Hi! My friend and I are heading to Europe for an archaeological dig/student exchange program in the southern Czech Republic. We've got eight days to kill before the dig begins, specifically from June 22nd to June 30th. I wish we had more time, but summer session doesn't end until June 19th. We know we want to do southern Germany (and surrounding locales), but we aren't sure where.
We're looking at a few different options, but I'm pushing for flying into Salzburg, spending two and a half days there, then heading to Berchtesgaden. The National Park is calling my name. What I'm wondering is what y'all can recommend for way of what specifically to do while we're in the Berchtesgaden area? We're looking for a decently nice hotel that will cost us no more than 40 euros per night, per person (so 80 total, but that's the high end of things). We're very open to farmstays or guesthouses or things like that. Rather not do the usual youth hostel thing, even though we are students (we've done that bit before). Anywhere in the region is fine, from Berchtesgaden itself down to Schongau am Konigssee or wherever you know of something good. I'm very big on exploring the National Park, and that will take up at least two days of our time there (I wish it was more!). A friend of ours is also trying to talk us into taking a day trip to Fussen, but I don't know how feasible that is.
Aside from the hiking, what are some good sites that are easily accessible in this region? We want to keep it exciting, but we don't want to overburden ourselves either. We like to travel leisurely. The sheer scope of information I've found is overwhelming, but it's also incomplete. I'd like to get some firsthand reviews instead of the propaganda. What's great? What sucks? That sort of thing. Anyway, thanks a ton for your help!