The area is very popular with walkers, you can get some great views from the mountains that surround the town or take a ride on the cable cars on the Jenner or Obersalzberg mountains. If it's history you are interested in, you can discover how the area was affected during the rein of the Third Reich by taking a tour of the Documentation, which includes walking through some of the surviving war bunkers. Sports enthusiasts have lots to choose from in all seasons - from golf to skiing and swimming to sledging - it is all on offer here.

Local crafts and souvenirs include wood carving and a Schnapps distillery. Berchtesgaden has a good selection of small shops that include sportswear, clothing, chocolates and souvenirs.

Whatever the weather, you can visit the Royal Castle or the Salt Mines.

Lake Koenigssee, St Bartholoma and the Berchtesgaden National Park are all listed in the German National Tourist Board "Top 100 Sights in Germany".

There are several other market towns nearby including Ramsau and Markt Schellenberg. The Austrian city of Salzburg is only 20 minutes away.