Madeline Lu

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Where to Stay in Bavaria, Germany - Kempinski Berchtesgaden

If there was one place you definitely don’t want to miss when visiting Germany, it would be Berchtesgaden National Park. Nestled in the beautiful Bavarian Alps, it is one of the most impressive regions in the country. We couldn’t be more excited to finally visit this area this fall and stay with Kempinski Berchtesgaden for the first time. What makes this trip even more special and exciting for us as a family is that we get to take our puppy dog (although he is almost two years old), Dodo, with us on this trip.

After two-hour drive from Munich on the no-speed-limit German Autobahn, we finally arrived at the national park. Right away, we were taken by the its beauty with snow-peaked mountains, windy pale-green rivers, and charming tractional German chalets. The location of Kempinski Berchtesgaden cannot be more perfect as it is right min the middle of the national park. Most of the attractions in the park is just a short drive (10-15 mins) away from the hotel.

As we pulling into the hotel ground, we couldn’t stop and gush at the stunning 360 degree view to the Bavarian Alps that the hotel is surrounded with. After checking in, we were given delicious glasses of warm pear cider and the keys to our Maisonette Suite (room 410). When we opened our door, we couldn’t believe what we saw. Given to us was not a standard suite you would normally expect, but a two-floor villa. Walking in from the front door, we entered the living/sleeping space downstairs with its own bathroom and balcony. The kids’ bed has been cosily set up. Continuing upstairs, we found another huge living room with fireplace, master bedroom with a view to the mountains, and a spacious bathroom with full bathtub, a shower room, his and her sinks, and toilet. From the living room, you can walk into another big balcony, which you share with other suite guests, with breathtaking view to the mountains. Every corner of the suite is impeccably furnished, which make us feel instantly homey and cozy.

Within no time, Dodo discovered bowls of food and fresh water that the hotel has prepared for him in the suite. Thank you, Kempinski Berchtesgaden , for beings so considerate! After that, he was the happiest dog in the world and couldn’t stop waggling his tail.

After quickly unpacked our luggages, we changed into our swimwear, put on the cozy hotel white robes (the kids got ones too in their own sizes) and slipper, and headed down to the wellness/pool/spa area. There are indoor and outdoor pools at the hotel. The indoor one is very spacious and the outdoor one has an amazing view to the mountains. My husband and I also managed to spend some down time in the spa area and enjoyed the steam room and sauna.

During our stay, we tried out two restaurants in the hotel: the Lounge Lobby & Kamin Bar with the fireplace as well as Johann Grill. We loved the food from both kitchens. The Lounge Bar has a slight more contemporary menu, which fits the laid-back, relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Johann Grill serves both breakfast and in a mountain facing full glass window setting. The breakfast selection is absolutely amazing! You can get house-made pastry and baked breads (imagine croissants, pretzels, bread buns, and etc.), fresh juices, European cheeses from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and more, cold cuts, fresh fruits, the most extensive selections of teas I have ever seen in a hotel, and much more. We were really spoiled with the choices. Occasionally, a young chef was also walking around the tables and offering fresh-out-of-oven pastries to the guests. I am drooling even now just thinking of that warm chocolate croissant I got. For dinner, we tried out some excellent traditional German dishes with a modern twist with fantastic wine pairing. The Kaiserschmarrn is a must-try for dessert!

We also venture out of the hotel and explored many beautiful places in the national park.Some of our highlights include walking in Zauberwald (magical forest) at Hintersee and cruising in Königsee.

After two days, we felt there is still so much to see and experience in the national park and can only imagine how stunning the view at Kempinski Berchtesgaden is when it snows. We will return for sure when it happens…

We were invited as guests at Kempinski Berchtesgaden, but the opinions are our own.