Ramsau and other Berchtesgaden, Germany Off The Beaten Path Tips

Ramsau in Berchtesgadenland is such an idyllic spot - don't you think, no wonder its popular with painters. Its just a short bus ride from Berchtesgaden (bus 9546) and from here you can extend a days outing by walking through the nearby magic forest of Zauberwald and on to Hintersee. (about 1 hours walk)

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From Ramsau its a pleasant walk through the Zauberwald - the so-called Magic Forest - to the idyllic lake of Hintersee with its turquoise water. Popular with bathers in the summer months -although you'll probably share some pastures with the cows!

The Hintersee is beautifully situated at the foot of the Hochkalter (2,608 m). Lovely reflections of the mountain here made it a popular place for painters from Vienna and Munich round 1871.

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A nice hike can be made through the Wimbachtal, reaching the gorge in 15 minute. Water gushes through the gorge which is accessed by a series of steps and walkways so the waterfalls tumbling down its steep cliffs can be enjoyed. Allow 1 hour to reach the Wimbach castle and to reach the Wimbach-Gries-Hutte in another 1.5 hours. Bear in mind that the gorge is usually only passable betwwen May-Oct. There is a small entrance fee too.

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Another interesting gorge to visit and hike through is the Almbachklamm. To reach it take a local bus from Berchtesgaden on the Marktschellenberg route. In about 11 minutes you will reach the gorge stop where you walk to the gorge entrance via the Kugelmuhle (ball mill). Again only accessible in the summer months and a small entrance fee is payable. From the Kugelmuhle the path leads through the gorge to the Thereisen-Klause Dam in about 1 hour 30 mins. The path and steps (take care as slippery when wet) are protected by railings and wire cables. From the dam the path branches off via Ettenberg to reach Marktschellenberg in about 2hours 30 mins. Another path leads to Hintergern-Maria Gern.

Our option was to get a local bus from Berchtesgadedn to Hintergern - Maria Glen and walk the opposite way to the gorge (an easier route!) in about 2 hours and then bus back from the Kugelmuhle.

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Whilst in Maria Gern visit the pretty baroque pilgrim church - another onion dome that is oft photographed! The countryside around here is particularly idyllic too.
You can walk here if feeling energetic (its uphill!) - we got the 9537 bus from Berchtesgaden and walked back downhill through the woods ;-)

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Too often people visit the Eagles Nest viewpoint and the underground bunker system without realising there is another attraction in this area. We spotted this eagle sanctuary by accident whilst waiting for the bus back to Berchtesgaden and am glad we did so. Several species of eagle and owl can be seen here and its worth a short stop.
Entrance was free but donations welcome!

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Also in the eagle sanctuary are marmotts. These alpine creatures are some of my favourite animals and it was great to get a close up view of these cuties ;-)

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