Most of Lake Abtsdorfer See lies within the municipality of Saaldorf-Surheim. The circular trail connects the lake with several opportunities to observe nature: it leads to a viewing platform with mountain views, permanently installed binoculars for children and information boards about rare birds. There are also three birdwatching stations at the lake; at one of them, you can listen to birdsong. The recreation area has a playground.

Lake Abtsdorfer See and Haarmoos

The circular trail around Lake Abtsdorfer See is described as a year-round route and can be used with a pushchair, city scooter and rollerblades. This makes it suitable for more than just a walking trip: you can also focus on the views and the birdwatching stations. Check local information before setting out, as route details and conditions may change.

Haarmoos lies to the west and south of the lake. It is a remnant of Lake Haarsee, which was drained in 1773. The “Abtsdorfer See” landscape conservation area includes wetlands bordering Haarmoos and covers about 652 hectares. The lake and moorland landscape thus offer different ways to enjoy a stay: around the lake, the circular trail and birdwatching take centre stage; in Haarmoos, it is the history of the landscape.

Hiking and cycling

For a hike with published route details, consider the Haarmoos hike: it is rated easy, is 8.3 kilometres long and is listed as taking two hours. The Moos circular trail is 3.5 kilometres long and passes through Saaldorfer Moos and Eichetwald; it is also suitable for a family outing. The two routes differ considerably in length. Check current local information before setting out; for the Moos circular trail, it is advisable to consult the official route page.

There are various cycling options, too. The historic Salt Trade Route and the Rupertiwinkel Cycling Trail are long-distance cycling routes that pass through the municipality of Saaldorf-Surheim. The municipality also lists many long, well-maintained cycle paths that are suitable for cycling and inline skating. If you prefer to follow a described circular route, the Panorama Trail offers further guidance: it starts and ends at the town hall, passes a wayside shrine, continues towards Leustetten and returns to Saaldorf via Steinbrünning and Stützing.

The Salzach Circular Trail runs through the Salzach floodplain and along the Salzach riverside path. It starts at the pavilion on the village square in Surheim. This brings together several different route themes: the lake and birdwatching, moorland landscapes, and the Salzach floodplain. Route information may change, so check local details before setting out.

Churches, traditions and culture

The churches in Saaldorf, Surheim and Abtsdorf reflect different architectural and decorative histories. The parish church of St. Martin in Saaldorf dates back to the Middle Ages and was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1914–1915. St. Stephen’s in Surheim is based on a Romanesque structure and was built in the Gothic period. St. James’s Church in Abtsdorf features Gothic frescoes and an altarpiece by J. M. Rottmayr.

A recurring tradition is Aperschnalzen. This pre-Christian custom was revived in Saaldorf; specially made Goaßln (whips) crack across the landscape every winter. Theatre is also part of the seasonal cultural programme: the Saaldorf folk theatre stages performances seasonally. If you plan to attend a performance, check the current dates.

Agriculture is another part of the area’s diverse local character. Since 2018, traditional crops and grain varieties have been cultivated and promoted in the Biosphere Grain Garden, including Laufener Landweizen. Together with the churches, Aperschnalzen and seasonal theatre performances, this offers a cultural perspective on Saaldorf-Surheim alongside its nature and walking and cycling routes.

For the broader travel overview: Berchtesgadener Land.