Ramsau near Berchtesgaden brings together a range of natural and cultural features: a gorge, a mountain forest landscape shaped by a rockslide, a wooded viewpoint and a historic church ensemble. When choosing a place to stay, you can consider whether gorge trails, forest history, views of the mountains or architectural history are of particular interest to you.
Gorge, Forest and Views
The hiking trail through Wimbach Gorge is around 200 metres long and runs over bridges and walkways along the gorge’s steep rock faces. The details about the trail’s length and features give a concrete impression of this natural attraction in Ramsau.
The Enchanted Forest by Hintersee is a primeval mountain forest landscape formed by a rockslide thousands of years ago. Huge boulders are part of this landscape. A footpath also runs through the Enchanted Forest, laid out by the Ramsau Beautification Association in 1896/97. Geological origins and the later construction of the path therefore coexist at this site. The Enchanted Forest bears the “Bavaria’s Most Beautiful Geotopes” quality seal, certified by the Bavarian Environment Agency, and is one of three natural highlights in the Berchtesgadener Land.
The Wartstein offers a different view of the landscape: this wooded viewpoint lies above Hintersee. From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Berchtesgaden mountains. The gorge, mountain forest and viewpoint each offer a distinct perspective without needing to be combined into a single experience.
At Klausbachhaus: Trails and a Sensory Garden
At the entrance to the Klausbach Valley in the national park community of Ramsau, Klausbachhaus is the starting point for many hiking tours into the national park; an accessible circular trail also begins here. The grounds include a sensory garden with a barefoot trail and sound stations. The trails and garden offer different points of interest at the same location. The accessible circular trail is mentioned as a separate option alongside the hikes into the national park.
Church and Historic Ensemble
The parish church of St. Sebastian was built in 1512 under Prince-Provost Gregor Rainer and is dedicated to Saint Sebastian and Saint Fabian. Together with its historic cemetery, the former sexton’s house and the rectory to the west of the church, it forms an architectural ensemble. The view therefore extends beyond the church itself to the historic buildings and cemetery, which together shape the townscape.
The Berchtesgadener Land as a Wider Setting
The wider travel destination of Berchtesgadener Land encompasses landscapes ranging from the gently rolling Rupertiwinkel in the north to Berchtesgaden National Park on the border with Austria. In the south, the scenery is shaped by high-alpine mountain landscapes and the natural surroundings of Lake Königssee. The Berchtesgadener Land Biosphere Region covers the entire district. The national park offers a varied network of hiking trails and alpine paths extending over 260 kilometres.
Another gorge hike in the wider travel destination runs through Almbach Gorge. While the trail through Wimbach Gorge is around 200 metres long, the hike through the deep Almbach Gorge crosses 29 bridges and walkways, climbs 320 steps and passes through a tunnel blasted into the rock. The two gorges therefore differ in specific trail features. Almbach Gorge is subject to seasonal opening times and possible weather-related closures, so check the latest notices before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Piding, Weißbach an der Alpenstraße, Anger, Ainring, Schönau am Königssee, Schneizlreuth, Laufen, Berchtesgaden
View the wider travel overview: Berchtesgadener Land.
