Berchtesgaden and Konigssee

Posted by Laura (USA) on 09/08/15 02:37 AM

Hello!
My husband and I will be taking a day trip from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden in Oct. After doing some research, we will take the #840 bus from Salzburg (purchasing the round-trip Tagesticket), then take the private bus up to the top of the mountain. We are still on the fence about doing the guided versus self-guided tour of the Eagle's Nest, and have a couple questions: 1) are there books/ audio guides available to rent? (53 Euros a piece seems kind of steep for a tour), and 2) how much time should we allow at Eagle's Nest (we would like to see the Documentation Center if time allows).

Since we will be in the area for the day, we would also like to see Konigssee. I looked at a boat tour website that listed a round-trip from Konigsee to Salet as 2 hours. Would 3 hours allow enough time for the boat ride and to explore? We are thinking about doing this first thing in the morning and then do Eagle's Nest after lunch, sound feasible? Thank you in advance for your advice!
Laura

Posted by TravelingMom

Washington

09/08/15 03:06 AM

470 posts

We have done both of these things, but on different days. They are both memorable, and in an ideal world it would be better to give each of them a day to fully explore and enjoy.
We did the Eagle's Nest tour, and it is one of the best things we have ever done. The information we received/the insight of the couple that owns the company was well worth the time and money. http://www.eagles-nest-tours.com/EN/eagles-nest-tours/index.php?navid=2
(I recommend this so often I feel a need to clarify that I have NO association with this other than having taken the tour.)
The trip to the Konigsee is another great trip, and could easily take most of a day especially if it is a beautiful fall day. Weather would also dictate your decision about the Eagle's Nest. We happened to be there on a clear day, and will never forget our hike/views from up top. If it was clouded over I would skip it and spend more time at the lake which will still be special even on a gray day.

Posted by Lee

Lakewood, Colorado

09/08/15 03:13 AM

19293 posts

The Eagles Nest, the Dokumentation Center, and Königssee - I think two in a day are doable; three are doable only if you shortchange them all.

I think doing the tour of the Nest yourself is viable if you do some research in advance. The souvenir shop in the nest has some good books with information about the Nest. I would allow a couple of hours there, at least. Go up in the morning and have lunch.

As for Königssee, the Obersee, beyond Salat, is beautiful and really worth seeing. A few years ago, I took the boat to St. Bart's, looked around, then went back to the boat dock. The line to go back to Schönau was long, but the line to Salat was non-existent, so we went to Salat. When we returned to St. Bart's from Salat, the line was still long, but we were already on the boat, so we had a seat. Some of the people in the line might have been there when we took the boat to Salat.

BTW, if you purchase a "BGL Bus und Bahn" ticket for 12€ from the bus driver on bus #840, you can use it for the train back to Salzburg after the last bus at 6:15 PM.

Posted by KäferPaul

Wisconsin

09/09/15 02:16 AM

69 posts

We are planning to do a similar trip the end of September. I hope I don't get myself in trouble for recommending another guide book on a Rick Steves forum but I just bought a Harriman downloaded Berchtesgaden tour book. Sure, you can find all the info online for free, but it was well worth the $6 to have all info in one place, and well researched.

I'm in no way affiliated but it may help. Admin, please delete my comment if this is a no-no. No harm is intended.

Posted by Laura OP

USA

09/14/15 07:02 PM

32 posts

Thank you all! We have decided to not do the guided tour and wil do the full length boat ride on Konigssee (fingers crossed the weather is good!). Your tips/advice have been helpful! Now hopefully taking the bus from Salzburg into Germany won't be an issue with the recently issued border checks!