ozgirl

I hope all of my fodorite friends have had a wonderful Christmas and are now gearing up for 2012!
After talking about it for several years, we have today committed to Christmas in Berchtesgaden next year - my husband is telling everyone it is on his bucket list, I think in an effort to justify two trips to Europe from Oz in one year!
Whatever the reason, the planning starts now.

One thing we are very keen on is the horse drawn sleigh ride. I can see many "tours" offered from Salzburg but they seem to be an hour on the bus then 30-60 minutes in the actual sleigh, then one hour return.
Has anyone done a sleigh ride in or close to Berchtesgaden that was longer than this and most importantly, have any contact details?
We are not staying in a hotel so can't ask them to book although I have emailed the owner of our apartment and she has yet to reply but I know many of you have been there (or perhaps ARE there) and may have something to offer.

Anything else that people have experienced would be most welcome.

Does Koenigsee freeze? Has anyone done the bobsled course?
We have been to Berchtesgaden in summer but have no experience of what will hopefully be a White Christmas.

I have already gotten some great tips from previous reports but thought I might "strike whilst the iron is hot!"

many thanks.

pja1

Hi ozgirl,

While in the area, visit Salzburg's Christmas markets. They are fantastic and the atmosphere in the old town during them is incredible. We stayed in Schönau am Königssee for 4 nights last Nov. and visited the markets in Salzburg and St. Gilgen from here. Berchtesgaden's market opened the day after we left!

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html

While we didn't do this (I don't know why!) here's a useful lionk:

http://www.koenigssee.com/berchtesga...bsled-Taxi.htm

This is from the Konigssee/boat tour site:

"The Königssee Boating Company operates throughout the year as a rule, but the Königssee can freeze over at times in January and February (sometimes March). Even so, the ice is rarely thick enough to support the weight of people walking across it. The last time this occurred was in 2005/2006 – the winter of the century, during which the Königssee was officially opened for pedestrians to walk across it over several weeks. In fact the owner of the inn even drove across the ice in his car to stock up his establishment. "

http://www.berchtesgadener-land.info...Kat=Koenigssee

Paul

ozgirl

Thanks Paul, yes Salzburg is definitely on the list! Your photos are great and the kids (adults) are salivating at the thought of the bobsled - I might be the photogrpaher I think.
I am a little nervous about driving on snowy roads as we have no experience with that but our landlady assures us they will be salted and 'clear.'

pja1

Hi again ozgirl,

On our trip last November (last week of Nov.) we had some snow 4 days out of 8. We had no trouble driving though. Roads were kept clear. One night we were driving from Hall in Tirol (Innsbruck) to Mittenwald during what became a pretty heavy snowfall. Plows were out immediately. If you'll be renting a car, make sure it has winter tires on it. Ask before you leave or when booking.

Paul

ozgirl

Thanks Paul, I'm feeling more encouraged and I think it will enhance the experience if we have a car (we did on the summer trip.)
Does anyone have any comments about where to spend New Years Eve? We will leave Berchtesgaden on Dec 29 probably and have maybe another 5 nights before coming back to reality in Oz.

DD (22 by then) and her partner and DS (26) are keen to make it a memorable NYE - Berlin has been mentioned?
DH and I thinking maybe Paris or London but I guess "Europe is our oyster."