Sights in the region

Places to visit nearby

There are numerous places of interest close to Waging am See. One of the best known is the extraordinary Königssee. Surrounded by steep rock faces, there is no footpath along its shore. A boat trip is the perfect way to admire its majestic setting amid the Berchtesgaden mountains and hear its famous echo. You can find this and more excursion tips here.

Altötting

Pope Benedict XVI, who was born in nearby Marktl, has close ties with Altötting through numerous official and private visits. He once described the pilgrimage town as "the heart of Bavaria and one of the hearts of Europe".

For more than 1,250 years, the town has been Bavaria’s spiritual centre. Every year, more than 1 million pilgrims and visitors make their way to the Chapel of Grace. Probably built around 700 as an early Christian baptistery, this small church stands in the centre of the spacious Kapellplatz, lined with Baroque buildings. Inside, it also houses the silver heart urns of the Bavarian kings and electors, as well as valuable votive offerings.

Bad Reichenhall

Known for its salt, Bad Reichenhall is now one of Bavaria’s most popular spa and holiday destinations. The Bavarian State Spa lies on the edge of the Alps, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery and a healthy Alpine climate.

Mountains such as the schlafende Hexe, Predigtstuhl and Staufen rise nearby into the blue-and-white sky. The summit of Predigtstuhl can be reached in comfort by cable car. In the historic salt town, a wealth of cultural events provides first-class entertainment: performances by the Bad Reichenhall Philharmonic are among the highlights of the events calendar.

Ramsau

In Ramsau stands the world-famous Church of St Sebastian, a popular postcard motif. The centre of Ramsau today lies where salt from Berchtesgaden was once transported to the Salzburg region and felled timber was floated along the Ramsauer Ache to the rafting site.

Some of the many hiking destinations you can reach from here include Klausbachtal, Hintersee and Taubensee, Wimbachklamm, the Soleleitungsweg and Zauberwald.
The seemingly enchanted Zauberwald was designated a protected geological site by the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment.

Königssee

In south-east Bavaria, in Berchtesgadener Land, lies the elongated Königssee, surrounded by high mountains such as the Watzmann. The lake can be admired from several vantage points, including Malerwinkel and the viewpoint at Rabenwand. The view of Königssee from Malerwinkel has long been very popular and has helped shape the classic image of the lake. In the distance, against a magnificent natural backdrop, the famous peninsula of Sankt Bartholomä can be seen.

Ruhpolding

Ruhpolding, with its 6,500 inhabitants, is a large, romantically idyllic village in the Upper Bavarian district of Traunstein. Nestled in the Chiemgau Alps, it offers the chance to enjoy unspoilt nature in every season.
Ruhpolding’s mountain lifts make it quick and easy to reach the heights. A large gondola lift takes you safely up the Rauschberg, while a double chairlift serves the Unternberg.

Reit im Winkl

The mountain and ski village of Reit im Winkl is one of the leading health resorts and hiking destinations. Renowned for its reliable and abundant snowfall, it is known far beyond Bavaria’s borders. It lies at an altitude of 695 m, in the heart of the Bavarian Alps.
Well-kept farmhouses, some centuries old, set amid nature that has retained its unspoilt character, give the village a truly distinctive charm.