Berchtesgaden National Park

The Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria in south-eastern Germany is one of the oldest nature reserves in the Alps. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience an enchanting part of the Berchtesgaden Alps where nature has developed freely, mostly without human influence. The breathtaking Alpine landscape is formed mainly of limestone sediments.

Guided or independent walks in the national park are excellent ways to discover this idyllic landscape with its rocky peaks, scree slopes, Alpine meadows and forests of mountain pines and green alders. One real "must" is a tour to Lake Königssee, which cuts like a fjord between Mount Watzmann, the "sea of rocks" area and the Hagen mountains. The lake water is of excellent quality and fit for drinking, a sign of how unspoilt the national park area is.

The diversity of the Berchtesgadener Land region is reflected by its wildlife. Alpine species such as the ibex, the marmot, the eagle, the blue hare and the Alpine salamander all live here in the wild. The golden eagle, however, is now a very rare sight indeed. The flora in the national park is equally varied and includes the Pyrenean dead-nettle, Hausmann's rock jasmine and the dwarf Alpine rose. After a long day walking, climbing or skiing, visitors can head for a mountain inn or a hut offering accommodation to enjoy some generous hospitality and regional cooking.

Highlights:

• The Eagle's Nest
• Jenner cable car
• Obersalzberg documentation centre
• Berchtesgaden visitor salt mine
• Watzmann thermal baths
• Lake Königssee
• Berchtesgaden Palace
• Marktschellenberg ice cave

Activities:
The national park offers a wide range of tours. The Jenner cable car, which travels to an altitude of 1,800 metres to the edge of the national park, is especially popular. On the Alpine paths and mountain climbs at this height, visitors can really relax, enjoy the peace and quiet and admire the beauty of the scenery. The national park also organises walks for medical purposes.