Winter hikes in the Berchtesgaden region: The best routes for every level

When the first snow falls in Berchtesgaden National Park and forests and alpine pastures transform into fairytale winter landscapes, winter hiking season begins. The Berchtesgaden region offers an extraordinary variety of cleared winter hiking trails, pristine snowshoe routes, and scenic alpine tours – perfect for every level of experience. In this guide, we present the most beautiful winter hiking trails in Berchtesgaden : from the family-friendly loop around the Enchanted Forest and quiet paths to the Kührointalm alpine pasture to the challenging snowshoe hikes in the Berchtesgaden region . We also provide tips on equipment, safety , and tour planning .

• 1. The most beautiful easy winter hikes for beginners & families
• 2. Moderately difficult tours for advanced hikers: Enjoying nature with a challenge
• 3. Challenging winter adventures for experts and snowshoe hikers
• 4. Comparison table: The best winter hiking trails in direct comparison
• 5. Important tips on safety and equipment in winter
• 6. Avoid common mistakes: Pro tips for your winter hike
• 7. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Hiking in Berchtesgaden
• 8. Conclusion: Which tour suits you?

1. The most beautiful easy winter hikes for beginners & families

Short routes for leisurely hikers

For a leisurely family hike in winter around Berchtesgaden, cleared paths with minimal elevation gain and plenty of highlights for all ages are particularly suitable. The approximately one-hour winter hike to Malerwinkel (approx. 2 km, 100 m elevation gain) offers a fantastic view over the frozen Königssee and is a worthwhile photo opportunity at any time of day. The starting point is the parking lot in Schönau am Königssee.

Another classic is the cleared winter trail through the enchanted forest to Hintersee (4 km, 80 m elevation gain, 1.5 hours), starting at the popular photo spot Ramsau Church. The glistening forest, frozen streams, and the tranquil lake guarantee pure winter magic.

Highlights for children and families

The Hirschenlauf trail on the Obersalzberg is a short, family-friendly loop near Berchtesgaden (approx. 2.5 km, 150 m elevation gain) that starts from the Scharitzkehlalm parking lot. Well-marked and often tracked, the trail leads through snow-covered coniferous forest – a hidden gem for winter activities with children . Alternatively, the winter hiking trail to the Wimbachklamm gorge (3 km, 100 m elevation gain, 1.5–2 hours) in Ramsau beckons with its icy rock faces and streams. The trail starts at the Wimbach bridge – a true nature experience during the cold season.

Special winter photo spots

Whether it's the frozen Hintersee with its view of the Hochkalter mountain or the Königssee from the Malerwinkel viewpoint – anyone wanting to photograph winter landscapes will find this part of Berchtesgaden ideal. In the mornings, the light here is particularly beautiful, especially on cold, clear days.

route	distance	Elevation gain	Length of time	Suitable for families	Cleared
Wimbachklamm	approx. 3 km	100 m	1.5 – 2 h	Yes	Yes
Hirschenlauf	2–3 km	150 m	1 – 1.5 h	Yes	Yes
Painter's Corner	2 km	100 m	1 h	Yes	Yes
Enchanted Forest – Hintersee	approx. 4 km	80 m	1.5 h	Yes	Yes

2. Moderately difficult tours for advanced hikers: Enjoying nature with a challenge

For experienced hikers with good physical condition

Those who have already completed several winter hikes will find the following routes a good challenge. The varied tour to the Kührointalm via the Marxenhöhe (approx. 450–500 m elevation gain, 3–4 hours) starts at the Hammerstiel parking lot in Schönau. The route is quiet, leads through snow-covered forests and offers fantastic views of the Watzmann mountain.

Another popular hike in the low mountain range is the Rossfeld Höhenweg (Rossfeld High Trail). The scenic hike (+300 m elevation gain, 2-3 hours) starts from the Rossfeld North parking lot and follows the mountain ridge, offering panoramic views into the Salzach Valley and towards Salzburg.

Reward: Sweeping views and tranquil alpine pastures

The winter hike from Hinterschönau to Schapbachalm (400 m elevation gain, approx. 3 hours) is particularly idyllic. It begins at the Hinterschönau parking lot in Schönau am Königssee. The route is partly untracked, but easy to follow – ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

A real insider tip is the hike to the Bindalm in the Klausbach valley (400 m elevation gain, 2–3 hours), but it's only recommended when there's little snow. From the Hintersee parking lot, hikers follow the national park trail, which also offers opportunities for wildlife observation (e.g., chamois) – a particular highlight in February.

Snowshoes or cleared path?

Some of these routes, such as the Bindalm or Schapbachalm, may be untracked after fresh snowfall – snowshoes are advisable here. The Marxenhöhe and Rossfeld, on the other hand, are usually cleared and therefore easily manageable even without additional equipment – ​​but don't forget a headlamp and warm clothing!

• Less crowded
• A good balance between activity and enjoying nature
• Photogenic, often untouched winter landscapes

3. Challenging winter adventures for experts and snowshoe hikers

Who should do such tours?

Those with experience in alpine terrain and who are comfortable moving confidently in snowy, untracked areas will find rewarding winter challenges in the Berchtesgaden region. A classic: the snowshoe hike to the Mordaualm from the Taubensee parking lot in Ramsau (350 m elevation gain, 2.5–3 hours). Open alpine pastures, panoramic views towards the Reiter Alpe, and often untouched snowfields await you.

Equipment for alpine winter routes

For a more ambitious hike, try the Dopplersteig trail to the Untersberg : 1,200 meters of elevation gain, avalanche danger, steep ascent, and absolutely essential equipment (snowshoes, crampons or microspikes, emergency gear). Start at the Hallthurm/Bischofswiesen train station and allow 5–6 hours of pure hiking time. Only attempt this hike in stable weather and with firm snow cover!

Snowshoeing experience

Snowshoe tours lead deep into the untouched winter forest and across alpine meadows where no snowplows are out. On the Mordaualm, you can even read animal tracks if visibility is good – with a bit of luck, you might spot chamois.

route	Elevation gain	Length of time	equipment	Security level
Mordaualm	350 m	2.5 – 3 h	Snowshoes + poles	Medium
Untersberg – Dopplersteig	1,200 m elevation gain	5 – 6 h	Snowshoes / Crampons / Emergency kit	High

4. Comparison table: The best winter hiking trails in direct comparison

For planning your winter hikes, you'll find an overview of the most popular routes here. Whether you're looking for panoramic views, a mountain hut stop, or wildlife watching – this will help you find your perfect winter hike.

route	difficulty	Elevation gain	Length of time	Snowshoes required	Cleared	panorama	Wildlife observation	Family-friendly	Place to stop for refreshments	Public transport connections
Wimbachklamm	Light	100 m	1.5 – 2 h	No	Yes	Watzmann view	No	Yes	No	Bus Ramsau
Mordaualm	Medium	350 m	2.5 – 3 h	Yes	No	Reiter Alm	Yes	No	No	Taubensee parking lot
Untersberg – Dopplersteig	Difficult	1,200 m elevation gain	5 – 6 h	Yes	No	Alpine	No	No	No	Hallthurm train station
Enchanted Forest – Hintersee	Light	80 m	1.5 h	No	Yes	Hochkalterblick	Yes	Yes	Yes (inn)	Bus Ramsau
Marxenhöhe – Kührointalm	Medium	450 m	3 – 4 h	Optional	Mostly	Watzmann	Possible	No	Yes (Kührointalm)	Bus Königssee + footpath
Rossfeld High Trail	Medium	300 m	2 – 3 h	No	Partially	Salzach Valley	No	Possible	Yes	Bus Rossfeldstraße