The oldest salt mine in Germany that is still active today is the salt mine in Berchtesgaden. It was opened in 1517 with the construction of the Petersberg tunnel. However, the salt deposits in the area around Bad Reichenhall have been known for a very long time. Researchers found that the Celts were mining salt in the area as early as 1200 BC.

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Jörg

September 4, 2025

Mountain biking

Insider tips in Berchtesgaden include the Almbach Gorge, the Marktschellenberg Ice Cave, the Maria Gern pilgrimage church, and the Rothbach Falls. A ride on the Jennerbahn cable car for panoramic views is also recommended, as is a hike through the Klausbach Valley with its suspension bridge or a tour to the Rotspielscheibe. Local experiences like the Grassl mountain distillery with gentian tasting or cozy mountain huts like the Kührointhütte are also worth a visit.

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Jörg

September 4, 2025

Mountain biking

What's the difference between Berchtesgaden and Berchtesgadener Land?
Berchtesgadener Land is the entire region in the southeasternmost tip of Bavaria – a district with many special places: Ramsau, Schönau am Königssee, Bad Reichenhall, Bischofswiesen, Marktschellenberg, and Berchtesgaden itself. In short: Berchtesgaden is part of Berchtesgadener Land – but not all of it.

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Routes here

Best Mountain Biking Routes to Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

4.6

(219)

964

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1. The Sleeping Witch – Berchtesgaden Salt Mine loop from Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof

50.3km

03:10

520m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Moderate

4.9

(145)

757

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2. View of Königssee and Watzmann – Panorama of Gotzenalm loop from Hallein

58.3km

05:51

2,110m

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.6

(215)

894

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3. The Sleeping Witch – View of the Watzmann loop from Hammerau

53.5km

03:17

530m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Informations

Elevation 520 m

Weather

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Location: Berchtesgaden, Landkreis Berchtesgadener Land, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

Almbach Gorge (Almbachklamm)

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Forest Trail with Stream

Marktplatz Berchtesgaden

View from Kneifelspitze

Wooden Building by the River in Berchtesgaden

Königssee

View of Berchtesgaden and the Watzmann Group

View of Watzmann

View of Berchtesgaden and the Watzmann

View of Watzmann and Hochkalter

Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

1. The Sleeping Witch – Berchtesgaden Salt Mine loop from Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof

2. View of Königssee and Watzmann – Panorama of Gotzenalm loop from Hallein

3. The Sleeping Witch – View of the Watzmann loop from Hammerau

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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