630 m  (Jenner) 1800 m   (Jenner) 1170 m 11 km (50 km in Berchtesgaden Area) 8 Mountain Restaurants 83 km Salzburg 30 minutes (30km)

SKI RESORTS IN GERMANY > BERCHTESGADEN

RESORT PROFILE

Situated just less than thirty kilometres from the Austrian cultural capital of Salzburg and easily accessible by motorway, the alpine ski resort of Berchtesgaden lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Alpine National Park.

In addition to its attraction as a skiing and snowboarding destination in winter, the area also boasts world-famous sights such as the mysterious world of the salt mines, the ‘Eagle’s nest’ - Hitler’s spectacular mountain hideaway during the second world war - and the 12th century chapel of St. Bartholomew on Lake Konigssee, now an unmistakable symbol of the Bavarian Alps.

The village of Berchtesgaden offers narrow and winding streets lined with decoratively painted alpine-style buildings and has a wide choice of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops.

With its skiing area, off-the-slopes attractions and proximity to Salzburg, Berchtesgaden is an ideal destination for a holiday or short break combining sightseeing with skiing and is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders and families.

LIFTS AND SLOPES

The Jenner ski area is the largest of the small areas in the vicinity of Berchtesgaden and is easily accessible from the centre of Berchtesgaden by a regular bus (free with your lift pass) that takes approximately 15 minutes (hourly departures). The Rossfeld ski area is also accessible from Oberau by a ski bus that takes approximately 15 mininutes (runs every 30 minutes or every hour).

The Jenner race course was the venue for the first World Cup slalom in 1967 and the resort is popular with snowboarders having hosted World Cup events since 1999. The ski area has been well regarded by ski and snowboard enthusiasts yet Berchtesgaden’s place on the European skiing map is currently low-key given the popularity of its Austrian ski resort neighbours. Great news for top value skiing!

Located next to Lake Konigssee, the main Gondola - the two-stage Jennerbahn - takes skiers and snowboarders up to 1800 metres with spectacular views of the National Park including the ‘Eagle’s Nest’.

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

There is a beginner’s drag lift at the bottom of the mountain next to the bottom station of the Jennerbahn and, from the middle station at 1200 metres, there are a number of other drag and chair lifts serving blue and red runs within the main ski area. Rossfeld is the area of choice for novices.

Most of the runs are of an easy to medium red run grade with the longest run from top to bottom being just over five kilometres and the resort is best suited to beginners, intermediates and families.

OFF THE SLOPES

Berchtesgaden has a charming pedestrianised centre with many bars, shops, cafés and restaurants and offers other activities unique to the area.

Opened in the 16th century, the area’s salt mines have long been a source of prosperity for the region and still operate today with daily guided tours available for the visitor. Dressed in traditional miners' attire, a special train takes you 650 metres through a tunnel and into a gigantic underground hall. Down a gleaming wooden slide the journey takes you deeper into the depths of the mine and some tours include a subterranean boat ride. For those who prefer to walk, a convenient footpath can be taken instead.

Please note that due to the high elevation, the ‘Eagle’s Nest’ is closed to visitors in the winter months.