Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Grade & Terrain

This tour is rated moderate. Distances vary from 15– 22km, and the ascent/descent is considerable, ranging between 300-1,000m each day. To get the most from this tour you should be in good physical shape, be sure-footed and comfortable using cable cars. The majority of the trail is easy to walk, there are however some steep uphill and downhill sections. There are a couple of sections along narrow paths which are rocky underfoot and can be demanding. Especially after fresh rain fall these sections can become slippery and you will need to continue with care. The terrain is alpine, and paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, gravel tracks, boulder strewn-paths and faint grassy trails.  

Navigation

All of the walks are way-marked and we also provide you with turn-by-turn instructions for each walk, maps and access to our GPS smartphone navigation app, so you will have no problem finding your way.

Experience & Fitness

This tour is rated moderate. Distances vary from 15– 22km, and the ascent/descent is considerable, ranging between 300-1,000m each day. To get the most from this tour you should be in good physical shape, be sure-footed and comfortable using cable cars. The majority of the trail is easy to walk, there are however some steep uphill and downhill sections. There are a couple of sections along narrow paths which are rocky underfoot and can be demanding. Especially after fresh rain fall, these sections can become slippery and you will need to continue with care. The terrain is alpine, and paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, gravel tracks, boulder strewn-paths and faint grassy trails.

• 7 Nights in 3 & 4 star hotels, guesthouses and country inns
• 7 breakfasts
• Bag transfer as per the itinerary
• Detailed information pack, route notes, maps and access to our navigation app
• 24/7 support from our UK and German offices

• Travel insurance (required)
• Travel to Bernau am Chiemsee and from Berchtesgaden
• Lunches and Dinners
• Public transport (including cable cars)
• Drinks and snacks
• Personal equipment

• Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When To Go

You can start your Bavarian adventure on any day between the middle of May and the end of October. Please keep in mind that the weather can be changeable at high altitudes, and cold fronts can occur even in the summer (snowfall in the Alps at the height of summer is not unheard of). Any time during this period is ideal for walking, mid-July to mid- August is high season and the towns along the way will be busy with local holidaymakers. June and July is the ideal time to catch the Alpine wildflowers in full bloom.  

Weather and Climate

You can start your Bavarian adventure on any day between the middle of May and the end of October. Please keep in mind that the weather can be changeable at high altitudes, and cold fronts can occur even in the summer (snowfall in the Alps at the height of summer is not unheard of). The Alps generally have warm and sunny summers and cold and snowy winters. Storms can develop rapidly in the Alps and hiking trail becomes prone to landslides, or floods due to the swelling of nearby water sources. You should be prepared for all weather eventualities as even snow can fall in the summer in the mountains, regardless of the time of year.

Getting to the Start

By Air: Munich airport is the most convenient airport. From Munich there are regular train connections to Bernau am Chiemsee (1.5 hour) via the Munich main train station. For further information visit the website of Deutsche Bahn for timetables and tickets.

Getting from the End

In Berchtesgaden there is a train station with many connections to various other stations in South Germany and Austria, such as Munich (duration approx. 3 hrs) or Salzburg (duration 45min) where you can continue your journey throughout Europe.

You are best to check your most suitable connections on the Deutsche Bahn website

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel during the trip

Some walks can be started directly at your hotel, and some require short transfers by local bus or cable car. These transfers are not included in the cost of the trip and are payable locally. The approx. total cost of public transport during this trip is 40 euros per person.

Equipment

You will need good walking shoes/trail shoes with a solid sole and good grip, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers a day pack and hats. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack. A detailed kit list is included in your information pack.