The most beautiful destinations from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden

Anyone starting in Salzburg and fancying nature, culture and alpine adventures doesn't need to hire a car. The bus line 840 connects Salzburg main station directly with the Berchtesgadener Land – and passes by a variety of sights that couldn't be more different: mountains and gorges, historic sites, mountain lakes and panoramic roads. Whether you want to hike actively, discover history, or simply relax and enjoy – with this line you're right in the middle of it all.

And the best bit is: The starting stop is just a few minutes away from your affordable accommodation in Salzburg, the a&o Hostel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. Book now and look forward to your eventful holiday in Salzburg!

Hellbrunn: Palace & Zoo – Baroque Meets Wildlife

Still in Salzburg itself, you can make your first stop: the famous Hellbrunn Palace with its world-famous water games. For 400 years, they've been providing surprise and refreshment with their hidden fountains, springs and grottos – especially fun on warm days. Right next door is Hellbrunn Zoo, which is embedded as a landscape zoo into the rocks and meadows. Over 1,500 animals from all over the world live here – from lions to pandas to alpacas. Ideal for families, but also for anyone who appreciates a combination of culture and nature.

Untersberg – Salzburg's Mystical Local Mountain

The Untersberg rises directly in front of Salzburg and marks the border with Bavaria. It's not just a distinctive viewing mountain, but also shrouded in numerous legends: from Emperor Karl, who is said to sleep in the mountain, to mysterious caves where time stands still.
With the cable car, you can reach the mountain station at 1,776 metres in just a few minutes. At the top, you'll find easy panoramic paths, more challenging summit tours and breathtaking views – in clear weather even as far as Munich.

Schellenberger Ice Cave – Germany's Only Ice Cave

Unique is the Schellenberger Ice Cave at the Untersberg. It's the largest developed ice cave in Germany and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The hike there takes about two hours, but it's worth it: Inside, you'll find huge ice curtains, glittering ice layers and a fairytale-like, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Kugelmühle at Untersberg – Craftsmanship with History

At the foot of the Untersberg, you'll find the historic Kugelmühle, the last of its kind in Germany. For centuries, marble balls have been made here – formerly children's toys, today coveted collector's items and souvenirs. During a demonstration, you'll learn how the water of the Alm stream drives the millstones and polishes the balls to a high shine.

Almbach Gorge & Theresienklause – Pure Nature

The Almbach Gorge is a true natural wonder: On a roughly 3 km long path, you hike along rushing waterfalls, over bridges and through narrow rock passages. Particularly impressive is the historic Theresienklause, an old wooden dam from 1834 that formerly enabled timber transport over the Alm stream. Today it's an idyllic resting place with a small water area.

Grassl Distillery – High-Proof from the Alps

Just a few minutes away is the Grassl Distillery, Germany's oldest gentian distillery (since 1602). Here you'll learn how the bitter gentian roots are transformed into schnapps, and you're also allowed to taste the finished products. Besides gentian, herbal liqueurs and fruit brandies are also on offer – a treat for anyone who appreciates regional specialities.

Rossfeld Panoramic Road – at 1,600 Metres Altitude

A real insider tip is the Rossfeld Panoramic Road, Germany's highest panoramic road. It leads in serpentines to over 1,500 metres altitude and offers wide views of the Salzburg and Berchtesgaden Alps. Whether hiking or simply a cosy bus journey (change buses!) with a stop at an alpine hut – the Rossfeld road is a highlight for connoisseurs.

Berchtesgaden Salt Mine – Deep Underground

The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine is Germany's oldest active salt mine and an experience for young and old. With the mine train, you travel deep into the mountain, slide down wooden chutes to the interior and ride on a raft over an underground mirror lake. Besides the history of the "white gold", it's above all the mystical atmosphere underground that impresses.

Watzmann Therme – Wellness with a View

The Watzmann Therme in Berchtesgaden is perfect for anyone who wants to relax after hikes or sightseeing. Children love the slides and adventure pool, adults enjoy the sauna landscape or a brine bath with views of the Alps. A lovely place to put your feet up.

Obersalzberg & Documentation – A Place of Learning History

The Obersalzberg was a central place of power during the Nazi era and served as a retreat for the powerful. Today, the Obersalzberg Documentation informs about this dark past and combines modern exhibition concepts with authentic places. A visit is educational, moving and gives the region depth beyond its pure beauty.

Kehlsteinhaus – The Eagle's Nest

At 1,834 metres altitude, the Kehlsteinhaus towers over the Berchtesgadener Land. Once built as a representative building, it's now an excursion destination with one of the most beautiful panoramas in Germany. From the terraces, you can see far into the Alpine foothills, as far as the Salzkammergut and the Hohe Tauern. A shuttle bus takes visitors up – an experience in itself.

Berchtesgaden – Charming Alpine Town

The centre of the Berchtesgadener Land is the eponymous market town. The historic core with colourful houses, narrow alleys and traditional inns invites you to stroll. Worth seeing are the Royal Palace, the Collegiate Church of St Peter and John as well as various museums that deal with the nature and culture of the region.

Schornbad – Summer Freshness in Berchtesgaden

In summer, the Schornbad, Schönau's outdoor pool, beckons. Located at around 500 metres altitude, it offers not only cool water but also a dreamy view of the Watzmann. With generous sunbathing areas, sports pool and children's areas, it's a perfect destination on hot days – and a refreshing contrast to the mountain adventures.

Romy Schneider Exhibition – Film Legend at Königssee

In Schönau am Königssee, the famous actress Romy Schneider is honoured with her own exhibition. Photos, original documents and film posters bring the life and work of the actress to life. A must for cineastes, for everyone else an exciting insight into film history.

Königssee – The Jewel of the Alps

The emerald green Königssee is one of the most famous excursion destinations in the Alps. Nestled between steep rock walls, it looks almost fjord-like. With the quiet electric boats, you reach the famous Pilgrimage Church of St Bartholomew, where there's freshly caught fish and magnificent views. Those who continue on reach the Obersee – a real natural idyll that looks like a painting.

Jenner – Viewing Summit with 360° Panorama

Directly at the Königssee rises the Jenner. With the modern cable car, you can comfortably go up, where a panoramic path and numerous hiking routes await you. From above, you can see the Königssee in all its splendour, plus the Watzmann and the peaks of the Hohe Tauern. In winter, the Jenner is a popular ski area, in summer a paradise for hikers and connoisseurs.

Into the Diversity of the Alpine World with One Bus

The bus line 840 is more than just a connection between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden – it's an adventure on wheels. Along the route, you can experience alpine nature, immerse yourself in history, relax or discover cultural highlights. From Hellbrunn Palace via the Untersberg, from the Kehlsteinhaus to the Königssee – each destination has its very own magic. With the Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket and a connecting ticket, you travel easily and affordably – and have the Alpine diversity practically on your doorstep.

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Then book your trip with a&o to Salzburg!