Things To Do
in Burghausen
Burghausen is a picturesque Bavarian town on the Salzach River, famous for its medieval hilltop fortress that is often described as the world’s longest castle complex. Its compact old town, colorful facades and riverside promenades give it a charming, small-town Bavarian character. Located on the German–Austrian border, Burghausen is a convenient base for day trips to Salzburg and the Chiemgau foothills.
Visitors enjoy easy access to hiking, cycling, local breweries and traditional Bavarian food in a calm, historic setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Burghausen and check into your hotel, taking a moment to admire the charming town views. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with colorful buildings, and maybe pick up a coffee from a local café. Visit the historical Burghausen Castle to get oriented and appreciate its panoramic views over the Salzach River.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Bavarian restaurant, sampling local specialties like Weisswurst or Brezen. Spend the afternoon exploring the castle grounds and learning about its rich history through the exhibits available. Don't miss visiting the Saint Jakob's Church, known for its impressive altar and stunning architecture.
As evening approaches, find a cozy spot along the riverbank to relax and take in the beautiful sunset over the castle. Treat yourself to dinner at one of the outdoor biergartens, where you can enjoy a refreshing beer and traditional Bavarian dishes. End the evening with a stroll through the town, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Start your day with a visit to the Burghausen Castle, one of the longest castles in Europe. Explore its various towers and museums that house historical artifacts and gain deeper insight into the region's past. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café before your explorations.
Continue your historical adventure by visiting the Burghausen Town Museum, located in a beautifully preserved medieval building. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibitions that tell the story of the town from its Roman origins to the modern day. Following your visit, have lunch at a local deli, trying some regional sausages and bread.
In the evening, attend a local cultural event or concert if available, immersing yourself in Bavarian traditions and performing arts. Enjoy dinner at a quaint restaurant, savoring the flavors of local cuisine while mingling with friendly locals. Take a post-dinner walk to admire the illuminated buildings along the main square.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) at a bar | $4-6 |
| ☕Café (coffee and cake) | $5-8 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (short trip) | $5-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Remarkable medieval castle and photogenic old town
- Quiet, safe and walkable with easy access to nature
- Close to Salzburg and the Alps for day trips
- Strong local culinary traditions and beer culture
- Limited late-night entertainment and nightlife options
- Smaller town with fewer dining and accommodation choices than larger cities
- Some tourist facilities reduced outside peak season
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke (schön)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The bill, please.
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Burghausen
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic panoramic views of the fortress ramparts and towers stretching along the ridge — best at golden hour or sunset for dramatic light.
Reflections of the old town and castle in the river make for classic postcard shots; the bridge provides a clean framing point.
Colorful squares, ornate signs and narrow alleyways are excellent for street and architectural photography.
A calm spot for sunrise shots, birdlife and mirrored landscapes, particularly pretty in spring and autumn.
Photograph the castle illuminated after dark from the lower town or riverside for striking night scenes.
Food in Burghausen
Burghausen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Bavarian roast pork with crispy crackling and Knödel (dumplings); widely available in Gasthäuser and beer gardens.
Must-Try!
Traditional white sausage served with a pretzel and sweet mustard, usually enjoyed in the morning or at lunchtime with a wheat beer.
A creamy spiced cheese spread typically served with pretzels — perfect as a starter with beer.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market stalls selling seasonal produce, sausages, cheeses and baked goods—ideal to sample fresh regional foods and pastries.
During events and festivals you’ll find grilled sausages, roasted almonds, crepes and other street food along the castle and riverfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings like 'Guten Tag' or 'Grüß Gott' (in Bavaria). A firm handshake is customary when meeting and say 'Danke' and 'Bitte' often.
Be on time for tours, appointments and transport — punctuality is appreciated in Germany.
Observe Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evenings and Sundays; avoid loud noise late at night, especially in residential areas.
Recycling is taken seriously — separate waste where bins are provided and follow local signage.
Safety
Tipping in Burghausen
Ensure a smooth experience
Round up the bill or add 5–10% for good service in restaurants; for small purchases at cafés you can round up to the nearest euro. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash (Euro) is widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller venues; debit cards (Girocard/EC) and major credit cards are accepted at many restaurants and shops but check ahead. Contactless payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes and fewer tourists — ideal for hiking, cycling and enjoying outdoor cafés. Expect occasional rain; bring a light waterproof jacket.
Warm, sometimes hot weather with long daylight hours; perfect for lake swims, bike rides and beer garden evenings. Festivals and open-air concerts are common; book accommodations early.
Cooler days, colorful foliage and harvest-time events; great for scenic photography and local food specialties. Evenings can be chilly — bring layers.
Cold, occasionally snowy weather with a quiet, cozy atmosphere; some attractions have reduced hours but Christmas markets and festive decorations add charm. Dress warmly and be ready for icy patches when walking.
Burghausen at Night
Hiking in Burghausen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic loops immediately around Burghausen offering viewpoints of the fortress and Salzach Valley — great for half-day hikes and photography.
An easy lakeside walk or run suitable for families with opportunities for birdwatching and relaxation.
A variety of hikes in the Chiemgau region, from gentle pasture paths to steeper trails with panoramic alpine views; reachable within an hour by car or public transport.
A popular alpine day hike in the Chiemgau region with cable car options and rewarding summit views — suitable for more experienced hikers and available as a full-day trip from Burghausen.
Airports
How to reach Burghausen by plane.
Approximately 60–80 km (about 1 hour by car) — the closest international airport with connections across Europe; good option for quick transfers to Burghausen by car or train/bus.
Around 120–140 km (about 1.5–2 hours by car or train) — major international hub with frequent rail and bus connections to Burghausen.
About 120 km (roughly 1.5 hours by car) — another regional option with fewer connections but convenient for some routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many long-time residents are Bavarian families with deep local roots and strong community ties.
Like many smaller German towns, Burghausen has a significant proportion of older adults and retirees.
Some residents commute across the nearby Austrian border for work, creating a blend of German and Austrian influences.
Seasonal visitors from Germany and abroad, particularly during summer and festival periods, add a transient, international element.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur football clubs are popular and community-oriented; matches are attended by families and locals.
Handball has strong regional followings in Bavaria, with local clubs active in youth and adult leagues.
Outdoor sports like cycling along the rivers and hiking in nearby Chiemgau foothills are widely enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Skiing and snowboarding are popular in the nearby Alps during winter, with many day-trip opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Burghausen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common: many Gasthäuser offer salads, cheese-based dishes (Obatzda), and mushroom or vegetable mains. Ask for 'vegetarisch' — restaurants will usually adapt sides and soups.
Vegan choices are more limited in traditional venues but cafés and newer restaurants often offer plant-based soups, salads and veggie burgers. Carry a translation card for specific restrictions ('Ich esse keine tierischen Produkte').
Gluten-free options exist but are not universal; bakeries and menus may include GF choices on request. Communicate clearly ('glutenfrei bitte') and double-check for cross-contamination.