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Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.7 Read 6 reviews
  • 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
Follow the Salzalpensteig trail deep into the Bavarian and Berchtesgaden Alps, discovering the rich history of salt mining which has shaped the region. Off the beaten track you will explore the quieter, idyllic side of Bavaria as you walk through small traditional Bavarian villages steeped in local tradition. Walk on the inn to inn alpine trail from Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria's largest lake and popular weekend destination for the locals, to Lake Konigsee, a lake buried deep in the Bavarian Alps, where the majestic rock cliffs of the Watzmann Mountain tower over its emerald green shores, offering fascinating scenery. This trail was voted one of Germany’s most beautiful walking trails and marries panoramic views of the Alps with the wild and romantic Weißbachschlucht gorge, rich local history and the most picturesque German alpine villages, renowned for their beauty.
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What To Expect

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.

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.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Long-Distance Trails
  • Accessible by Rail
  • Alpine Walking

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.

Accommodation Information

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.

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

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bernau am Chiemsee and overnight Day 2 Walk from Bernau am Chiemsee to Marquartstein 8.7 miles / 14 km Day 3 Transfer to Bergen, walk to Ruhpolding 9 miles / 16 km Day 4 Walk to Inzell 9.4 miles / 15 km Day 5 Walk to Bad Reichenhall 14.6 miles / 23.5 km Day 6 Walk from Bischofwiesen to Ramsau 8.7 miles / 14 km Day 7 Walk to Königssee 10.9 miles / 17.5 km Day 8 Onward Travel

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