Winter hikes in Berchtesgaden: The most beautiful snowshoe hikes & winter hiking trails

When the first snow falls and the mountains are blanketed in white, a very special time of year begins in the Berchtesgaden region. Now is the perfect time for winter hiking in Berchtesgaden . Instead of crowded ski slopes, you'll find cleared winter hiking trails, glistening forests, and tranquil alpine pastures. In this guide, we'll show you the best winter hikes around Berchtesgaden – from family-friendly tours in the Klausbach Valley to challenging snowshoe hikes up the Toten Mann mountain. Panoramic trails with views of the Alps, snow-covered alpine landscapes, and plenty of practical tips on equipment, safety, and planning await you.

• 1. Why winter hiking in Berchtesgaden?
• 2. Easy winter hikes: For beginners & families
• 3. Moderate tours: For experienced snowshoe hikers
• 4. Challenging winter tours: For adventure seekers
• 5. Safety & Equipment for Winter Hiking
• 6. Comparison table: Which route suits you?
• 7. Common Mistakes & Professional Tips
• 8. FAQ: Answers to the most important questions
• 9. Conclusion: How to make your winter hike in the Berchtesgaden region a success

Why winter hiking in Berchtesgaden?

Unique setting: National Park & ​​Alpine panorama

Berchtesgaden National Park is a tranquil natural paradise in winter. Far from mass tourism, you'll experience a snow-covered mountain landscape where golden eagles, chamois, and deer still roam freely. Impressive viewpoints like the Watzmann , the Lattengebirge , and the Hochkalter accompany you on almost every winter hike. Clear mountain air, crunching snow, and silence – that's precisely what makes winter hiking here so appealing.

Hiking trails for all levels

Whether you're a family with children or an experienced snowshoe hiker, in and around Berchtesgaden you'll find suitable winter hiking trails, from leisurely and flat to challenging and steep. From the panoramic trail on the Obersalzberg to the Kühroint-Alm or even the Toten Mann : the range extends from leisurely one-hour hikes to full-day alpine tours.

Winter charm & tranquility

Unlike in summer, a welcome silence reigns on the trails. Sounds are muffled by the snow, and nature seems to slow down. Especially in the Klausbach Valley or on the brine pipeline trail, the feeling of being "alone in the mountains" is a true highlight.

• Advantages over summer hiking: no heat, fewer crowds, atmospheric lighting conditions
• Typical winter scenes: icy valley landscapes, alpine huts with snow caps, hoarfrost on coniferous trees

Easy winter hikes: For beginners & families

Panoramic trail on the Obersalzberg

This sun-drenched loop begins at the Obersalzberg Documentation Center parking lot and offers fantastic views of the Berchtesgaden Valley and the Kehlstein mountain, even in winter. The circular route is approximately 4 km long, has a moderate elevation gain of 200 meters , and takes about 1.5 hours . It is well-maintained and suitable for strollers when there is insufficient snow .

Winter hike through the Klausbach valley

Ideal for beginners and families: The National Park winter hiking trail into the Klausbach Valley starts at the information point behind the Hintersee lake . The trail is 1.5–2 hours long, flat ( only 150 meters of elevation gain ), and usually well-maintained. Highlights include the suspension bridge over the Schrainbach stream and, on a clear day, the view of the Reiteralpe mountain . Along the way, you might even spot a golden eagle at the observation station .

Winter hike on the brine pipeline trail

The historic pipeline trail runs above Ramsau and, thanks to its former function, is perfectly level. You can start, for example, at the Gerstreit mountain inn or Zipfhäusl near Ramsau. The route is easily adaptable and only involves an elevation gain of 100–200 meters . Over a period of approximately 2–2.5 hours, you'll enjoy fantastic views of the Watzmann and Hochkalter mountains . The trail is usually groomed in winter.

Winter hike to the Mordaualm

Even in the colder months, the Mordaualm is a particularly peaceful spot with panoramic views of the Reiteralpe mountain range. The hike starts at the Wimbach bridge in Ramsau , climbs a gentle 300 meters in altitude , and takes about 2 hours (round trip) . Depending on snow conditions, the trail can be used for snowshoeing or winter hiking.

route	Length of time	Elevation gain	difficulty	Highlights	Road conditions
Obersalzberg Panorama Trail	1.5 hours	200 m	light	View of the Kehlstein & valley	Cleared, circular route
Klausbach Valley	1.5–2 hours	150 m	light	Suspension bridge, eagle station	Cleared
Ramsau brine pipeline route	2–2.5 hours	100–200 m	light	Watzmann panorama	Lane-dependent, flat
Mordaualm	2 hours	300 m	light	View of Reiteralpe	Mostly tracked

• Ideal for: Families, beginners, seniors
• With or without a stroller: Obersalzberg and parts of the Klausbach valley are suitable

Moderate tours: For experienced snowshoe hikers

Winter hike to the ice chapel

The ice chapel near the Watzmann East Face is also accessible in winter – with proper preparation. From Königssee or the Hintersee parking lot , follow a usually cleared valley path through the Wimbachgries . Around 2–2.5 hours and 220 meters of elevation gain later, you'll reach the impressive ice walls. CAUTION: Only attempt this hike in safe conditions and without significant snowfall!

Winter hike to the Kühroint alpine pasture

This challenging hike starts at the Hammerstiel parking lot near Schönau and takes you up 800 meters in altitude to the Kühroint-Alm . The round trip takes about 4-5 hours . You'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Watzmann and the Archenkanzel . Snowshoes are necessary in deep snow.

Winter hike to the Hirschkaser

The hike starts at the Hirschelkopf cable car mountain station at the Hirschbichl Pass. This moderately difficult tour takes you up 500 meters in altitude to the Hirschkaser hut in approximately 3–3.5 hours , offering fantastic panoramic views and the option to stop for refreshments. The trail is partially cleared, but snowshoes are recommended in fresh snow .

Winter hike to the Ligeretalm

Starting at the Engedey parking lot near Bischofswiesen, you'll hike to the secluded Ligeretalm . This moderately difficult winter hike covers an elevation gain of 550 meters and takes approximately 3 hours . The trail is particularly rewarding on clear days due to the views of the Hochkalter, Watzmann, and Reiteralpe mountains .

route	Starting point	Length of time	Elevation gain	Outlook	Best time
Ice Chapel	Königssee/Hintersee	2–2.5 hours	220 m	East Face Watzmann	Dec – March
Kühroint-Alm	hammer handle	4–5 hours	800 m	Watzmann, Archenkanzel	Dec – March
Hirschkaser	Hirschelkopf cable car	3–3.5 hours	500 m	Litzlalm, Panorama	Dec – March
Ligeretalm	Engedey	3 hours	550 m	Lattengebirge	Dec – Feb

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