Just across the border from Salzburg where I live is the exquisite Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, Germany. I explored some of Berchtesgaden two summers ago on a biking and hiking daytrip to Königssee, Obersee und Röthbachfall.
The Berchtesgaden National Park is perhaps most famously home to the Eagle's Nest, a Nazi-constructed building on the summit of the Kehlstein, used by members of the Nazi Party for government and social meetings. However, it is the exquisite natural landscapes that draw many visitors to this incredible region, home to alpine lakes, hikes, mountain ranges and wonderful views.
→ Check out my detailed guide to visiting the Berchtesgaden National Park!
This time, a friend of mine from Salzburg, Sophie, and I made our way by car out to the quiet little Hintersee, about twenty-five minutes drive from Königssee and offering some seriously fairytale-like landscapes. It is surrounded on all sides by the mountains of Berchtesgaden, nestled in the mountain village of Ramsau. As you walk around the Hintersee, you'll spot a themed trail highlighting the works of the Romantic painters of the 19th century including Carl Rottmann, Ferdinand Waldmüller, Friedrich Gauermann and Wilhelm Busch.
RUND UM DEN HINTERSEE HIKE DETAILS
When: year-round, but recommended on a clear, sunny day
Where: Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany
Difficulty: easy
Length: the loop around Hintersee is about 3km, which took us about 40 minutes of moving time, plus of course lots of time to take photos and enjoy the view!
Directions: we parked at the Parkplatz Hintersee Westufer and walked anti-clockwise around the lake following the perimeter trail. Check out my Strava activity for our exact route.
Bathrooms: yes, at the Parkplatz
Public Transit: yes, bus 846 runs from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Hintersee
