Discover Saaldorf-Surheim

Saaldorf-Surheim is particularly appealing around Lake Abtsdorf, with trails through moorland and forest, as well as a lively winter tradition. Nature watching, hiking, cycling and architectural history offer a range of highlights to consider when planning your trip.

Birdwatching and a circular trail around Lake Abtsdorf

Lake Abtsdorf lies mostly within the municipality of Saaldorf-Surheim. The circular trail is designated as a year-round route and can be used with a pushchair, kick scooter or inline skates. It leads to a viewing platform with panoramic mountain views. Permanently installed binoculars for children and information boards about rare birds also make the viewpoint interesting for families. There are three birdwatching stations by the lake; at one of them, you can listen to bird calls. The lake’s recreation area also has a playground. Check the current conditions on the route before setting out.

The landscape also includes Haarmoos, which lies west and south of the lake. It is a remnant of Lake Haar, which was drained in 1773. The “Lake Abtsdorf” landscape conservation area includes the wetlands in front of Haarmoos and covers approximately 652 hectares. This lets you combine an outing by the water with views of the moorland landscape, without implying that the two places are the same destination.

Hiking and cycling with different highlights

For a hike with clearly specified route details, consider the Haarmoos hike: it is rated easy, is 8.3 kilometres long and has a stated duration of two hours. The Moos circular trail is shorter at 3.5 kilometres and passes through Saaldorfer Moos and Eichetwald; it is also suitable for a family outing. When planning your day, you can choose between the two routes according to your preferred distance. Route details and figures may change, so check them locally before setting off.

There are also various options for cycling. The extensive municipal area has many long, well-maintained cycle paths, which are particularly suitable for cycling tours and inline skating. Both the historic Salt Trade Route and the Rupertiwinkel Cycle Route pass through the municipality of Saaldorf-Surheim as long-distance cycle routes. The Panorama Trail passes a wayside shrine, continues towards Leustetten, then returns to Saaldorf via Steinbrünning and Stützing. The Salzach Circular Route runs through the Salzach floodplain and along the Salzach riverside path; it starts at the pavilion on Surheim village square.

Winter traditions and architectural history

A special tradition is Aperschnalzen, a pre-Christian custom revived from Saaldorf. Every winter, specially made Goaßln crack across the area. The Saaldorf Folk Theatre stages seasonal performances. If you would like to combine your visit with a performance, check the current dates before making your plans.

The churches in the local districts also tell stories of different periods of construction. The parish church of St Martin in Saaldorf dates back to the Middle Ages and was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1914–1915. The parish church of St Stephen in Surheim is based on a Romanesque structure and was built in the Gothic period. St James’s Church in Abtsdorf contains Gothic frescoes and an altarpiece by J. M. Rottmayr.

Another local feature is the Biosphere Cereal Garden. Since 2018, traditional crop and cereal varieties, including Laufener Landweizen, have been grown and promoted there.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Piding, Ramsau Bei Berchtesgaden, Eck, Bischofswiesen, Schneizlreuth, Laufen, Freilassing, Weißbach A.D.Alpenstraße

To the main travel overview: Berchtesgadener Land.