From Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, follow Salzburger Straße toward the town center. Pass Schloss Adelsheim and continue to Schachernkreuz at the intersection with Locksteinstraße, then walk through the historic Nonntal district. Soon, you’ll reach the turnoff on your right leading uphill to Lockstein and the Soleleitungsweg. After about five minutes, you’ll arrive at the foundations of the former brine reservoir, where a large information panel tells you more about its history. Sections of brine pipe mark the route of the former “pipeline.” You’ve already reached the highest point of the hike! From here, the trail remains nearly level as it follows the hillside along the historic brine pipeline route.
Continue south along the hillside. The “Deicheln/Wooden Pipes” exhibit is located below a farm. Staying at roughly the same elevation, cross Doktorberg after 100 meters. Signs lead slightly downhill to the Soleleitungssteg, a striking wooden walkway built along the steep rock face. It takes you to the “Reichenbach Niche,” where you’ll find a panoramic information panel. This niche in the rock commemorates Georg von Reichenbach, the ingenious inventor behind the brine pipeline. His water-column machine made it possible to transport brine from Berchtesgaden to Bad Reichenhall through a 30-kilometer pipeline. From the walkway at the Reichenbach Niche, you can enjoy spectacular views of Berchtesgaden’s historic center and the surrounding mountains.
At Kalvarienberg, another remarkable piece of brine pipeline history awaits. To maintain the steady gradient required for the pipeline, a tunnel had to be cut through the rock. An information panel shows you where the entrance is located.
A few minutes later, you’ll reach a second Soleleitungssteg. High above the Protestant church, an information panel tells the unusual story of Berchtesgaden’s Protestant community. Just below the Soleleitungsweg, you can see the rear of Königliche Villa ("Royal Villa"). An information panel with images and text also introduces you to its magnificent façade and the royal history of the residence and park.
Another information panel, provided by the forestry office, explains the special importance of the saltworks forests for salt production. A shortage of wood led to the construction of the historic brine pipeline from Berchtesgaden to Bad Reichenhall, and its route once passed right through here. At Hotel Kronprinz, the remaining historic section of the brine pipeline route begins or ends. From here, Haus der Berge is just a 5- to 10-minute walk away.
