Bearded Vulture & Golden Eagle — Nationalpark Berchtesgaden, Bayern
Germany's only alpine national park holds four resident golden eagle pairs whose dramatic courtship display flights in February—March draw international raptor enthusiasts to the Klausbachtal observation station. Since 2021, reintroduced bearded vultures — with a 2.8-metre wingspan, the largest birds in the Alps — have returned here after 140 years of extinction, flying increasingly regular circuits over the Watzmann massif and the Königssee. The dedicated observation hides and guided eagle walks offer one of Germany's most reliable raptor watching experiences, combining two of Europe's most magnificent birds in a single valley.
About this spectacle
Stand in the Klausbachtal valley on a crisp February morning and scan the limestone cliffs of the Watzmann massif: here, four resident pairs of golden eagles begin their courtship display flights, soaring and diving in tandem against snow-dusted ridgelines. The performance is close enough from the dedicated observation hides to hear wingbeats cut the cold alpine air. Since 2021, the drama has been amplified by the return of the bearded vulture — absent for 140 years — whose 2.8-metre wingspan casts enormous shadows as it glides lazy circuits above the Königssee. The combination of two of Europe's most imposing raptors in a single valley, viewed from managed hides and on guided eagle walks, makes this one of Germany's most focused wildlife-watching experiences. Snow lingers on surrounding peaks into spring, the beech forests below are bare and open for long sightlines, and the alpine light on clear mornings turns every soaring bird into a portfolio-grade silhouette.
When to go
Jan — Dec, peak Feb — Mar
Getting there
Nearest airport: SZG. Nearest city: Salzburg.
Booking options
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