2025 Early Bird SaleFinal WeekSave Now
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights mountain hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1850 USD

Adult$1758USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: BSG

Trip highlights


  • Trekking through stunning alpine scenery around Lake Königssee
  • Experiencing the exhilaration of trekking across alpine pastures
  • Ascending Mt Jenner with its panoramic views of lake and mountains
  • Enjoying the warm hospitality of family run hotels

Explore on foot the stunning Berchtesgaden National Park and Lake Königssee - a pristine fjord like lake. Located in a romantic, mysterious and unique region, the lake is surrounded by an imposing mountain landscape. Walking from valley to valley along former salt trails, alpine pastures and mountain passes below high rocky summits, you will discover beautiful valleys, waterfalls, gorges and rivers. En route there will be opportunities to view the numerous attractions of the region including the historic Austrian village of Golling; Hohenwerfen Castle, backdrop of many WWII films; and Mt Jenner with its stunning views of Lake Konigssee and the Bavarian Alps. Evenings are spent in superb 3 star mountain hotels where you can enjoy hearty German cuisine and relax with a Bavarian beer or two.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Berchtesgaden and neighbouring Schönau on Lake Königssee have long been considered the summer playground of Bavaria’s royalty due to their stunning location, spa waters and ideal summer climate. The towns are immersed in centuries of history and atop one of the surrounding mountains is ‘Eagle’s Nest’ or Kehlstein, a teahouse given to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday to entertain diplomats - there are buses every 15 minutes from Berchtesgaden railway station if you wish to visit. It is possible to visit the Salt Mines (or Salzbergwerk), enjoy a train ride, funicular, a raft and traditional slides. On arrival, check into your hotel in either Berchtesgaden or Schonau and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meals:  Nil

A morning transfer will take you to the entrance of the national park of Berchtesgaden at Ramsau to start your hike. A beautiful trail leads you up to the former miners' hut, then along an easy walking trail and over an alpine pasture down to the Saalach valley, passing the impressive Seisenberg gorge en route. There are small ascents before you descend to the village of Weißbach. You can shorten today's walking by taking the bus up to the pass and walking downhill to the valley, or vice versa. The public national park bus crosses the whole valley including some mountain passes so on many days there are options to shorten the walking. Walking: 18.5km/11.5mi, ascent +550m/1804ft, descent -500m/1640ft

Meals:  B

This morning you will transfer to the edge of the Grass Mountain at Hinterthal, where the walk begins by ascending through alpine pastures. There is a small shortcut you can take almost at the top whereby you can walk around the mountain following some gravel paths rather than walking to the top (shortens the walking by about 2km/30 minutes). There are some spectacular views of the alps, glaciers and, if you are lucky, Lake Zellersee. Passing mountain huts you descend to the village of Dienten or Hintermoos. Walking: 12.5/7.8m, ascent +930m/3051ft, descent -750m/2460ft

Meals:  B

Today you can enjoy one of the most beautiful alpine pasture walks in Austria. Walking along the steep walls of the Hochkönig you will trek from mountain hut to mountain hut over alpine pastures - it's a pastoral idyll straight from a picture book. Descend by bus or on foot to tonight's accommodation, the Mühlbach mountain hotel, located at the foot of the dramatic walls of the Mandelwände. Walking: 14.5-18.5 km/9-11.5mi, ascent +640m/2100ft, descent -210m/689ft

Meals:  B

There are a number of hiking trails which you can take today. You may choose to walk up to Mitterfeld mountain hut, with a splendid view to the summit of Hochkönig. Alternatively, you can take the public bus to the town in the valley. Overnight Mühlbach mountain hotel.

Meals:  B

This morning you will take the bus up to Arthurhaus, from where you start walking to the Salzach valley. Heading gently down along the old miners' path you will see the fantastic fortress of “Hohenwerfen”. You have the option to walk up the castle hill and see the bird of prey flight demonstrations, the collection of weapons, and other great sights at the castle. Afterwards you take the train from Werfen to Golling (included). Located just 25km/15.5mi from Salzburg, Golling has a picturesque location amongst the mountains and forests, with scenery right out of ‘The Sound of Music’. There is ample opportunity to explore or relax before dinner. Walking: 13.5km/8.4mi, ascent +120m/394ft, descent -950m/3117ft

Meals:  B

Today you will walk up to the peak of Mount Jenner, with a panoramic view of the whole tour. A beautiful trail leads you through the former archbishop's hunting valley to the “wall”, with steep stone walls all around you. You may not see the trail at first but it leads up and up to the alpine pastures and to the frontier of Austria and Germany. Enjoy beautiful scenery and a comfortable ride down into the valley by the cable car (included). To your right you will see the ‘Eagle’s Nest’. Return to your hotel in Schonau or Berchtesgaden. If the cable car is not operable there is an alternative walk via the Golling waterfall, through forest to an alpine pasture near the German border and the highest scenic road in Germany, the Rossfeld road, with great views of Salzburg and the Bavarian Alps. Continue to Obersalzberg, the former holiday resort of Hitler which now has a permanent exhibition in the Documentation centre and is the starting point for the tour up to the “Eagles Nest”! Return by public bus to Berchtesgaden and on to Lake Königssee. You will be advised locally if the cable car is closed. Walking: 15km/9.3mi, ascent 1320m/4330ft, descent 90m/295ft An alternative walk is available via the Golling waterfall, the highest scenic road in Germany, Rossfeld road, and Obersalzburg which is the starting point for the tour up to Eagles Nest: 15.5km/9.7mi, ascent 1050m/3444ft, descent 560m/1837ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights pre- or post-tour on request.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts – Continental style usually consisting of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 7 nights in 3 star mountain hotels & guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room
  • Transfers from Schonau to Ramsau on day 2, and from Weissbach to Hintermoos on day 3
  • Train from Werfen to Golling on day 6, cable car for Mt Jenner descent on day 7

  • Travel to and from Berchtesgaden / Schönau
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • A 5 dinner package is available on request, 2 or 3 courses including regional specialties (excluding Lake Königssee/Berchtesgaden) - supplement applies
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Muhlbach local card (for free bus travel, cable car etc)
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess and storage of luggage
  • Welcome briefing
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

This is a self guided walk that is approached in stages of 12.5 to 18.8km/7.8 to 11.7mi, at a medium altitude. There will be a maximum of 6 hours of walking per day. On some days there is the option to shorten the walking by using public buses. As with all of our moderate graded trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, jogging, three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.


Departure dates

Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 13 Jun to 21 Sep

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season: 4 Jul - 31 Aug. Supplement applies.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1758USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional Dinner Supplement (5 dinners)USD$220
  • Single supplementUSD$420
  • Solo traveller supplementUSD$780
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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