Place · 0 mi away
Overview
Perched on the Hirschbichl pass at the head of the Klausbachtal, the Altes Zollhaus is the old customs house reborn as the Bergheim—part of Alpengasthof Hirschbichl. It’s a classic hikers’ stop: hot food, cold drinks, and a welcome roof on a long day in the Berchtesgaden Alps.
What’s Here
- Bergheim (Altes Zollhaus) offers renovated apartments, each with its own bathroom and kitchen for overnight guests.
- Day hikers use the adjacent Alpengasthof’s guest toilets during opening hours; outside those hours there are no facilities at the pass.
Getting There
Most visitors reach the pass by the seasonal hikers’ bus from Hintersee (the Almerlebnisbus) or by hiking up the Klausbachtal—often via Bindalm. It’s a straightforward way to stitch a scenic valley walk into a rewarding lunch stop without a punishing return climb.
Season and Services
The inn runs on a summer schedule—roughly mid‑May to early October—with daily opening hours during the season and noted closures on some weekdays. Outside the operating season you should not expect toilets or water at the pass. Year‑round, reliable facilities are at the Klausbachhaus trailhead by Hintersee.
Food, Water, and Restrooms
During opening hours you can buy drinks or meals and ask for tap water; when closed, plan to carry what you need and treat natural sources if you must use them. There’s a mapped drinking‑water fountain near the National Park facilities at Hintersee, but availability can vary.
Responsible Visiting
You’re on the edge of a strictly protected alpine park. Stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed, and keep voices low around wildlife. No camping, bivouacking, fires, drones, or flotation devices in the park. Toilets are only at huts and restaurants—plan breaks accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
Aim for a fair‑weather summer day within operating season. Late morning or mid‑afternoon tends to be more relaxed than peak lunch. If you’re bus‑ing up, start early from Hintersee to enjoy quieter trails and snag a table without a wait.
Pros
- Hearty meals and toilets at the pass when the inn is open
- Simple renovated apartments with kitchens for overnight stays
- Easy access via the hikers’ bus from Hintersee
Cons
- Seasonal hours; typically mid‑May to early October with some weekday closures
- Card acceptance can be unreliable—bring cash
Tips
- Ride the hikers’ bus from Hintersee to save time and elevation gain.
- Bring cash; card acceptance has been inconsistent.
- If the inn is closed, use the toilets at Klausbachhaus near Hintersee.
- Carry enough water outside opening hours—don’t rely on streams.
