The base for everything in the Berchtesgaden National Park. Pretty market square (Marktplatz), painted houses, a royal palace (Schloss Berchtesgaden, only partially open), and the salt mine museum if you want a quick rainy-day option. Most travellers don't sleep in Berchtesgaden town itself — they stay at the Kempinski 5km up the mountain — but it's worth wandering for an afternoon for the cafés and Bavarian shopping. Watzmann Therme, the local thermal spa, is a budget alternative if you want a low-key wellness afternoon. Park in the Salzbergwerk lot and walk down. Ninety minutes is enough