Germany Trip Plan:
The mountainous climatotherapeutic region Berchtesgadener Land

Berchtesgaden and Mount Watzmann
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 1: Arrival

Rest, fresh air, peace and quiet, energizing walks, the uplifting feeling that comes from high mountain surroundings, healthy food and friendly hospitality are some of the basics offered to all visitors to the Berchtesgadener Land. The closest major cities to Berchtesgaden are Munich and Salzburg. Enjoy your scenic drive before reaching your vacation apartment, which is perfectly located as a starting point for the fun week ahead.

Town Center Berchtesgaden
[ source: flickr]

Day 2: Berchtesgaden

The town Berchtesgaden is situated north of the Nationalpark Berchtesgaden and often associated with the Mount Watzmann, at 8901 feet the third-highest mountain in Germany, after Zugspitze and Hochwanner. A walk through Berchtesgaden's historical town center is time well spent. The oldest settlement is to be found on the street called Nonntal. Apart from the royal castle and its abbey church, numerous other sights are well-worth viewing. The cure-takers' park is an inviting spot to relax and take in the view of the surrounding mountain scenery. An unusual building is the Hirschenhaus, built in 1594, decorated with the so called monkey facade, the oldest non-religious house fresco in the Bavarian Alps. Berchtesgaden Castle was originally the seat of the small church state until it became the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family in 1810. The Augustine Abbey of Canons founded in 1102 eventually became an independent church state within the German Empire. Until it was secularized in 1803 the monastery remained the residence of the ruling lords of Berchtesgaden. The castle complex is the result of centuries of construction, alterations and additions that continued until the end of the 1700s. Though it is still privately owned by the Bavarian royal family, the main rooms are open to the public on regularly scheduled guided tours. The local cemetery is rich in the principality's fascinating history where local guides can connect grave sites or memorial plaques with numerous interesting local or internationally renowned residents of Berchtesgaden.

Watzmann Thermae
[ source: www.watzmann-therme.de]

Day 3: Watzmann-thermae and Gebirgsenzian in Unterau

State-of-the-art spa facilities including numerous indoor and outdoor pools, saltwater pools, various types of sauna, relaxing rooms, massage and wellness or beauty facilities can be found in Berchtesgaden. The Watzmann Thermae Spa offers swimming fun for the whole family in an attractive environment and you can experience the element of curative water in all its forms. Over 900 square meters of water surface, an 80 meter long Black Hole slide, an extensive sauna area, as well as numerous other attractions are part of the facilities. Large areas for parents with young children, a separate lap pool, brine therapy room, brine area with indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, indoor sauna area with two Finnish block-house saunas, the Aromarium with a play of light, fragrance and colors, an outdoor sauna garden with block-house sauna and cold water pool, a steam bath, infrared cabin, therapeutic treatment sessions using cold and hot water, solarium in all areas, a massage room for wellness treatment, sun gallery, refreshment area and a separate sauna bar guarantee a recreational and fun day.

A very special treat not to be missed is the local distilled Schnapps called Gebirgs Enzian. In Unterau, next to Berchtesgaden, you will find a distillery which operates already since 1602! The famous mountain Gentian Schnapps is distilled from the roots of the gentian plant according to a traditional recipe. This distillery is internationally renowned and attracts a large number of visitors. Not only gentian root brandy is produced here, but also over 20 other kinds of alpine liqueur. You can take a tour through the distillery including watching an interesting film, free tasting and a well stocked shop featuring a lot more than just bottles.

City of Salzburg, GNU, author: Thomas Pintaric
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 4: Salzburg in Austria

Steeped in history and charm, Salzburg in neighboring Austria is one of Europe's most attractive towns. Its world-acclaimed sights are pleasantly close to one another so that a leisurely stroll through this Baroque showcase will reveal an irresistible variety of architectural, historical and cultural attractions. The Berchtesgadener Land makes an ideal base from which to explore Salzburg. Only a few kilometers away, Mozart's hometown can easily be reached by car, by bus or by train from anywhere in the Berchtesgaden region. English language tours starting in Berchtesgaden, feature the highlights of Salzburg, as well as a delightful focus on the making of the Sound of Music. Home to some of the world's leading music festivals, Salzburg offers an abundance of concerts throughout the year. Salzburg's setting is magical and its charm unforgettable.

Bad Reichenhall, GNU, author: Nikater
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 5: Bad Reichenhall - first certified German Alpine Wellness location and the RupertusTherme!

Bad Reichenhall lies a basin near Salzburg and is encircled by the Chiemgauer Alps including Mount Staufen and Mount Zwiesel. Since around 150 years, Bad Reichenhall has developed as a saltwater-cure spa and the whole region created an infrastructure for those who want to complement their sightseeing-, sport- or cultural- activities with the services of spa facilities. Among the many sites to visit in Bad Reichenhall are the old town hall with its outdoor market, the old salt works building with regular tours on offer, the St. Sebastian's quarter, the pedestrian zone Ludwig-Street, Reber's Cafe, the Axelmannstein Hotel, the Spa Park with its unusual brine inhalation building and the Minster of St. Zeno.

Then take the time and enjoy the numerous offers of the RupertusTherme in Bad Reichenhall. The thermal spa RupertusTherme is well known for its salt water, as well as for its exclusive and enjoyable interior. Overall the facilities include: AlpsSOLE indoor and outdoor pools, a Brine grotto, 10,840 square feet water surface, 121,636 square feet Alpine garden with rest area and impressive panorama views, a 9,150 square feet sauna area with Finnish sauna, Whirlpool and steam baths, 35,522 square feet Health and Fitness Center, and the Beauty and Vitality Center with gift shop and solarium. In front of the unique scenery of the Alps and surrounded by a beautiful park, the Spa and Fitness Resort presents a world full of beauty and inner peace. While the architecture focuses on scores of delicate pillars, the concept of the building is defined by a trend setting three-pillar concept, which unites body, soul and spirit in line with the latest findings. The first pillar, Active & Fit, comprises the complete offerings available at the alpine brine spa as well as the Health & Fitness Center. Pillar number two is dedicated to Relaxation & Indulgence. It includes the spacious sauna landscape as well as the Beauty & Vital Center. Finally, the third pillar constitutes Therapy & Spa and follows the traditions of Bad Reichenhall in prevention and health treatments with salt, brine and dwarf-pine. The great dining facilities feature front cooking, a bar, a fireplace room and pool-side service.

Obersalzberg Cable Car
[ source: www.en.berchtesgadener-land.com]

Day 6: Königssee and Mount Kehlstein

The idyllic setting of the Berchtesgaden National Park is dominated by one of Germany's highest mountains, the Watzmann at 8901 feet, which towers above the emerald green lake Königssee. Ambitious climbers can try their luck on the Watzmann-Ostwand, the highest face in the Eastern Alps but there are also several destinations for tourists with lower ambitions in sports. 5 kilometers south of Berchtesgaden lies the deep glacial lake Königssee with its beautiful church St. Bartholomew's. It is framed by steep mountain walls and can only be discovered by boat. In the afternoon go on a fantastic sightseeing ride with the Obersalzberg Cable Car and continue your trip by bus to the top of Mount Kehlstein. The road from Obersalzberg leading up to the Eagle's Nest upper bus parking area is a unique feat of engineering seen nowhere else in the world. The great difference in elevation is reached with only one hairpin bend, thereby traversing the steep northwest face of the Kehlstein Mountain twice. After your arrival visit the Kehlsteinhaus, Eagle's Nest, which offers spectacular views and get some educational insights at the museum Obersalzberg Center of Documentation.

Wimbachklamm near Berchtesgaden
[ source: Wikipedia]

Day 7: Departure

Berchtesgaden has so much to offer but today is your flight back home! In case you still have a bit time left explore the Wimbachklamm, a kind of slot canyon, in Ramsau near Berchtesgaden. The trail will lead you on a well secured path to see spectacular waterfalls plunging thunderous into the gorge. Go on in direction Petrified Sea and see great mountain scenery dominated by the wild river!

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