Berchtesgaden National Park Klausbachtal The Fauna

A National Park for Everyone! Nature in Constant Change
Nationalparkverwaltung
Berchtesgaden
Lofty, wild and majestic, »King«
Watzmann (2713 m) reigns over
the Berchtesgadener Land as he
surveys his kingdom: Berchtesgaden
National Park. High mountains,
deep valleys and crystal-clear Alpine
streams define this protected area
bordering Austria. »Allow nature to
remain in its natural state« is the
motto of Germany’s one and only
Alpine National Park. Declared a
protected area in 1978, the Park has
set itself numerous tasks:
of the National Park’s team in its
mission to offer visitors a variety of
programs. Among other themes,
they can discover the secret lives
of chamois, marmots and other
elusive animals. Berchtesgaden
National Park’s educational work
aims at communicating the National
Park’s concept, at helping people
experience nature’s relationships
with all five senses, at awakening a
passion for nature and at promoting
both eco-friendly interaction and a
sustainable lifestyle.
walks accessible to the physically
impaired to the challenges of a
via ferrata, there is something here
for everyone. In summer numerous
huts in the high mountain pastures,
offer refreshments and provide
overnighting for those who wish to
spend several days exploring the
National Park.
Zoning Questions
A challenging mission of the
National Park is to harmonize
the diverse human usage with
The core zone represents the larger
part of the National Park. This is
where allowing nature to take its
own course is the first priority.
On the other hand, in the buffer
zone one finds areas where
traditional human land use is
still practised. The National Park
carries out research in both zones
on their characteristic properties
and development.
Klausbachtal Valley in the western
part of the National Park covers an
area of approximately 7 km in length
from Lake Hintersee to Hirschbichl
Pass, the border of the Salzburgian
Pinzgau region in Austria. Its name
is derived from the »Klause« or
dam at Hirschbichl where the water
was collected in order to flush
timber downstream when the
floodgates were opened.
Avalanches, Windfalls &
Rockslides
Nature never ceases to remodel
the Klausbachtal Valley. In 1999,
for instance, a powerful avalanche
roared down the steep face of
the Hochkalter mountain. The
pressure wave preceding the mass
of snow reached speeds of up to
300 km/h and wiped out 20 ha of
forest. In the mountains avalanches
are a natural occurrence. Their
destructive force, however, always
offers a chance of new life. Where
once only spruce forests grew,
of the National Park
One Slide…
…can change a lot. In 1999
the entire summit of the »Kleines
Mühlsturzhorn« collapsed, causing
250.000 m³ of rock to thunder down
into the valley. Hiking trails, a road,
as well as bridges, lay buried under
rubble and dust. In 2010 a swing
bridge was completed near the
Engert-Holzstube National Park
information point. The 55-m-long
and 11-m-high construction replaces Berchtesgaden National Park Two of these are quite typical in the
a former small bridge over the boasts a great diversity in its animal National Park and both are jet-black:
Klausbach stream that needed population. Apart from well-known the Alpine salamander and the
to be repaired or rebuilt almost species such as the Alpine chough, black adder.
to the National Park’s principles, the However not everyone is pleased annually due to flooding, small the capercaillie and the mountain
fallen trees in an area flattened by about this small, dark brown rockslides and avalanches. Apollo butterfly, one finds the Four pairs of golden eagles raise
a storm in the Ofental region were beetle’s appetite: in order to presence of numerous unlikely their chicks in the area surrounding
left untouched – they now offer a protect bordering areas of trees Summer Tip species that have adapted to Mt Watzmann and Lake Königssee
new habitat for numerous species grown for timber, the bark beetle is From the end of May till early life in an Alpine habitat. and stand as a symbol of some 100
of plants and animals. mechanically exterminated in a belt October the border-crossing species of breeding birds found
approximately 750 m in width within »Alm-Erlebnis Bus« connects In fact a new species was dis­ here in Germany’s one and only
The typographer, a type of bark the National Park’s buffer zone. Weißbach Natural Park in Austria covered recently in Berchtesgaden Alpine National Park. Another 40
beetle, bores holes in weakened with Berchtesgaden National Park. National Park: a fungus gnat bird species visit this protected area
spruce. The passages created named Leptosciarella gretae without using it to breed.
under the bark by their chewing, (no English or German name exists
which resemble the printed lines

to
Nature Protection the Park’s protection aims. yet). Researchers found the insect Hikers and climbers particularly

m e
14 different species of trees of a book, cut off the tree’s water

o
Research enjoy sighting marmots, ibex

Welc
The principle aim of the National This ambitious goal cannot in a spring near Bindalm in the

al
ht
Park, covering an area of 210 km², What effects does climate change always be carried out at have now sprung up in a supply, causing it to eventually die. Klausbachtal Valley. The number of and chamois that are more easily

ac
Did You Know?

al
natural way. These bark beetles actually play an

sb
is to allow nature to follow its own have on the Alpine ecosystem? both the same time or in the invertebrates can only be estimated spotted high above Lake Königssee.

ht

ee
important part in transforming the

au

ac
course. For this reason all human What prey does the golden eagle same area. For this reason – experts suggest anywhere Researchers have also listed a total
Berchtesgaden

igss
Kl
The Dynamics of the somewhat vulnerable spruce forest In the winter one

mb
intervention is avoided in the core feed on? How do spruce stands the National Park has been between 5,000 and 20,000 of 55 different mammal species
Mountain Forest to a more natural mountain can watch the red

Wi

Kön
zone in order to allow an unhin- renew themselves following a bark geographically divided into two different species. including rare specimens such as

National Park dered development of nature.
Here, for example, we can observe
forests age, break down and renew
themselves of their own accord. In
Germany's only the Park’s buffer zone, sustainable
Alpine National Park land use such as cow grazing, the
passenger boat service and the fis-
hery at Lake Königssee is permitted.
Carefully planned reforestation with
the planting of beech and fir trees
alongside the predominant spruce
woods, promotes a more natural
mixed forest.
Environmental Education
and Public Relations
»One only appreciates and protects
that which one knows« is the motto
beetle infestation? The National zones: the core zone and the Not only avalanches, but windfalls mixed forest. deer with their the mouse-eared bat and the
Park’s research contributes to gai- buffer zone. and rockslides repeatedly create young eating at the 15 species of fish thrive in the pine marten.
ning a better knowledge of nature’s Core Zone large clearings in the woods. True feeding station. But National Park, as do eight species
processes. Thanks to these findings, why are the red of amphibians and six types of
improved protection of certain spe-
Buffer Zone
deer given food reptiles.
cies, natural processes, as well as in a National Park?
an eco-friendly land use outside of Please play your part in protecting
s,
the protected areas can be learned. the environment by not: tect the forest. In former time
The reason for this is to pro iona l Park to see k
In this way Berchtesgaden National d by the Nat
deer left the area now occupie e was less sno w.
Park’s work reaches far beyond its hills where ther
own borders. nourishment in the Alpine foot forb id thes e excursions
an sett lem ent
Surrounding roads and hum climes. The
obliged to winter in higher
Recreation today and the red deer are er feed ing grou nds, thus
ate thes e low
winter feeding stations imit and rutti ng. From
Each year around 1.5 million guests s from browsing
avoiding damage to the tree about
visit Berchtesgaden National Park.
em ber to Apr il visit ors are always thrilled to observe
Dec
The area is covered by a network ing area.
50 red deers at this 45 ha feed
of some 260 km of walking paths
and steep mountain trails. From

Freilassing
Traunstein
VIENNA Lake Königssee Wimbachtal The Flora
Location
In the Heart of the National Park Scree in Motion of the National Park
MUNICH Salzburg

B 20 VI
LL Did You Know?
AC
H
Both its surprising echo point and During the ice ages it gained its Around Lake Königssee The National Park’s buffer zone of the rock as it forms. This Flowing Stones Mountainous regions are marked
B 306 Bad its iconic pilgrimage chapel dating present appearance thanks to a Directly on the shores of Königssee includes 25 mountain pastures brings about the development of Strong precipitation causes the by a greater diversity of plants than
There are plant species that – in all
Reichenhall
back to 1134 on St Bartholomä 1,000 m thick glacier that carved and Obersee, visitors can enjoy that are still in use today. Though innumerable tiny breaks and clefts scree masses to move. Large lowlands. Ascending from 600 m
Inzell
Peninsula have contributed to out a U-shaped valley with a refreshments at the alm huts of created by man, these pastures into which water can seep. The amounts of water can no longer (Königssee) to 2,713 m (Watzmann of Bavaria – are found only in certain
Marktschellenberg
B 305
B 21 making this lake world-famous. 200-m-deep basin. This was then Salet and Fischunkel. The National are the habitat to a great diversity water freezes in winter, splits open drain and thus flow along the debris summit) numerous habitats isolated areas of the National Park.
One of Germany’s cleanest lakes, filled with water as the glacier Park’s largest mountain pasture is at of species. The controlled grazing the rock and breaks off as debris. In bed carrying stones with it. This is succeed one another here, creat­- These specialists managed to survive
the last ice age only in some of the
B 20
B 305 Königssee lies in the National Park’s melted – and the lake came to be. Gotzenalm, a privileged spot high of these areas keep the grassland contrast, limestone is comparatively why there are always new channels ing a paradise for plant lovers.
Schneizlreuth
buffer zone. In order to protect the Another small glacier movement above the east bank of Königssee clear, thus contributing greatly to soft and reacts to pressure by in the gravel bed, continuously A word of warning though: these few spots free of ice. Among these
one can note the Pyrenean dead-
B 305 Bischofswiesen
water’s quality, wastewater from that took place around the end between Mt Jenner and Lake the diversity of landscapes and creating folds. Its weathering results changing the landscape’s appear­ plants may be looked at but it is
the lake’s two restaurants is piped of the last ice age formed the Ober­see. Gotzenalm is one of the species! principally in dissolution though ance. In this way roughly 4,500 strictly forbidden to pick any of the nettle and the Alpine primrose.
B 305
Ramsau Berchtesgaden underwater to a sewage plant on moraine that still separates Lake highest mountain pastures in the water: it karstifies, thus forming tons of stone wash out of plants in the National Park!
LOFER the mainland. Obersee from Königssee today. The Alps and was already referred to folds and ridges on its surface. Wimbachtal Valley through the
Schönau am Wimbachtal Valley is one of the Experiencing Geology!
Königssee In addition, the passenger boats large boulders that dot the area as »Alpis Gauzo« around the Wimbach Gorge each year. Due to the steepness of the
Lake Hintersee
National Park’s three main valleys The younger rock types dating Living conditions above the tree
have been propelled by eco-friendly between the two lakes date from year 700 A.D. rocky cliffs that tower above Lake
Mt Hochkalter and stretches about 12 km in back to the Jurassic age such as line are particularly harsh. This is
and silent electric motors since a rockslide in 1172. Königssee, the vegetation on the
Lake Mt Jenner length in a north-south direction. radiolarite and red limestone the realm of plants equipped to
Königssee 1909. lakeshore tends to be sparse. Only
The deep groove of the Wimbach are now to be found only in the Did You Know? resist long periods of snow cover,
Nationalparkverwaltung A Glimpse into the Future in flatter areas along the banks can
Did You Know? Gorge (Wimbachklamm), the Wimbachklamm area. Thanks to direct sunlight, wind, cold and
Mt Watzmann Berchtesgaden Lake Königssee Today The Eisbach stream continuously we find a narrow belt of reeds.
Doktorberg 6 steep rocky slopes and the scree/ their reddish and darker tones they drought. Among these are the
A Roughly 7 km in length and 190 m transports scree from the Swamp plants grow further inland
U 83471 Berchtesgaden debris river (Wimbachgries), up to can easily be distinguished from various Alpine grasses such as ever-
ST at its deepest point, Königssee is Watzmann’s east face (»Watz- Due to the low nu The lower part of Wimbachtal including wetland species such as
R Germany trient content of Kö 300m deep, are the Wimbachtal older rock, such as the Dachstein green sedge, blue sedge and rusty
IA the National Park’s largest lake. The mann­-Ostwand«) towards water, the flora and nigssee’s Valley is dominated principally the marsh marigold or cottongrass.
fauna are not partic landscape’s main features. limestone and Ramsau dolomite, sedge, along with bog sedge and
»Saletstock«, a transitional marsh Königssee, slowly filling part abundant. And yet ularly by grey Dachstein limestone,
P +49 8652 9686-0 lake char, brown tro found at the end of Wimbachtal. colorful flowering plants such as the
at the lake’s southern tip is unique of the lake’s basin. In a few bullhead are found ut and rising about 1,000 m above Lower areas are characterised
F +49 8652 9686-40 in these waters, as
well as One Single Mountain A walk through Wimbachtal is a bit moss campion, shaggy hawkweed
in its kind. The lake is fed mainly thousand years from now brook trout, river tro the gorge and just beyond by beech dominant deciduous
poststelle@npv-bgd.bayern.de ut, perch und pike. Long ago Mt Watzmann and Mt like traveling back in time through and edelweiss.
by four mountain streams. St Bartholomä’s alluvial fan The lake’s green co Wimbachschloss. This is forests but as one climbs higher,
www.nationalpark-berchtesgaden.bayern.de loration in the sun Hochkalter were simply the flanks a section of the earth’s geological
will divide the lake in two parts. to the presence of light is due composed of the petrified conifers take the upper hand with
limestone particles of a much taller mountain, the past. Plants dwelling in areas prone
A Lake with a History in the water. dissolved remains of innumerable the presence of spruce, larch and
domed peak of which towered sea organisms, most of which to rockslides and gravel flow
Herausgeber: Nationalparkverwaltung Berchtesgaden
How was Königssee created, can only be identified under a arolla pine. Above the treeline the
Druck: Druckerei A. Plenk KG above today’s Wimbachtal Valley. In Limestone and Dolomite microscope. have needed to adapt to their
up in the mountains? The lake contorted, shrubby dwarf pine
Bildnachweis: Nationalparkverwaltung Berchtesgaden the course of time, the dome caved Limestone and dolomite rock are surroundings that are constantly in
has already been lying at the defines the landscape.
Wilhelm Gailberger | piclease: Apollofalter in and, during the ice ages, glaciers closely related to one another. The One exception, however, is the motion. Round-leaved pennycress,
megalodontoidea clamshell,
Astrid Brillen | piclease: Steinadler foot of Mt Watzmann for some carved the deep trough-shaped resembles a cow’s hoof-print that mountain avens and buckler’s sorrel
only difference in the dolomite rock (»cow print«-Megalodont). In The variety of plants found on the
Stand: Dezember 2015 10,000 years: a long (U-shaped) valley below that upper section of the valley, mar the are among the plants that survive
is that the calcium that is found ked by the Palfenhörner peaks Alpine meadows is particularly
time for man, but just we see today. (2,221 m), the mountain flank these conditions thanks to their
© Nationalparkverwaltung Berchtesgaden, alle Rechte vorbehalten
in limestone contains up to 50 % s are composed of dolomite rock abundant. Here hikers may find
a blink of an eye in that delivers the abundant deb strong root system and regenerative
magnesium. This small difference ris for the »scree river« below. colorful flowers such as arnica,
Gedruckt auf Papier aus 100 % Altpapier the earth’s history. The abilities following any damage.
leads to major consequences: silver thistle and Alpine rose.
early beginnings of the
dolomite rock is hard and brittle
»King’s Lake« go back
and breaks under the pressure
over 200 million years.
The Königsee valley was
Diese Druckschrift wird kostenlos im Rahmen der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit der Bayerischen Staatsregierung her-
ausgegeben. Sie darf weder von den Parteien noch von Wahlwerbern oder Wahlhelfern im Zeitraum von fünf
formed along a breakage
Monaten vor einer Wahl zum Zweck der Wahlwerbung verwendet werden. Dies gilt für Landtags-, Bundestags-, seam in the rock through
Kommunal- und Europawahlen. Missbräuchlich ist während dieser Zeit insbesondere die Verteilung auf Wahlveran-
staltungen, an Informationsständen der Parteien sowie das Einlegen, Aufdrucken und Aufkleben parteipolitischer which a river hewed out its
Informationen oder Werbemittel. Untersagt ist gleichfalls die Weitergabe an Dritte zum Zweck der Wahlwerbung. bed and carved a V-shaped Wimbachtal
Auch ohne zeitlichen Bezug zu einer bevorstehenden Wahl darf die Druckschrift nicht in einer Weise verwendet
Watzmann Valley Hochkalter
werden, die als Parteinahme der Staatsregierung zugunsten einzelner politischer Gruppen verstanden werden valley.
könnte. Den Parteien ist es gestattet, die Druckschrift zur Unterrichtung ihrer eigenen Mitglieder zu verwenden.
Bei publizistischer Verwertung – auch von Teilen – wird die Angabe der Quelle und Übersendung eines Beleg-
exemplars erbeten. Das Werk ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Alle Rechte sind vorbehalten. Die Broschüre wird

According to: Dr. Langenscheidt

kostenlos abgegeben, jede entgeltliche Weitergabe ist untersagt. Diese Broschüre wurde mit großer Sorgfalt Dachstein
zusammengestellt. Eine Gewähr für die Richtigkeit und Vollständigkeit kann dennoch nicht übernommen werden.
Für die Inhalte fremder Internetangebote sind wir nicht verantwortlich. Limestone
Debris
BAYERN | DIREKT ist Ihr direkter Draht zur Bayerischen Staatsregierung.
Unter Tel.: +49 89 122220 oder per E-Mail unter direkt@bayern.de erhalten Sie Informations­material

BAYERN DIREKT
und Broschüren, Auskunft zu aktuellen Themen und Internetquellen sowie Hinweise zu Behörden,
Raibl Beds Ramsau Dolomite
www.bayern.de Tel. 089 12 22 20
zuständigen Stellen und Ansprechpartnern bei der Bayerischen Staatsregierung.
»Haus der Berge« On the Trails of Berchtesgaden National Park Mountain Huts and Pastures
Berchtesgaden's National Park Centre Event and Educational Programs Panoramic Map
(Not suitable as a hiking map!)

»Wander mit« Event Program Educational Programs 1 Purtschellerhaus 1,692 m

Either explore Berchtesgaden for Groups
National Park on your own or You’re thinking of visiting with a 2 Kehlsteinhaus 1,834 m
join one of our guided walks. group (at least 10 persons) of
Throughout the year Berchtes­- schoolchildren, students or adults 3 Mitterkaseralm (Jenner) 1,534 m
gaden National Park offers a and would like to have a guide to Schönfeldspitze 2.653 m
wide variety of free tours cover certain National Park themes? 4 Dr.-Hugo-Beck-Haus 1,260 m
(in German) on fixed dates. No problem, we can arrange for
No need to reserve! an educational program at the zum Hochkönig 14 15 5 Carl-von-Stahl-Haus 1,736 m
»Haus der Berge« educational centre LEOGANGER STEINBERGE 6 Schneibsteinhaus 1,670 m
How about accompanying one or directly in the National Park.
Welcome to the »Haus der Berge« The Educational Centre of our rangers at Lake Königssee Please contact us for information STEINERNES MEER LOFERER 7 Jenner Bergstation 1,802 m
(house of the mountains), the Pupils and other preregistered
or learn about bats, marmots or
golden eagles from an expert?
and a reservation.
Viehkogel 2.158 m Großer Hundstod 2.593 m STEINBERGE 8 Königsbachalm 1,200 m
National Park Centre in Berchtes- groups can take a closer look at
Younger visitors can enjoy the Information on walks and Funtenseetauern 2.578 m Seehorn 2.321 m
gaden! A memorable experience the four main habitats found in 16
awaits individual visitors, families, kids and family programs on offer. educational programs at: 9 St. Bartholomä 615 m
the National Park. Allow our staff to
tour groups, school groups and all Experts can appreciate walks www.nationalpark-berchtesgaden.bayern.de Kammerlinghorn 2.484 m
share their passion for the Park with 10 Gotzenalm 1,685 m
those with an adventurous nature focusing on botany or geology
you and your group participants as 13
and the wish to explore! or take part in excursions to the
they impart essential information 11 Saletalm 615 m
National Park’s four habitats: Feldkogel 1.886 m
about the protected area and its
The »Haus der Berge« views itself water, forest, »Alm« (Alpine Wasseralm 1,423 m
particularities! 25 Stadelhorn 2.286 m 12
as the gateway to Berchtesgaden pastures) and rock.
National Park. Here one can find Großes Teufelshorn 2.361 m Trischübel 1.774 m Bindalm 1.117 m 13 Kärlingerhaus 1,638 m
The Outdoor Area
extensive information and useful The Outdoor Area completes the
tips in preparation for – or post- 14 Riemannhaus 2,177 m
centre’s facilities with views of the Engert-Holzstube
evaluation of – a visit to the pro- Hochkalter 2.607 m
mountains, the Alpinum, where 17 15 Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte 1,752 m
tected area. Covering a surface of one finds numerous Alpine plants, 12
17,000 m², it comprises three areas: as well as a panoramic footpath Watzmann 2.713 m Ingolstädter Haus 2,119 m
Hängebrücke 16
the information centre, with superb views into the National
the educational centre and the Park. Groups that have booked a 17 Wimbachgrieshütte 1,327 m
outdoor area. visit are allowed to see the water,
forest and meadow themed areas,
HAGENGEBIRGE 11
WAT Z M A N N
Wildfütterung
18 Wimbachschloss 939 m
The Information Centre Schottmalhorn 2.045 m
as well as a historic Alpine pasture
The exhibition »Vertikale Wildnis« Kahlersberg 2.350 m
19 Watzmannhaus 1,930 m
hut »Lahnerkaser« built in 1848. 24 26
(vertical wilderness) covers an Halsalm 1.231 m
10 18 Klausbachhaus 20 Kühroint-Alm 1,420 m
area of about 1,000 m² in a single
hall. Along an ascending pathway, Feuerpalfen 1.741 m 9 19
H O C H K A LT E R Edelweißlahner 1.953 m 21 Mitterkaseralm (Watzmann) 1,420 m
through the four habitats of water,
23
forest, »Alm« (Alpine pastures) and Grünsteinhütte 1,220 m
formation Points
22
rock, one learns the entire spectrum Address & Contac
t National Park In REITERALM
of life found in Berchtesgaden’s 23 Schärtenalm 1,362 m
October
National Park. Haus der Berge Open from May to
d Pfeiffenmacherbrücke
Hanielstrasse 7 Open year-roun (Unstaffed) Schneibstein 2.275 m 20 24 Blaueishütte 1,680 m
) Kessel 21
(Staff on location in Klausbachtal
A cinema, library, shop, special exhi- 83471 Berchtesgaden »Engert-Holzstube« 8
sbachhaus«) -Alm Hirschbichl 1,183 m
Hintersee (»Klau hro int 25
bits and a Restaurant »Spiesberger’s P +49 8652 979060 »Kühroint« at Kü Jenner 1.874 m Wimbachbrücke
26 nigssee Wachterl
Alpenküche« are also located at the -0 Hirschbichlstrasse »St Ba rth olo mä « at Kö
information centre.
hausderberge@npv-b
gd.bayern.d e 83486 Ra m sa u
7
KÖNIGSSEE 22 R AMS AU 26 Neue Traunsteiner Hütte 1,560 m
Information on op Phone: +49 8657
1431 »Wimbachbrücke« 6
rking lot 5
ening
hours and prices at: at Wimbachbrücke pa Grünstein 1.304 m
www.haus-der-berge (open year-round) Hohes Brett 2.340 m
.bayern.de Malerwinkel
Hoher Göll 2.522 m 3 4 Word of Caution
Key to symbols
Königssee | Seelände Dangers in nature are always present,
Hinterbrand particularly in the high mountains. Dead
Mountain Hut / Pasture Handicapped accessible trail trees or branches can fall at any time.
HOHER GÖLL »Haus der Berge« Easy mountain path
Avoid stopping in areas where there is
National Park Quiz S C H Ö N AU AM dead wood and make your way through these
areas as fast as possible. You should not enter
for sly foxes ...
INFO
2 National Park Info Point Medium difficulty trail
KÖ N I GS S E E the forest in windy or stormy weather or if there
is a risk of snowfall. There is a risk of falling rocks
National Park Border Challenging trail at the base of rock faces in all weather conditions.
der 1
rl«, the new »Haus
Hi there! I’m »Berge Haus der Berge National Border Mountain bike trail
a tri cky
ve put together No Mobile Phone Reception
Berge« mascot! I ha sw er s Jennerbahn (Cable-car)
ed to find the an There is no mobile phone reception
quiz for you! You ne ca pe s,
garding the lands
in most parts of the National Park.
to the questions re
B ERCH T E S GAD E N Updates on current trail conditions at
Be rc h-
r elements of
www.nationalpark-berchtesgaden.bayern.de
fauna, flora and othe are
Park. The answers
tesgaden National t.
brochure’s conten
to be found in this Excursions Accessible to All Easy Walks Medium Difficulty Hikes Challenging Mountain Hikes
Hiking Suggestions Hiking Suggestions Hiking Suggestions Hiking Suggestions

1. In what valley does one

find a scree river?
» . . . . . . . Valley«
2. What plant with a silvery sheen grows
in the National Park’s meadows?
»Silver ......«
3. What is the number of main
habitats in the Park?
4. Name a protected bird that soars
high over the Park?
5. What separates the Obersee and
Königssee lakes still today?
6. A commonly found fish
in Lake Königssee?
7. Name an information point
in the National Park:
»..... - Holzstube«
8. What is the most commonly
found type of tree in the Park?
9. What is the rock similar to Dolomite?
10. What is the name of the exhibition
in the new National Park Centre
»Haus der Berge«?
»........ Wilderness«
11. What is the highest mountain
in the Park?
»Mt . . . . . . . . «
12. What species of bark beetle preys
on weakened spruce trees?
» . . . . . . . . . . . Beetle«
The hiking trail signs display dots
of different colors that denote each
path’s particular level of difficulty.
This information should be used in
choosing the appropriate circuit and
is essential to every hiker’s safety.
Visitors with limited mobility should
allow for longer walking times than
those indicated.
Before overnighting in the huts
of the Berchtesgadener Alps a
reservation is highly recommended,
especially in high season.
Information about opening times
and prices can be found at
www.huettenwirte.com.
Paths adapted to the mobility
impaired are already in place with
either no, or very slight, gradients
and with no sheer drops.
Easy mountain paths are often
narrow and may include steep
sections but no dangerous drops.
Medium difficulty trails are
narrow and moderately steep. They
may include sections bordered by
steep drops or have stretches
where hikers can hold on to cables
installed for added safety.
Challenging trails are narrow,
steep and exposed to sheer drops,
therefore presenting a risk of
slipping or falling off the trail.
Cable-secured sections, as well as
unsecured climbing stretches may
be encountered. These trails are not
suitable for dogs.
Circular Walking Trail
at St Bartholomä
Trip: 30 min.
Distance: 2 km
Accessible: year round
Start at the St Bartholomä boat dock
at Königssee and head for National
Park information point, then right on
to Wanderweg (Trail) no. 443 and
then along the shore back to the
starting point.
Klausbachtal up to the
Swing-Bridge
Trip: 2 hrs. (round-trip)
Distance: 7 km
Accessible: year-round, in winter Distance: 14 km
as far as the deer Accessible: May – October
feeding station
Start at the Hintersee National Park
information point (»Klausbachhaus«)
and on past Lahnwald-Diensthütte
along the path to the swing-bridge.
Return the same way or along the
road (closed to public traffic).
Obersee
Trip: 40 min. (round-trip)
Distance: 1.5 km
Accessible: May – October
From the boat dock at Salet at the
end of Königssee, head past the
restaurant and continue straight
on to Obersee. Return the same
way. Make sure you check on the
departure time of the last boat
back!
Wimbachtal
Trip: 1½ hrs. 1¼ hrs.
Distance: 8.5 km
Accessible: May – October
This pleasant walk is suited for fam­i-
lies, through Wimbach Gorge and
along the Wimbach stream to the
mountain inn Wimbachschloss.
More ambitious hikers can continue
another 1¾ hrs. approximately to
the Wimbachgrieshütte that serves
refreshments in summer. Take the
same trail back to the starting point.
Kühroint-Alm
Trip: 2½ hrs. 2¼ hrs.
Start at Hammerstiel parking lot
and head up past Schapbachalm,
to the mountain pastures and huts
of Kühroint serving refreshments
in summer. It is located at the foot
of the Watzmannkar and offers
overnighting possibilities. You can
also visit a National Park information
point here. Return to the parking
lot via Grünsteinhütte (open only
in summer).
Schneibsteinhaus
Trip: 45 min. 45 min.
Distance: 3.5 km
Accessible: May – October
Start with the Jennerbahn cable-
car ride to the top station at
1,800 m in elevation and walk to
Schneibsteinhaus (1,668 m) that
serves refreshments in summer
and offers overnighting possibilities.
Either return by the same route
or descend via Königsbachalm to
the Jennerbahn halfway station
(Mittelstation;  1½ hrs.) or to the
valley ( 3 hrs.).
Blaueishütte
Trip: 3 hrs. 2¼ hrs.
Distance: 11 km
Accessible: May – October
Start at the Seeklause parking area
at Hintersee near Ramsau and
follow trail no. 482 via Schärtenalm
to the Blaueishütte, a hut that lies
at the foot of the northernmost
Alpine glacier (refreshments and
overnighting available in summer).
Return by the same trail.
Gotzenalm
Trip: 4½ hrs. 4¼ hrs.
Distance: 23 km
Accessible: May – October
Take the boat across Königssee
to the »on request« boat stop
at Kessel (600 m). Ascend to
Gotzenalm (1,685 m) via a long,
steep trail. From the top don’t miss
the short detour up to the lookout
point called Feuerpalfen. Return
via Gotzental and Königsbachalm
(1,200 m), as well as Hochbahn
to the parking lot at Königssee
(600 m).
Funtensee
Trip: 5 hrs. 4 hrs.
Distance: 29 km
Accessible: Summer
Catch the first boat in the morning
across Königssee to St Barholomä
(600 m), then follow trail no. 412
along the »Saugasse« (36 switch­
backs!) to Kärlingerhaus at Funten­
see (1,638 m). The hut is open
in summer for refreshments and
overnighting. This is a long day-hike
and it’s important to catch the last
boat back from St. Bartholomä!
However, Kärlingerhaus is also the
ideal base for several days of hiking
into the Steinernes Meer area.
Halsalm-Circular Track
Trip: 1¾ hrs. 1 hrs.
Distance: 5 km
Accessible: May – October
Shortly past the National Park
information point near Hintersee
(»Klausbachhaus«; 800 m), a steep
path leads via Halsgrube to Halsalm
(1,100 m) that serves refreshments
in late summer. Continue down
past the hut on another steep trail
back to Hinterssee.
»Kleine Reibn«
Trip: 2½ hrs. 4½ hrs.
Distance: 15 km
Accessible: Summer
Start at the Jenner cable-car
(Jennerbahn) summit station
(1,802m) and hike to Schneib-
steinhaus (1,668 m). Follow trail
no. 416 to the summit (Schneib-
steingipfel, 2,275 m) and on via
Windscharten and Hochseeleinkopf
down to Seeleinsee (1,809 m).
Continue descending via Stiergra-
ben (trail no. 497) and Priesberg­
alm (1,460 m) to the mid-point
station of the Jenner cable-car
(1,185 m). Make sure you know
the time of the last cable-car back
down!
Crossing over Mt Watzmann
Trip: approx. 15 hrs.
(Overnighting is highly Distance: 11 km
recommended)
Distance: 25 km
Accessible: Summer
Start at Wimbachbrücke (620 m)
and, via Mitterkaseralm, reach Watz­
mannhaus (1,928 m) in 4 hrs. Over-
night. Early departure via Hocheck
(2,713 m) in 2¾ hrs. to Südspitze
( 2¼ hrs.). Descend to Wimbach-
grieshütte (1,327 m) in 3½ hrs. and
on through Wimbach valley to the
starting point ( 2 hrs.).
Warning: partially unsecured
sections, climbing sections up to
difficulty level II, risk of slipping,
long, difficult and exposed descent.
Experience in the mountains, no
fear of heights and very good
physical condition are required.
Halsköpfl and Wasseralm
Trip: 5½ hrs. 3 hrs.
Distance: 30 km
Accessible: Summer
Catch the first boat across Königs-
see to Salet (600 m) and, via Sa-
gereckersteig (danger of slipping!),
climb to Halsköpfl (1,718 m). Con-
tinue on to Wasseralm (1,415 m).
Overnighting possible. Descend
via Röthsteig to Obersee and on
to Königssee. Make sure you have
checked on the last boat departure
time from Salet! Mountain hiking
experience and very good physical
condition are required.
Mt Hoher Göll
Trip: 4½ hrs. 3 hrs.
Accessible: Summer
Start at Hinterbrand parking area
(1,150 m) and head via Alpeltal-
steig towards Archenköpfe. Before
reaching Großer Archenkopf turn
left towards the Gipfel (summit) of
Mt Hoher Göll (2,522 m). Descend
by the same route or via Mt Hohes
Brett (2,340 m) and Stahlhaus
(3½ hrs. to the hut.), over the
Jenner ridge and down to the
starting point (2¼ hrs.). This is a
very long day-hike. Mountain hiking
experience and very good physical
condition are required.
Reiteralm
Trip: 6 hrs. 3 hrs.
Distance: 28 km
Accessible: Summer
Shortly past the National Park
information point near Hintersee
(»Klausbachhaus«; 800 m) a steep
path leads to Halsgrube. Take the
Böslsteig trail (dangerous drops!)
to the Reiteralm Plateau (2,100 m).
Descend via Neue Traunsteiner
Hütte (1,570 m) that serves
refreshments in summer, then via
Wachterlsteig to the parking area
at Schwarzbachwacht (889 m).
Mountain hiking experience and
very good physical condition are
required.