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Watzmann
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Mountain
The Watzmann, rising to 2,713 meters, is the central mountain massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps and the landmark of the Berchtesgadener Land region. Its distinctive silhouette, consisting of the Great Watzmann, the Small Watzmann ('Watzmann Wife'), and the 'Watzmann Children' in between, is the subject of numerous myths and legends. The 1,800-meter-deep East Face is the highest rock wall in the Eastern Alps and represents one of the greatest challenges for extreme climbers. The mountain lies entirely within the Berchtesgaden National Park and is known for its geological diversity composed of Dachstein limestone. Hikers can use the Watzmannhaus at 1,930 meters as a base for climbing the Hocheck, while crossing all three main summits (Hocheck, Mittelspitze, Südspitze) is a demanding high-altitude tour. One of the most spectacular views of the entire massif can be enjoyed from the nearby Lake Königssee.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Archenkanzel · Watzmann-Mittelspitze · Watzmann-Südspitze
- Nearby: Berchtesgaden (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -4 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 1 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 91 | 72 | 89 | 85 | 151 | 176 | 184 | 184 | 135 | 102 | 76 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The central massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps is typically approached from the valley of Ramsau or the well-known starting points situated around Lake Königssee.
Best season
Mid-summer through early autumn is generally considered the safest and most popular time to carefully explore the more challenging higher elevations.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is strongly alpine, featuring rugged rock faces, steep ascents, and challenging paths that demand excellent physical fitness and absolute surefootedness.
What to bring
Comprehensive alpine equipment, including rigid mountaineering boots, weather-resistant clothing layers, and emergency supplies, is absolutely essential in the upper reaches.
Parking
Hikers usually leave their vehicles at the designated valley parking lots in the Berchtesgaden region before beginning the often long and demanding ascent.
Safety
This is a serious high-alpine environment where rockfalls, sudden thunderstorms, and difficult terrain pose genuine risks that require extremely careful route planning.
Time needed
Exploring the lower slopes can easily take a full day, while ambitious high-altitude tours often require multiple days and overnight stays in mountain refuge huts.
Geography
Facts
- The Mittelspitze is the highest point of the massif at 2,713 meters.
- The first ascent of the Mittelspitze was completed in 1800 by Valentin Stanič.
- The famous 'Eiskapelle' (Ice Chapel), a permanent ice field, is located at the foot of the East Face.
- The Watzmannhaus mountain hut can accommodate up to 200 overnight guests.
- Crossing the Watzmann ridge typically takes between 10 and 12 hours.
- The East Face was first successfully climbed in 1881 by Johann Grill.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Watzmann (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Watzmann located?
The Watzmann is located in the Berchtesgaden Alps in Bavaria.
What is the Watzmann legend?
A cruel king and his family were turned to stone as punishment.
Is the Watzmann difficult to climb?
Yes, especially the Watzmann crossing requires experience and a head for heights.
Which famous lake lies at the foot of the Watzmann?
The Königssee is located directly below the east face.
How high is the Watzmann-Mittelspitze?
The highest point of the massif is at 2,713 meters.
Watzmann: where is it located?
Watzmann is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Watzmann: what is there to see?
Highlights include Archenkanzel, Watzmann-Mittelspitze, Watzmann-Südspitze.
Watzmann: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Watzmann: why is it worth visiting?
The Watzmann, rising to 2,713 meters, is the central mountain massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps and the landmark of the Berchtesgadener Land region.
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