The 7 Best Bavarian Alps & Zugspitze Tours

1.Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest Day Tour from Munich

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,077 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $76Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Munich to Berchtesgaden, then take a mountain bus and elevator to Eagle’s Nest. Guides such as Ursula, Johnny, Beatrix, and Courtney add historical context. Allow for the extra €35 site fee, lunch, brisk walking, and possible weather closures.

“This was by far the best tour we took in Germany. Our only regret was not wearing our hiking shoes for better traction walking up the hillside. Beatrix was our guide and did a wonderful job recreating and telling us the history of Eagles Nest. Even if you are not interested in Hitler's get away, which he did not like, The views of the Alps from the top of the mountain was well worth the trip.”

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2.Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest Day Trip from Munich

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 797 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $78

Travel from Munich to Eagle's Nest, the Obersalzberg Documentation Center, and Berchtesgaden with an English-speaking guide. Expect a 10.5-hour day, a comfortable coach, mountain views from 1,834 meters, Nazi-era history, and a 32 euro cash fee for the special bus and lift.

“Excellent experience. Marie was very knowledgeable and friendly. Driver was lovely too. Very well organised.”

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3.Zugspitze Mountain Van Tour with Garmisch Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 653 reviews · 9 hours · from $147

Travel from Munich in a comfortable van with a small English-speaking group, then ride the cable car to 2,962-meter Zugspitze. Guides such as Mario, Tom, Daniel, and Armin are praised for clear local insight. You’ll also have time for Eibsee, the mountain facilities, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

“What a day. Mario was excellent!!!! If you are in Munich, Zugspitze is a must and Pure Bavarian Tours is definitely the company to go with. Bravo!!!”

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4.Berchtesgaden Foothills and Obersalzberg

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 419 reviews · 10 hours · from $80

Travel from Munich by comfortable coach to Obersalzberg and the Kehlsteinhaus, known as Eagle’s Nest. A live English guide such as Ursula, Elisabeth, or Lotte explains the Bavarian Alps and Nazi-era sites. In poor weather, the tour visits Berchtesgaden salt mine instead. The Eagle’s Nest bus and lift cost an extra €35.

“Even if it rained and Eagle's Nest was unreachable, we still had a wonderful and exciting alternative trip to the salt mines.”

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5.Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour from Garmisch-Partenkirchen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $590Top rated

Start with hotel or train-station pickup in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at 8:30 a.m. Ride in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz V-Class to Neuschwanstein for an advance-entry guided visit, then choose from Oberammergau, Ettal Abbey, or a summer luge stop. Guides may include Jake, Rose, Lucas, Caroline, David, or Jim.

“We had a great day with David who was informative, easy going and fun- the castle was amazing and the trip gives a nice tour of the area that we would not have seen otherwise- recommend !”

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6.Eagle’s Nest-Berchtesgaden-Obersalzberg Private Half Day WWII Historical Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Tom Lewis or Sharon through Obersalzberg’s WWII sites. Visit the bunkers, Berghof ruins, former Nazi leadership residences, and Eagle’s Nest when open from mid-May through October. The tour runs about four hours, starts and ends in Berchtesgaden, and suits families and history-minded visitors.

“Tom Lewis was tremendous! Friendly and engaging. We love the tour and strongly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.”

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7.Berchtesgaden: Via Ferrata Beginner Tour of Schützensteig

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15 reviews · 4 hours · from $104

Learn via ferrata basics on Berchtesgaden’s Schützensteig with a German- or English-speaking guide such as Lukas, Christoph, Helmut, or Willi. You’ll practice belaying, climbing, and resting while clipped to the route, with views of green hills, blue lakes, and high peaks. The route suits fit beginners comfortable with heights.

“Es hat mir am Anfang etwas Überwindung gekostet, aber schon auf dem Weg zum Klettersteig hatten wir angenehme Gespräche mit den Guides Lukas und Christoph, dass ich auch keine Scheu gehabt hätte zu sagen ich schaffe es nicht. Ich finde das auch sehr wichtig, dass einem vermittelt wird, nicht dem Gruppenzwang folgen zu müssen! Mein Fazit: ich hab mich rundum wohl gefühlt, es war ein tolles Erlebnis das ich bestimmt wiederholen werde. Dankeschön”

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