Piding

Nestled between the imposing Hochstaufen and Fuderheuberg mountains, lies the charming climatic spa village of Piding. Piding greets you with its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Piding’s story begins in the New Stone Age, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries. During the construction of a ski lift on Fuderheuberg in 1970, workers unearthed Bronze Age copper bars, whispering tales of ancient inhabitants. Piding has seen its population ebb and flow throughout history. From a modest 635 inhabitants in 1790, it grew to 864 by 1910, and then experienced a significant jump to 1,540 in 1946. This growth continued steadily, reaching 3,996 in 1985 and surpassing 5,000 by the turn of the millennium. As you stroll through Piding, take note of the village’s coat of arms, adopted in 1962. The black lion’s head symbolizes Piding’s historical ties to the arch-monastery and chapter of Salzburg. The crossed silver keys represent its connection to the Högluörth Abbey. The Catholic Parish Maria Geburt oversees several churches in the area, including the parish church Maria Geburt in Piding itself, St. Laurentius in Mauthausen, and St. Johannes at Johannishögl. While St. Johannes no longer holds regular masses, it still stands as a testament to the region’s rich religious history. For those seeking outdoor adventures, Piding offers a network of hiking trails and cross-country ski runs. Challenge yourself with the Pidinger Klettersteig, a fixed rope route leading to the summit of Hochstaufen. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy the local tennis courts and football ground. Piding is easily accessible by car, being located near the last exit of the A8 motorway before the Austrian border. The B20 federal road also runs tangent to the village, providing convenient access to Berchtesgaden and Oberpfalz. For those traveling by train, Piding has its own station on the Freilassing-Berchtesgaden line. As you leave Piding, remember the tranquil beauty of this Bavarian village. Its rich history, from the New Stone Age to the present day, is etched into its landscape and the hearts of its people.