Reichenhall

Bad Reichenhall, commonly referred to as Bad Reichenhall, is a town in Bavaria, Germany. It belongs to the Berchtesgadener Land district in the region of Upper Bavaria, near the Austrian border and about 15 kilometers north of Salzburg. The town lies in the northern foothills of the Berchtesgaden Alps along the Saalach river, which flows through the town toward the Salzach.

The area has a long association with salt production, and salt mining has shaped its history and economy for centuries. Historic salt works, such as the Alte Saline and the Neue Saline, are landmarks of the town and reflect its industrial heritage. From the 19th century onward, Bad Reichenhall developed as a spa destination, with bath houses, parks, and wellness facilities attracting visitors seeking cures and recreation.

Key attractions include the Predigtstuhlbahn, opened in 1929, one of the oldest still-operating cable cars in the world, which links the town to the Predigtstuhl summit for panoramic views. The Rupertus Therme provides modern thermal spa facilities, and the town center preserves Bavarian architectural character with historic churches and a traditional town layout. Museums in Bad Reichenhall cover regional history and salt mining.

Transportation connects Bad Reichenhall to major destinations via rail; it lies on the Salzburg–Berchtesgadener railway, offering access to Salzburg and other regional centers. The town serves as a gateway to the Berchtesgaden region and nearby alpine activities, including access to the Berchtesgaden National Park. The population is around 18,000 residents.