Things To Do
in Bad Reichenhall
Bad Reichenhall is a Bavarian spa town set at the edge of the Alps, just a short distance from Salzburg. It is renowned for its mineral-rich saline waters, elegant Kurpark, and historic salt works that echo its wellness heritage. The town blends refined spa culture with charming Bavarian architecture, inviting strolls along arcaded streets and the Saalach River.
In all seasons it serves as a gateway to mountain trails, crystal-clear lakes, and hearty alpine hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Bad Reichenhall and settle into your spa resort by mid-morning. Take time to unpack and unwind before dipping into the soothing saltwater pools of the hotel's private spa. Breathe in the crisp alpine air as you stroll through the spa gardens to kick off your wellness journey.
Head to the Rupertus Thermal Baths for an afternoon of luxurious relaxation and therapeutic saunas. Sample a range of salt-infused therapies and floating sessions in the saline water, renowned for its healing properties. Sip on a herbal tea and admire views of the surrounding mountains from the rooftop terrace.
Enjoy a candlelit dinner at a local Bavarian restaurant, savoring dishes like Herzhaftes Brotzeitplatte and freshly brewed beer. Wander through the softly lit Old Town as dusk paints the sky in warm hues. Return to your spa resort for a restorative soak before turning in for the night.
Start your day with coffee and a pastry at a riverside café along the Curbach Promenade. Admire the gentle flow of the Saalach River as you explore its scenic walking paths. Pause to capture photos of the historic wooden bridges and flower-lined banks.
Dive into the heart of the Old Town, browsing artisanal shops and traditional Bavarian boutiques. Visit the Immanuel Church to admire its Baroque frescoes and ornate altar. Refuel with a light lunch of Obatzda cheese spread and freshly baked pretzels at an outdoor terrace.
Catch a performance at the Alten Saline concert hall, where classical music often fills the air in summer months. Then, savor a gourmet dinner of Alpine trout at a nearby riverside tavern. Cap off the night with a leisurely stroll under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start (1 mile/2 km) | $3-6 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4-7 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $12-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Alpine setting with easy access to mountains
- Rich spa and wellness heritage
- Compact and walkable town center
- Strong cultural and culinary scene within a Bavarian context
- nightlife is modest compared to larger cities
- Can be pricey for certain meals and accommodations
- Some attractions are season-dependent or require short trips to nearby areas
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich möchte zahlen" - I would like to pay
- "Vielen Dank" - Thank you very much
- "Bitte" - Please / Here you go
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Bad Reichenhall
Visit one of these nice places.
Lush seasonal gardens, ornamental ponds and lily pads with Alpine backdrops—great for morning light and tranquil landscape shots.
Historic industrial architecture with brick façades and water features; ideal for moody, texture-rich urban photography.
Panoramic views over the Berchtesgadener Alps and surrounding valleys; a classic capture of Alpine geography.
Colorful Bavarian storefronts and arcades ideal for street photography and candid capturing of local life.
A calm lakeside scene with mountain silhouettes; best for reflections and golden-hour shots.
Food in Bad Reichenhall
Bad Reichenhall Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Roast pork with crispy crackling, typically served with dumplings and cabbage—classic Bavarian comfort food found in many traditionally styled restaurants.
Must-Try!
Soothing Swiss/German-inspired egg noodles with melted cheese and crispy onions; a staple for cheese lovers in Alpine towns.
Pan-fried potato noodles with sauerkraut and often bacon or mushrooms; a hearty, flavorful dish common in the region.
A bread-and-dine plate featuring rye or pretzel breads with cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, and mustard—great for a light, flavorful meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls around the Alter Markt often offer local cheeses, breads, and regional snacks—great for quick bites and gifts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting when meeting someone; use when entering shops or starting conversations.
Punctuality is valued in both social and professional settings; plan schedules accordingly.
Evenings are generally peaceful; keep noise reasonable in residential areas and respect spa quiet times.
Smart-casual is common in town; traditional attire is not expected unless at special events.
Safety
Tipping in Bad Reichenhall
Ensure a smooth experience
A typical tip of 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated if service is not included; rounding up the bill to a convenient amount is common practice.
Cash (Euro) and card payments (debit/credit) are widely accepted. Contactless payments, mobile wallets, and some places may require PIN for larger sums.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days and mild to warm temperatures make outdoor exploration easy. Expect lush greenery, brighter evenings, and residents engaging in outdoor cafés and lake activities.
Autumn brings golden foliage and cooler temperatures; great for scenic hikes and photography with warm light.
Snow and crisp air dominate, with nearby slopes and winter sports. Street scenes take on a festive, cozy charm; ensure warm clothing and winter footwear.
Spring brings flowers and milder weather, making it ideal for park walks, blossoming trees, and early hiking.
Bad Reichenhall at Night
Hiking in Bad Reichenhall
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hike with an option to take the cable car up and walk to viewpoints overlooking the valley and peaks.
Scenic lakeside circuit around Thumsee with forested sections and gentle terrain.
Airports
How to reach Bad Reichenhall by plane.
Approximately 25–30 km away with convenient train/bus links to Bad Reichenhall; frequent international and domestic flights.
About 150–180 km away by road; major international hub with extensive rail connections to the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, retirees, and seasonal workers; tourism is a core part of the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in winter in the surrounding Alpine areas; accessible through day trips to nearby resorts.
Extensive trails in the Berchtesgaden and Chiemgau areas offer abundant scenic routes for all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bad Reichenhall.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian versions of local dishes; look for käsepätzle, mushroom-based plates, salads, and dumplings without meat. Many places are accommodating with advance notice; ask for “ohne Fleisch” (without meat) or “vegetarisch” when ordering.