflections on a calm day are beyond perfect.
The most popular thing to do here is a walk in the Zauberwald (‘Magic Forest’). The name says it. Especially in combination with snow this place felt somehow like ‘the Chronicles of Narnia’. We’ll definitely return to this place in summer.
Königssee
Königssee Lake is my absolute favourite lake in Bavaria. It’s idyllic and hard to beat when it comes to beauty.
We’ve been here a few years ago in summer and like back in the days, we again didn’t feel like queuing for the boat trip to St. Bartholomä. Next time then, even if we’re probably going to say the same thing again.
It was a quite busy day. Winter time doesn’t mean anything here, especially because we had such a perfect weather that day.
Instead of the boat trip, we decided to go to the Malerwinkel and we found Winter Wonderland. Sunshine, snow everywhere and also slowly trickling from the trees, the beautiful view over the Bavarian Fjord – it was beyond perfection.
As many tourists there may be, Königssee Lake is unbeatable in beauty.
Oh yes: the cable cars go back on work during summer 2018. They bring you up the Jenner Mountain. The view is absolutely amazing from up there. See here!
Accommodation
We can recommend you to stay at the ‘Wurznwirt’ in Schneizelreuth.
The rooms are large, clean and new. The food was delicious and the hotel itself was located perfectly for the surrounding. Stuff is super friendly and helpful. A real recommendation.
Any more questions? Just ask!