
Berchtesgaden in autumn – a natural pearl in Upper Bavaria
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The summer warmth gives way to the slowly changing color of the leaves. It is getting cooler and quieter. The love of freedom and nature that was kindled during the summer vacation is already looking for the next places of longing in the approaching autumn. Locally, but still full of enthusiasm, for autumn with hikes please! Today we present you a natural pearl from the south of Germany: excursion tips, hikes and culinary insights from Berchtesgaden.


When nature comes to rest: alpine play of colours in Berchtesgaden National Park
Berchtesgaden in the southeastern tip of Upper Bavaria is close and full of intense nature experiences, the Berchtesgadener Land biosphere has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the most important landscape types. With Germany's only alpine national park around the world-famous duo Watzmann and Konigssee The region is dedicated to conscious travel and is truly one of the most spectacular places in Germany: and much more than just a photo backdrop! (keep an eye out for chamois, marmots and golden eagles.) People take a back seat and observe the natural processes; for a conscious experience of nature with all of the senses. Many of the most beautiful tours in the region lead through the untouched nature of the national park. So, lace up your boots, switch off and immerse yourself in another world for a day.

1. Trip to Königssee
Surrounded by the steep cliffs of the Berchtesgaden Alps, the Königssee stretches out across which passengers have been transported in electric boats for more than a hundred years. In the middle of the impressive mountain lake lies the picturesque island of St. Bartholomä. At the other end of the Königssee, a hiking trail leads to the Röthbach waterfall, the highest waterfall in Germany. The alpine Obersee can also be reached from here. A breathtaking mountain landscape stretches out from the Königssee. High up...

2. … to the Jenner, in the middle of the Berchtesgaden mountain landscape
The Jennerbahn takes you comfortably up the 1800 meter high mountain. From the mountain station, it is not far to the summit with its famous "royal view" of Watzmann and Königssee. The hiking trails lead either to the Königstal or Priesbergalm, which are left to themselves again in the autumn, as the cattle have usually returned to their home stables by mid-September.


On the wide meadows, between silver thistles and autumn flowers, the snack from your backpack tastes even better in the warm sun. With a little luck, you can see the grazing marmots preparing for hibernation.
Hiking tip for autumn: Round trip to the Stone Agnes on the slopes of the Sleeping Witch in the Lattengebirge, to one of the most beautiful geotopes in Bavaria. This tour is particularly colorful in autumn with its small trails through sparse deciduous and larch forests.
In addition, the magic forest in Ramsau is simply enchanting, even in bad weather - the Klausbach stream rushes deafeningly and stopping off at one of the inns is particularly enjoyable.

3. Ramsau: Germany’s first mountaineering village
In 2015, the German Alpine Club declared the municipality of Ramsau first mountaineering village in Germany chosen. "Stimulation without stress, liveliness without noise, closeness without disrespect, enjoyment at a high level and movement through one's own power“The excellent mountain sports opportunities and living Alpine tradition make the unspoilt mountain landscape a guarantee for an eventful and environmentally friendly mountain holiday.

3. Historical monument and mountain restaurant with panoramic views: Excursion to the Kehlsteinhaus
The Kehlsteinhaus is an important historical monument in the Berchtesgadener Land. Completed in 1938 as a representative building, an exhibition today provides information about the history and context of the memorial site during the Nazi era. The mountain site lies at an altitude of 1.881 meters and can be reached by bus via a unique high mountain road. During the journey, an impressive view of the surrounding mountains opens up: the mountain site can also be climbed on foot via the Ofnerboden.

4. Unique ensemble of monastery and water: Höglwörther See
The Höglwörth Lake was formed after the Saalach glacier melted about 10.000 years ago and provides a habitat for numerous animal species such as pike, eels, coots and mute swans. The walk around the lake only takes about half an hour and leads past an ice-cold waterfall. In the middle of it all you can admire a romantic castle island with the Höglwörth monastery.

5. Alternative adventure: Underground in the salt mine
The Berchtesgaden salt mine is the only one in Germany that is not only a popular visitor center, but is also used for mining salt. A 1400-meter-long tour takes you through the interior of the salt mountain: the miner's slide and the underground salt lake are among the highlights for young and old.

Autumn recipe from Berchtesgaden – Greetings from Christl and Gabi from Lockstein 1
To finish, a culinary finale: pumpkin casserole with chicory and orange salad. The mother-daughter team Christl and Gabi Kurz from Lockstein 1 present the ultimate autumn dish.
"In autumn, we should gather colors and recharge our batteries for the long winter months. The rich harvest of late summer offers us everything we need for colorful and vitamin-rich dishes that give us strength and zest for life. The bright orange pumpkins in particular are ideal for this and are as tender as butter in our casserole. This dish is very quick to prepare and, with the chicory and orange salad, is an experience for all the senses."

Pumpkin casserole with chicory and orange salad
Ingredients for 4 to 8 people
– 1 medium-sized nutmeg or Hokkaido pumpkin, grated
– 250 ml cream
- 1 egg
– 1 tsp arrowroot flour
– Crystal salt
- Pepper
– Nutmeg
– 15 g butter for the mold
– 25 g Parmesan, grated
– 25 g wholemeal breadcrumbs
Chicory salad with oranges
– 4 chicory
– 2 oranges, filleted
– 125 ml sour cream
– 1 tsp Tamari
- 2 tbsp olive oil
– some salt and pepper
Preparation
Mix together the cream, egg, arrowroot and flour. Place the pumpkin in layers in a buttered casserole dish. Season each layer with salt, pepper, nutmeg and parmesan and drizzle with some of the egg and cream mixture. Finish the last layer with parmesan and some breadcrumbs, spread a few flakes of butter on top and bake at 220 degrees for 15 minutes.
Cut the chicory into slices. Fillet the oranges. Mix with the other ingredients in a large bowl and serve fresh

If that isn't immersive enough for you in front of your PC or smartphone, you can cook the recipe first hand in the Lockstein 1 cooking school, or try it in the restaurant. With its small restaurant as a place for vegetarian culinary delights, enjoyable hours in the cooking school as a culinary entertainer and beautifully renovated guest accommodations, the Lockstein 1 refuge is just the thing for those seeking peace and quiet.
Enjoy your meal and maybe see you very soon in Berchtesgaden!

You can find more excursion tips and hikes, as well as everything about Berchtesgaden Click HERE
© Photos: Mountain Experience Berchtesgaden