Ramsau has been inhabited constantly since the twelfth or thirteenth century.

Ramsau is situated along an important trading pass. It was of particular significance while transporting salt from Berchtesgaden to its close neighbour, Austria. Ramsau was previously set out into four different areas.

Apart from being an important point on the trading map, the main source of income came from farming and forestry, of which neither were particularly profitable. On occasion, millstones were collected in Ramsau.    

Ramsau became part of Bavaria along with Berchtesgaden in the reforms in 1818 and established itself as a village. Ramsau became well known to the gentry due to its excellent hunting grounds. 

The 19th Century witnessed huge changes in Ramsau. The breathtaking scenery began to attract guests. This was the birth of tourism in Ramsau.

Ramsau can acommodate up to 3500 guests at a time, it has a annual average of 55.000 guests accumulating to 35.000 overnight visits. It is one of the most important tourism villages in Berchtesgaden and surrounding area.

Ramsau was established as a National Park Village in 1978 when the National Park Berchtesgaden was set up. Ramsau is located in the only German national park in the Alps.