Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail

Travel via train from Munich (1.5 hour) or Salzburg (45 min) to reach Bernau am Chiemsee, located in the southeastern corner of Bavaria.

Go back in time as you wander the streets of this small traditional German village as you spend your first night at the foot of the Bavarian Alps.

If you arrive early you enjoy a walk along the shores of Lake Chiemsee or take the bus to Prien and explore the island of Fraueninsel. Treat yourself to a coffee and a slice of homemade Strudel on your hotel’s terrace whilst taking in the view of the surrounding peaks.

Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in Prien today. In this case, take the train to Bernau the next day (regular departures with journey time of approx. 5 minutes) and start your walk from Bernau as planned.

After a traditional Bavarian breakfast of homemade bread and locally produced cheese and meats, walk along the shimmering waters of Lake Chiemsee, known to the locals as the Bavarian Sea due to its size and popularity as a vacation destination. Keep your eyes peeled for King Ludwig II’s Schloss Herrenchiemsee, a castle modelled after Versailles, located on the largest island of the lake.

Reach Rottau, where you have a choice of routes, you can take the wooden boardwalk through the moorlands of a nature reserve or you can stay on the forested main trail which guides you past the Rottauer waterfall. Both paths lead you back to Marquartstein, where you will spend a second night.

Ascent/Descent: 532m/529m

If you want to marvel at the Chiemgau panorama, we recommend an alternative route via the Grassauer Almen (20 km, ascent/descent approx. 740/740 metres). This stage is also very well signposted.

Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in Grassau today. In this case, today's stage runs via the Grassauer Almen (18 km, ascent/descent approx. 740/740 m) before you descend into Grassau.

Your day will start with a private transfer from your hotel to the Bergen Hochfelln cable car station. Take in the sweeping views of the Chiemgau, the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, while the cable car makes its way up to the viewing platform.

Take a moment to admire the spectacular panorama view before embarking on your walk. The trail takes you past sprawling alpine meadows and through the heart of the forest which are akin to the more northernly forests which inspired the Grimm fairy tales, until you reach Ruhpolding, a well known winter sport resort.

Ascent/Descent: 393m/1,385m

Today walk from Ruhpolding through the Chiemgau Alps to Inzell. Make your way across farmland, accompanied by the faint sound of cowbells, before reaching the clear blue water of Traubensee where the Rauschberg mountain towers over you. This is a perfect place to plan an al fresco picnic; make sure to pick up some homemade bread from the local bakery in Ruhpolding.

The trail continues deep into the leafy green forest as you follow a well worn track along the mountain side of the Rauschberg mountain until you reach Inzell.

Ascent/Descent: 452m/423m

Enjoy a varied and rewarding walk as today is a longer day which takes you through the wild and romantic Weißbachschlucht Gorge. Walk past the deep blue Thumsee, spot the 17th century, wooden brine pipes as you go which mark the historic salt path through the mountains. The brine pipes are considered to be the oldest "pipelines" in the world, the brine was transported via these pipelines to the salt works before being stored and converted into the salt which this region is famous for.

You will reach the alpine spa town of Bad Reichenhall at the end of your day. Enjoy a relaxing evening walk through the Royal Spa Garden, one of Europe's most beautiful landscaped gardens with flowers abundantly present.

Ascent/Descent: 470m/691m

Take a short bus ride (15min) to Bischofswiesen-Winkl where your walk to Ramsau commences. This walk provides a little something for everyone, discover wild streams, lush alpine meadows, and panoramic views of the Berchtesgadener National Park.

This varied walk comes to an end in Ramsau, from here take the bus to Berchtesgaden for an overnight stay (journey time approx. 15 min.). Berchtesgaden gained its wealth due to being rich in salt deposits. Being located at the foot of the Watzmann provides a graceful backdrop to the village, and a picture perfect image. At 2,713m the Watzmann is the highest peak standing entirely within Germany and towers magnificently over the village.

Ascent/Descent: 543m/548m

Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in Schönau today. In this case, take the bus to Berchtesgaden followed by a short bus ride to Schönau (regular departures with journey time of approx. 35 minutes).

The ascents and descents make todays walk the toughest, but most rewarding walk of the trip. After a hearty breakfast take a short bus ride (15 min) to Ramsau.

Following the brine pipeline which is transporting salt from the salt mines, along the foot of the Watzmann. Enjoy the magnificent views of the majestic, clear blue Königsee Lake and the Berchtesgaden Alps.

Your walk comes to an end at the shoreline of Königsee Lake, take a boat trip on the lake (payable locally) and visit the iconic 12th century St. Bartholomä Church which is known for serving freshly smoked trout.

The local bus will bring you back to Berchtesgaden, where you can Prost to finishing the trail with locally brewed beers and a pretzel before saying good bye to the wonderful scenery.

Ascent/Descent: 966m/1,017m

Alternative hike starting at the shore of lake Königssee: Via Mauswinkel and Königsbachalm to the summit of the Jenner mountain which offers beautful views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. You will return to the start of the wak by cable car (approx. 11 km, ascent/descent:1280/90 m).

Depending on availability, you may again be accommodated in Schönau today. In this case, take the busses to Ramsau to commence your walk (regular departures with journey time of approx. 35 minutes).

Check out from your hotel after breakfast and bid farewell to the foothills of the Alps. The train will take you to Salzburg (45 min) or Munich (3 hours), the closest cities with international airports.

If you have an extra day we would recommend visiting the Eagle’s Nest (6 hour return walk or take a local bus), sitting at 1834 m it is an iconic mountaintop retreat that was built in 1938 for Adolf Hitler which overlooks the Bavarian and Austrian alps, which now is a restaurant.