In Schneizlreuth, you can plan hikes with a variety of focuses: a short themed trail about regional history, routes through gorges or a longer tour along a stream. The Waldbahn Trail combines information about historic timber rafting and salt production with a route of around two kilometres along the Vordere Schwarzache. Information boards cover both topics. The trail starts at the town hall or tourist information office and ends at the Bäckinger-Klause. There are six bridges and a children’s play table along the route; the trail is family-friendly. It reopened on 1 July 2024. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Hiking Between Themed Trails and Tours

Schneizlreuth’s network of hiking trails covers more than 150 kilometres and ranges from hikes to alpine huts to summit tours. The circular hike through Aschauer Gorge offers a specific point of reference: it covers 14.8 kilometres and takes three hours. You can start and finish in Schneizlreuth or at Haiderhof; access points are at the Renner bus stop, the town hall in Schneizlreuth and Haiderhof. The route follows the Aschauer Bach. Pale limestone, white stream pebbles, emerald-green pools, small sandbanks and changing river landscapes define the trail. Seasonal conditions and access restrictions may vary; take these into account when planning. If you’re weighing up a short themed trail against a longer circular route, you can compare the Waldbahn Trail’s roughly two kilometres with Aschauer Gorge’s 14.8 kilometres and three-hour duration.

Gorges and Trails by the Water

Of the original 556 steps of the Himmelsleiter, 414 are still accessible; check access locally. Weißbach Gorge lies between Weißbach and Schneizlreuth, below the German Alpine Road. Steps and footbridges lead past pools and waterfalls, though trail conditions may vary seasonally. From the end of the gorge, you can continue towards Thumsee and Bad Reichenhall or reach Schneizlreuth.

The Saalachsee Circular Trail starts in Fronau in Schneizlreuth or at Luitpold Bridge in Bad Reichenhall and runs along the shore of Lake Saalach or the Saalach River, without any major climbs. When choosing a hike, you can assess Aschauer Gorge by its distance and duration; for the Saalachsee Circular Trail, the starting points and the lakeside route, which has no major climbs, are key considerations.

Alpine Pasture History and Seasonal Refreshments

The Bichleralm was first documented in 1345 and is considered the only known alpine example of the Berchtesgaden Zwiehof farmstead design. It serves traditional alpine snacks, coffee and homemade cakes; food offerings are seasonal and opening hours may vary. At the Harbachalm, the historic Kaser is protected as a listed monument. The menu features Bavarian and South Tyrolean alpine specialities, also seasonally; opening hours may vary here as well. If you’re planning a stop, check the opening hours for your intended visit.

The Wider Region: Berchtesgadener Land

Berchtesgadener Land lies in the southeast of Upper Bavaria, stretching from the gently rolling Rupertiwinkel in the north to Berchtesgaden National Park on the Austrian border. To the south, Berchtesgadener Land encompasses high-alpine mountain landscapes and the natural scenery around Lake Königssee. In the wider destination, Berchtesgaden National Park offers a network of hiking trails and alpine paths spanning 260 kilometres. Schneizlreuth’s hiking and alpine pasture themes can thus be viewed in a broader regional context.

Discover more destinations: Weißbach A.D.Alpenstraße, Bayerisch Gmain, Bischofswiesen, Anger, Bad Reichenhall, Schönau Am Königssee, Piding, Marktschellenberg.

View the broader travel overview: Berchtesgadener Land.