When the first snow falls on the Watzmann, Berchtesgaden quickly transforms into a winter wonderland. Between snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes, the region around Berchtesgaden National Park presents itself from its most picturesque side. SnowTrex shows you in this article which 6 outdoor activities you’re not going to want to miss in the snow.
1. Winter hiking in the heart of the national park
In Berchtesgaden, around 200 kilometres of cleared winter hiking trails invite you to explore the snow-covered mountain world on foot in winter. Germany’s only Alpine National Park offers a unique selection of routes, whether through quiet valleys or gently snow-covered forests. This makes winter hiking one of the outdoor activities in Berchtesgaden that is not only simple and fun, but also promises pure relaxation in the clear mountain air.
SnowTrex tip: The Berchtesgaden National Park organises free guided winter hikes where visitors can learn a lot about the local flora and fauna.
2. Tobogganing is fast-paced fun for young and old
A total of eight natural toboggan runs await tobogganing fans in the mountains around Berchtesgaden, with guaranteed tobogganing fun for young and old. Three of the runs are easily accessible by bus or lift, while all others require a short ascent under your own steam, which is definitely worth it. Once you reach the start, you can enjoy a hot drink or a tasty alpine classic from the mountain hut kitchen in the mountain restaurants before heading downhill on your toboggan at breakneck speed!
3. Skiing in 5 charming ski areas
Berchtesgaden is a varied region for skiers with a total of 44 kilometres of pistes between 500 and 1,550 m above sea level in five ski areas: Rossfeld in Oberau, Götschen in Bischofswiesen, Hochschwarzeck in Ramsau, the Gutshof on Obersalzberg and Zinken in Bad Dürrnberg. And it is precisely these manageable ski areas that families, leisure skiers and beginners appreciate most. Not only do they find moderate, steep slopes here, but also cosy huts where winter sports enthusiasts can stop for a bite to eat in between.
Nevertheless, the pistes around Berchtesgaden also cater for sporty winter sports enthusiasts, as some runs in the southernmost tip of Germany have already been the scene of international competitions and are therefore a real challenge even for experienced skiers. There is also another highlight at the end of the skiing day with the panorama. Finally, a natural snow run with a view of the Berchtesgaden Alps makes the skiing pleasure perfect.
4. Cross-country skiing against the backdrop of the Watzmann
Around Berchtesgaden, fans of Nordic skiing can look forward to real cross-country skiing fun against an impressive mountain backdrop. There are a total of 100 kilometres of trails to discover here, with highlights such as the 9 km long Scharitzkehl high-altitude trail below the Hoher Göll, which extends 1,100 m up to the Obersalzberg, or the high-altitude trail between Hochschwarzeck and Ramsau, which is also 1,000 m above sea level. The trails in the valley lead across wide, snow-covered meadows and through valleys with guaranteed snow.
Of course, you can ski there in skating style and classic technique, whether in bright sunshine during the day or on floodlit trails in the evening. Cross-country skiing allows every winter sports enthusiast to find their pace, as the steady movement in the fresh winter air is not only good for the soul, but also energises the whole body.
5. Snowshoeing in a real winter wonderland
In addition to the “classics” such as skiing and cross-country skiing, the snow-covered winter landscapes in the Berchtesgaden region are a fantastic destination for snowshoe hikers, for example at the Mordaualm. Here, winter sports enthusiasts have the unique opportunity to explore the snow away from the pistes and cross-country ski trails, and numerous routes around Berchtesgaden lead across snow-covered hiking trails, wide alpine meadows or through quiet, wintry forests. There, winter holidaymakers can stomp almost weightlessly through glistening powder snow on wide snowshoes and experience unspoilt nature up close. And the best thing about it: even if you don’t have any previous alpine experience, you don’t have to miss out on this adventure. After all, guided snowshoe tours are offered in the national park by local experts, where safety and impressive experiences go hand in hand for participants.
→ Plan your time out in the Alps and find the best Berchtesgaden offers at SnowTrex
6. Ski touring in the heart of the Berchtesgaden Alps
On a ski tour in the Berchtesgaden Alps, or: Towards the summit under your steam! Ski touring has a long tradition in southern Bavaria, because long before there were ski lifts, the locals conquered the winter peaks on their initiative, which is why the most original form of skiing is still extremely popular today. Berchtesgaden offers a whole host of routes for ski tourers, both for beginners and real “cracks”.
After all, the range of routes extends from a leisurely ascent to a serviced mountain hut to a challenging two-day tour in the national park and, at the end of the day, everything is on offer on the descents too. Ski tourers can either swing down into the valley on the groomed pistes of the ski areas or race down untracked powder snow slopes, which is a dream come true for every deep snow fan!
FAQ’s about winter in Berchtesgaden
When is the best time to go on a winter holiday in Berchtesgaden?
Winter in Berchtesgaden generally lasts from December to April, a period in which the region is considered to be particularly snow-sure. Those who value guaranteed snow depths should ideally plan their holiday in the height of winter (January and February), as the mountains in the Berchtesgaden Alps are usually covered in deep snow. However, the atmospheric Advent season with the traditional Berchtesgaden Christmas market also attracts visitors from as early as December, so a visit over Christmas is also worthwhile.
Is Berchtesgaden suitable for families with children in winter?
Yes, Berchtesgaden offers numerous activities in winter that are especially popular with families. Several manageable ski areas in the region are ideal for children and beginners, as there are also ski schools and flat practice slopes. And there’s no room for boredom away from the slopes either, as toboggan runs provide fast-paced fun in the snow for young and old and even the youngest children can discover the snow-covered nature playfully on easy winter hiking trails. There are also excursion destinations such as the Berchtesgaden salt mine or the Königssee, which freezes over in cold weather and then provides a fantastic backdrop for ice skating.
Can winter sports enthusiasts hire winter sports equipment in Berchtesgaden?
In Berchtesgaden, it is possible to conveniently hire common winter sports equipment directly on site, as there are numerous hire stations and sports shops here and in the surrounding ski resorts, which offer everything you need from alpine skis and snowboards to toboggans, cross-country skis and snowshoes. This allows holidaymakers to spontaneously try out different activities without having to bring their equipment.
Do you offer guided winter hikes or snowshoe tours?
Absolutely. The Berchtesgaden National Park organises free winter hikes, for example, which are accompanied by rangers and provide interesting information about nature. There are also guided snowshoe hikes organised by local mountain guides or ski school staff in the snowy terrain. This is ideal for beginners in particular to try out new winter adventures without having to worry about orientation or avalanche safety.
Are there any special events or Christmas markets in Berchtesgaden in winter?
Yes, during the Advent season, Berchtesgaden is transformed into an atmospheric Christmas village. The traditional Christmas market at the “Berchtesgaden Advent” takes place every year from the end of November to the beginning of January. It delights visitors with lovingly decorated stalls, regional handicrafts, Alpine delicacies and festive music. Another highlight of the pre-Christmas period are the traditional customs, such as the Buttnmandl run at the beginning of December, which is part of the unmistakable charm of winter in Berchtesgaden. And even after the festive season, winter events such as guided torchlight hikes or skiing and tobogganing events ensure unforgettable winter experiences here.
