Explore on foot!
For those who prefer getting a little closer to nature and exploring spectacular mountain scenery, becoming familiar with the well-marked trails in the Berchtesgadener Land is a must!
Hikers
Depending on your physical condition and mood, the possibilities are endless in choosing the perfect hike. Be it a half-day or full-day walk to a lovely mountain meadow or a challenging hike across rocky ridges with spectacular views, this diverse terrain will certainly make a lasting impression!
Information about hiking, as well as a hiking map with hike descriptions in German, are available from the individual tourist information centers of the Berchtesgadener Land.
HIKING INFORMATION
Hiking guide books (with descriptions in German) including a hiking map are available from all the local tourist offices.
"Your Complete Guide to Berchtesgaden" is a practical English-language guide book to the sights and history of the Berchtesgadener Land. It includes a wealth of information on every interesting aspect of the area plus a section on 20 suggested hikes, many of which are in the National Park. To order:
info@eagles-nest-tours.com
Here are two suggested hikes:
almbach gorge
Difficulty: Easy to steep, duration 1 - 3 hrs, depending on option.
Accessible only in summer. Difference in elevation about 200m (650 ft).
Starting point: Marble mill (Kugelmühle), located just off the road
between Berchtesgaden and Salzburg, Kugelmühle parking lot can be
reached by car, on foot from Berchtesgaden (approximately 45 min. each
way) or by local bus (10 min bus ride, the bus stop is on the main
road, 5 min. walk to Kugelmühle).
Description: The Almbach Gorge is one of the prettiest in the Eastern
Alps. After the parking lot, you will pass an attractive inn, next to
which you can view the marble mill. A few steps beyond the marble mill,
you will have to pay a small entrance fee (discount if you have a
visitor's card Kurkarte). As you proceed, you will notice that each of
the bridges and overpasses is numbered. The trail leads up through the
deeply cut gorge, past thundering waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
Ettenberg church 
Maria Gern church
A third possibility is, once you have enjoyed your visit to Ettenberg,
instead of returning to the starting point at Kugelmühle where you
began, to continue on from Ettenberg, either along the high road or
back through the gorge to Hintergern. The path leads past the old dam,
Theresienklause, that was formerly used to flush timber downstream.
From Hintergern, hike downhill to Maria Gern, the most beautiful church
in Berchtesgaden. From there, either hike back to town or take a
local bus (4 km). From Kugelmühle to Maria Gern via Ettenberg, the
hiking time is about 4 hrs. This hike can be done with sturdy walking
shoes. Due to its steep inclines, only the first part of the gorge hike
(up until bridge 17, for instance) is recommended for children.
2. Hike to a mountain pasture
Description: about 9 km distance, 200 vertical meters, 2.5 hrs of walking.
This circular hike starts at Bad Reichenhalls visitors center (Kurgastzentrum) and
Padinger Alm A suggested return is via the path down on the right of the road to Buchhof and then via Hosewaschbach and the Nonner Auwald back to Nonner Steg, ending back at the visitors center.