Mountain adventures and bearded vultures: discover the paradise of Berchtesgaden!

Mountain adventures and bearded vultures: discover the paradise of Berchtesgaden!

Nature lovers will get their money's worth in the breathtaking Berchtesgaden region in Bavaria. Not only intensive mountain tours and exciting activities await here, but also the return of a majestic bird, the bearded vulture. The Berchtesgadener Land offers a wide range of opportunities for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers. Whether guided or individual tours, anyone who wants to explore the impressive landscapes in the Berchtesgaden National Park is spoiled for choice.

Mountain lovers can hardly wait to discover the region's enchanted brine pipeline routes, spectacular gorges and sparkling lakes. The “See-Gipfel-Ticket” is particularly exciting and is available from April 10th to June 30th and from September 16th to November 9th. For 54 euros, adventure seekers can enjoy a boat trip across the Königssee to St. Bartholomä and the ascent and descent on the Jennerbahn.

Hiking and climbing in the national park

Of course there are also challenging tours, such as the demanding hike to the Gotzenalm. This route covers 34.2 kilometers and takes approximately 5.5 hours, with an elevation gain of 1,713 meters. After a steep climb over the gentian meadows you have a fantastic view of the Königssee and the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä. An alternative destination is the Feuerpalfen with a height of 1,741 meters, which only takes another 30 minutes.

For experienced climbers, the Hochthron via ferrata on Untersberg is an absolute must. Here you can expect not only a challenging route through the 400 meter high east face, but also spectacular views of the Watzmann massif. However, this climb requires not only good fitness but also sure-footedness, which is why the difficulty level is indicated as C/D and the tour lasts 7-8 hours.

The bearded vulture and its return

A particularly pleasing event this season is the release of two young bearded vultures into the wild in Klausbachtal, which took place at the end of May. The birds, named “Generl” and “Luisa,” are part of a reintroduction program that has been running since 2021. So far, a total of ten bearded vultures have been successfully released back into the wild in order to strengthen the population of the majestic birds in the Eastern Alps. This project is supported by the national park administration and the State Association for Bird Protection (LBV).

The reintroduction takes place using a special method that ensures that the young birds develop a close bond with their new habitat. With an average age of around 90 days, the young bearded vultures are released into protected rock niches and receive comprehensive care from humans. Great attention is paid to selecting suitable genetic lines in order to strengthen the population. Bearded vultures need about six years to reach sexual maturity, and reproductive success usually only occurs at eight to nine years of age.

Observations and nature experiences

Anyone who would like to observe the new bearded vultures has the opportunity to do so at various observation points. The Halsgrube information point, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until mid-October, offers the best views of the bearded vultures. Access is via a hiking trail from the Hintersee National Park information point to the Halsalm - the destination can be reached in about an hour. The golden eagle station near the Klausbachhaus also invites you to observe these majestic animals.

In addition to wildlife viewing, Berchtesgaden National Park offers breathtaking scenery with its 260 kilometers of hiking trails and steep mountain paths. From paragliding to mountain tours on the 2,713 meter high Watzmann to relaxing in one of the many mountain huts, there is something for everyone here. Even in winter you don't have to miss out on adventure - skiing is also a popular pastime!

For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to Berchtesgaden National Park is an absolute must. Ludovico from *busplaner.de* reports that the region is once again gaining in importance due to the return of the bearded vultures. A look at the future of these majestic birds gives hope for a strong population - right in the middle of this impressive nature.