Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail
- Follow the Salzalpensteig, a historic salt trail, which winds its way through the Bavarian Alps
- Hike from the turquoise shores of Lake Chiemsee to the alpine glacier lake of Königsee
- Walk through the spectacular and wild Weissbachschlucht gorge
- Discover monasteries, fresco churches and picture-postcard villages, unique to Bavaria
- Relax at the end of the day with a stein of locally brewed beer and delicious Apfelstrudel
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bernau am Chiemsee & overnightTravel via train from Munich (1.5 hour) or Salzburg (45 min) to reach Bernau am Chiemsee, located in the southeastern corner of Bavaria.
Go back in time as you wander the streets of this small traditional German village as you spend your first night at the foot of the Bavarian Alps.
If you arrive early you enjoy a walk along the shores of Lake Chiemsee or take the bus to Prien and explore the island of Fraueninsel. Treat yourself to a coffee and a slice of homemade Strudel on your hotel’s terrace whilst taking in the view of the surrounding peaks.
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in Prien today. In this case, take the train to Bernau the next day (regular departures with journey time of approx. 5 minutes) and start your walk from Bernau as planned.
Set between the Bavarian Alps and Lake Chiemsee, it enjoy a peaceful stay in Bernau, take with your swimming costume to take advantage of the indoor pool and sauna.
This traditional Bavarian hotel with country-house style rooms is centrally located in the town of Prien. After your walk you can relax in the Finnish sauna with a mountain panorama of the Chiemgau Alps.
UPGRADE
A warm welcome and an ambience that stylishly combines modernity and tradition can be felt in this hotel, which is located directly on the lakeshore.
This hotel can be booked as an upgrade on request. A surcharge applies.
After a traditional Bavarian breakfast of homemade bread and locally produced cheese and meats, walk along the shimmering waters of Lake Chiemsee, known to the locals as the Bavarian Sea due to its size and popularity as a vacation destination. Keep your eyes peeled for King Ludwig II’s Schloss Herrenchiemsee, a castle modelled after Versailles, located on the largest island of the lake.
Reach Rottau, where you have a choice of routes, you can take the wooden boardwalk through the moorlands of a nature reserve or you can stay on the forested main trail which guides you past the Rottauer waterfall. Both paths lead you back to Marquartstein, where you will spend a second night.
Ascent/Descent: 532m/529m
If you want to marvel at the Chiemgau panorama, we recommend an alternative route via the Grassauer Almen (20 km, ascent/descent approx. 740/740 metres). This stage is also very well signposted.
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in Grassau today. In this case, today's stage runs via the Grassauer Almen (18 km, ascent/descent approx. 740/740 m) before you descend into Grassau.
The rooms are bright and equipped with a TV and free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant offers produce from the on-site farm and a terrace invites you to relax and soak up the sun.
In the middle of the picturesque centre of Grassau, in the scenic Achental valley and close to Lake Chiemsee, you will find this traditional inn and family-run business.
Your day will start with a private transfer from your hotel to the Bergen Hochfelln cable car station. Take in the sweeping views of the Chiemgau, the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, while the cable car makes its way up to the viewing platform.
Take a moment to admire the spectacular panorama view before embarking on your walk. The trail takes you past sprawling alpine meadows and through the heart of the forest which are akin to the more northernly forests which inspired the Grimm fairy tales, until you reach Ruhpolding, a well known winter sport resort.
Ascent/Descent: 393m/1,385m
Ideally located near the river Traun, just a short walk from the centre of the village, the Alte Säge offers a cosy atmosphere in which to relax and unwind. Stefanie and Harry, your hosts, will give you a warm welcome and make you feel at home.
The family-run hotel "Zur Post" is centrally located in Ruhpolding, deep in the Chiemgau Alps. The Rechl family has been running the hotel for 100 years, currently, it is being run by the 5th generation, and offers its guests a wonderful place to relax and rest after a long day's walk.
Today walk from Ruhpolding through the Chiemgau Alps to Inzell. Make your way across farmland, accompanied by the faint sound of cowbells, before reaching the clear blue water of Traubensee where the Rauschberg mountain towers over you. This is a perfect place to plan an al fresco picnic; make sure to pick up some homemade bread from the local bakery in Ruhpolding.
The trail continues deep into the leafy green forest as you follow a well worn track along the mountain side of the Rauschberg mountain until you reach Inzell.
Ascent/Descent: 452m/423m
The rooms also feature free wireless Internet access, as well as a television, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. You can round off the evening in the in-house restaurant.
This family-run, 3-star hotel offers a large spa with pool and hot tub, traditional Bavarian rooms, and a restaurant serving regional and international cuisine. The non-smoking rooms are equipped with cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe and a private bathroom. You have free access to the wellness area with an indoor Finnish pool
The newly renovated apartments, the 'Fuchsbauten' (fox den), with high-quality furnishings offer a fascinating view into nature and invite you to relax and unwind.
Enjoy a varied and rewarding walk as today is a longer day which takes you through the wild and romantic Weißbachschlucht Gorge. Walk past the deep blue Thumsee, spot the 17th century, wooden brine pipes as you go which mark the historic salt path through the mountains. The brine pipes are considered to be the oldest "pipelines" in the world, the brine was transported via these pipelines to the salt works before being stored and converted into the salt which this region is famous for.
You will reach the alpine spa town of Bad Reichenhall at the end of your day. Enjoy a relaxing evening walk through the Royal Spa Garden, one of Europe's most beautiful landscaped gardens with flowers abundantly present.
Ascent/Descent: 470m/691m
Stay in the charming 3* Art Nouveau hotel, established in 1902 and is set in a quiet, yet central neighbourhood. Spend your nights in cozy Alpine-style rooms with a balcony and wonderful view of the Berchtesgadener Land.
The Sonnenbichl hotel is centrally located in the spa town of Bad Reichenhall near Berchtesgaden in the Chiemgau Alps.
Built in palazzo style with great attention to detail, the hotel is centrally located in Bad Reichenhall. With nostalgic charm, the Hotel Erika provides a very special ambience.
Take a short bus ride (15min) to Bischofswiesen-Winkl where your walk to Ramsau commences. This walk provides a little something for everyone, discover wild streams, lush alpine meadows, and panoramic views of the Berchtesgadener National Park.
This varied walk comes to an end in Ramsau, from here take the bus to Berchtesgaden for an overnight stay (journey time approx. 15 min.). Berchtesgaden gained its wealth due to being rich in salt deposits. Being located at the foot of the Watzmann provides a graceful backdrop to the village, and a picture perfect image. At 2,713m the Watzmann is the highest peak standing entirely within Germany and towers magnificently over the village.
Ascent/Descent: 543m/548m
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in Schönau today. In this case, take the bus to Berchtesgaden followed by a short bus ride to Schönau (regular departures with journey time of approx. 35 minutes).
The rooms are decorated in a traditional style and feature a work desk and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
At the foot of the Obersalzberg and in a quiet location, close to the centre of Berchtesgaden is the Home Hotel Salzberg. The rooms, furnished in country house style, invite you to relax. From the hotel, you have the ideal starting point for your explorations around Berchtesgaden.
UPGRADE - Stay in this Wellness hotel in Berchtesgarden, and enjoy the indescribable panorama of the Berchtesgadener mountains and recently renovated rooms. You can relax in the evenings in the lounge with the fireplace or on the terrace.
The ascents and descents make todays walk the toughest, but most rewarding walk of the trip. After a hearty breakfast take a short bus ride (15 min) to Ramsau.
Following the brine pipeline which is transporting salt from the salt mines, along the foot of the Watzmann. Enjoy the magnificent views of the majestic, clear blue Königsee Lake and the Berchtesgaden Alps.
Your walk comes to an end at the shoreline of Königsee Lake, take a boat trip on the lake (payable locally) and visit the iconic 12th century St. Bartholomä Church which is known for serving freshly smoked trout.
The local bus will bring you back to Berchtesgaden, where you can Prost to finishing the trail with locally brewed beers and a pretzel before saying good bye to the wonderful scenery.
Ascent/Descent: 966m/1,017m
Alternative hike starting at the shore of lake Königssee: Via Mauswinkel and Königsbachalm to the summit of the Jenner mountain which offers beautful views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. You will return to the start of the wak by cable car (approx. 11 km, ascent/descent:1280/90 m).
Depending on availability, you may again be accommodated in Schönau today. In this case, take the busses to Ramsau to commence your walk (regular departures with journey time of approx. 35 minutes).
The rooms are decorated in a traditional style and feature a work desk and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
At the foot of the Obersalzberg and in a quiet location, close to the centre of Berchtesgaden is the Home Hotel Salzberg. The rooms, furnished in country house style, invite you to relax. From the hotel, you have the ideal starting point for your explorations around Berchtesgaden.
UPGRADE - Stay in this Wellness hotel in Berchtesgarden, and enjoy the indescribable panorama of the Berchtesgadener mountains and recently renovated rooms. You can relax in the evenings in the lounge with the fireplace or on the terrace.
Check out from your hotel after breakfast and bid farewell to the foothills of the Alps. The train will take you to Salzburg (45 min) or Munich (3 hours), the closest cities with international airports.
If you have an extra day we would recommend visiting the Eagle’s Nest (6 hour return walk or take a local bus), sitting at 1834 m it is an iconic mountaintop retreat that was built in 1938 for Adolf Hitler which overlooks the Bavarian and Austrian alps, which now is a restaurant.
This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at the bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you are looking to go off the beaten track and discover the authentic Bavarian Alps this is the trip for you. Hike on well-marked, moderately rated trails which introduce you to the spectacular scenery, culture and history of the region. The accommodations are comfortable 3* hotels chosen for their local charm. This trip is ideal for hikers who want to explore these Alps and is perfect as a first alpine hiking trip.
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!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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.
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.
Stay 7 nights in carefully chosen properties that are a mix of comfortable 3-4* hotels, guesthouses and country inns.
The properties we offer are in our opinion the best along the way; close to the path, in pretty settings, and offering an authentic experience of Bavaria. We carefully select small and friendly accommodation that offers great value, food and welcomes. The properties we normally use are detailed below, however, are subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.
You can add extra nights at either side of your tour in Marquartstein, Berchtesgaden or Salzburg - please contact us for details.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This holiday is available to solo walkers, although a single supplement is payable. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate your request, a single supplement is payable.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival, alternatively, there are local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby restaurants.
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.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised. This is a very popular area with holiday makers!
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.
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. Simply leave your luggage at the reception of your hotel by 9am and it will be delivered to your next hotel before 5pm.
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).
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