The beautiful village of Berchtesgaden is often overlooked by tourists, but it has many interesting places to visit. Listed below are all the main attractions to help you determine the most interesting sites for your visit. There are many attractions and historical places of the Second World War, breathtaking views and nooks to have a great vacation. For a more interesting trip, the sights of Berchtesgaden are presented with photos and descriptions.
The city is located in an area known as the Berchtesgaden Land, on the small peninsula of Germany, in the Alps near Salzburg. The remote southeastern place was a separate country for most of its history. The church priest ruled them, and then the prince, later the country was annexed to the kingdom of Bavaria in the 19th century.
Consider the sights of Berchtesgaden in more detail.
Eagle's Nest
Along with the best panoramic views in Germany, the Eagle's Nest is Berchtesgaden's main attraction. It rises to a height of almost 1 km, and on a clear day you can see up to 200 km around you! The entire project of the Eagle's Nest from the mountain road to the alpine cottage at the top was to be a gift for Hitler's 50th anniversary in 1939. This was a considerable feat, since the construction of a winding road required the work of 3 thousand people around the clock in dangerous conditions. The construction of the 6-kilometer road lasted 13 months, and the house on the top of the mountain was completed a year earlier in 1938. Its interior had a rich and elegant finish, and the Italian dictator Mussolini made a gift by bringing an expensive fireplace. The Berchtesgaden photo is truly amazing.
At the moment, there is a cozy restaurant with impressive views of the Alps. Here you can explore a large number of rooms, have a drink and eat, as Hitler and Eva Braun did once, who often held banquets and invited foreign guests.
The panorama of the Alps is incredible, and on a clear day you can even see the City of Salzburg. Even when foggy, moving clouds give a strange sensation. The site has a pseudo-medieval appearance, with thick granite walls and heavy ceilings, now it is a modern version of a mountain fortress.
Royal Lake (Königssee)
Royal Lake is an angelically emerald and clear sea bay, which is also called a fjord. It is surrounded by the mighty Alpine mountains, and does not cease to amaze its visitors. Located in the valley between the mountains of Jenner, Hagen and Wazmann, Königssee is the deepest lake in Bavaria with a depth of 110 meters. Rare fish species swim in the crystal clear waters of a lake 8 km long, and local restaurants use only fresh and high-quality seafood because of this.
The purity of the water is partially due to the fact that since 1909 gas engines have been banned on the lake. Tours of the lake take place on old electric passenger ferries that quietly move past lazy boats, noisy waterfalls and high mountains. Every minute of the journey is picturesque and very relaxing. In winter, Berchtesgaden's attractions are especially mesmerizing.
During the excursion program you will find yourself in the peculiar White Church of St. Bartholomew with its red onion-shaped domes, which is the most photographed attraction of Berchtesgaden on Lake Königssee. The church was built in 1134, in 1697 it acquired its current form. After the accession of Berchtesgaden to Bavaria, the church of St. Bartholomew immediately became a hunting lodge for the Bavarian kings. A walk will also lead you to the ice chapel, which is a year-round glacier with a natural cave. Heading further down the lake, a view of the section of the Gulf of Obersee opens. This part of the lake is extremely beautiful with pristine clear waters, a neat pasture and a large waterfall.
Salt mine
Despite the fact that this historic salt mine was opened in 1517, salt production is still ongoing in Berchtesgaden! In the Middle Ages, this find helped the city rise to economic power along with other regional salt centers of Salzburg, Hallain and Hallstatt. The tour will help you learn more about this craft, show the beauty of the underground lake and allow you to learn about the unusual possibility of moving down the old wooden slides 36 meters long. All this, of course, is complemented by the issuance of a special miner's overalls and movement on the train to get unforgettable emotions and indescribable sensations.
The Salt Mine is a landmark in Berchtesgaden, which is the only and largest in the whole region and works for tourists all year round.
Festivals and Holidays
Like many small cities in Germany and Austria, Berchtesgaden is known for its fun and jubilant holidays. Of course, everyone knows about such an event as Oktoberfest and May Day, but often residents like to spend something intriguing and original. Consider in more detail the existing and most common festivals.
Maying
May Day is one of the happiest events of the year, as it involves celebrating the fertility of spring. It begins with the opening of the May tree (maybaum), which can reach 15 meters in height. It is decorated with wreaths and often emblems depicting local crafts and industry.
From this holiday there are pleasant impressions of dancing, brass band music and a garden serving local dishes and drinks. At this time, the cozy Hotel Edelweiss will be very helpful - as tourists come and want to feel completely safe and in harmony. Sometimes the main holiday is postponed to the first Saturday of May.
Great Bavarian evenings
In the evenings of Monday, original performing groups arrive at the Market Square from June to September in Berchtesgaden. They perform their songs and entertain guests, then live music of the brass band is performed, people dance folk dances.
Oktoberfest
For the first time, Oktoberfest was held due to the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Saxon Princess Theresa on October 12, 1810. In the same year, Berchtesgaden officially joined Bavaria. Initially, the folk festival of Folkfest was familiar to people, it was celebrated for several hundred years, but the wedding celebration forever changed this event. Expect folk music, many speakers in leather trousers, plenty of food and drink.
In Berchtesgaden, all celebrations take place around the market square (Marktplatz), the lively Bräeustüeberl beer hall (Hofbräuhaus), Berchtesgaden sights such as a national park and a huge beer tent near the train station. Perhaps the city is not on par with the fourteen establishments in Munich that open at Oktoberfest, but you will feel more comfortable in this small village. If you arrived without a folk costume, why not drop in at the famous Lederhosen Stangassinger store on Market Square, which specializes in traditional Bavarian handmade dresses.
Trachtenfest
On the second Sunday of July, get ready to hear a lot of shots at 6 in the morning - this indicates the beginning of the holiday. The festival is designed to preserve traditions in Berchtesgaden.
At 10 a.m. a large parade begins in Finansamt (next to the documentation center), then people go to the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. John for church services, and after a mass holiday they go to the largest beer hall, Breyustyuberl (Hofbrühaus) )
Beer Hall "Breustyuberl"
The funniest meals in Germany and Austria take place in the local beer halls. Those who are familiar with the Munich Hofbruhaus will definitely appreciate the beer hall in Berchtesgaden. It serves the best alcoholic drinks and traditional food, and you can always join noisy companies to sing karaoke songs. On Fridays, you can even watch folk dances in the evening. Reviews about the sights of Berchtesgaden tourists leave only positive.
Mount jenner
Climbing almost 2 km in height, you can observe a truly incredible view from the top of Mount Jenner. Below you will see such a landmark of Berchtesgaden as the Royal Lake, and you can even notice hang gliders flying past you. Incredible mountain hiking trails are open in the mountains in summer and tourists ski in winter.
Be sure to visit the Berggaststätte Jennerbann restaurant, which is one of the most popular in all of Germany and has a large terrace with sea views. The best views of Königssee are on the main platform, just 400 meters from the restaurant. Another popular spot on the mountain is the spring lake, which does not freeze in winter and provides excellent photographs of the reflected mountain peaks.