The city Berchtesgaden, which is located near the border with Bavaria, is known for its magnificent landscapes, but above all for its more than loaded history. You will discover, for example, its Salzbergwerk salt mine. It is also the city where Hitler had set up his second winter residence. If you are curious to discover its history while enjoying splendid panoramas, here is what you should not miss in this German city.
Summary
- Berchtesgaden, a city where you never get bored
- The Salzbergwerk
- Mount Watzmann, Germany’s third largest mountain
- Lac Koenigssee
Berchtesgaden, a city where you never get bored
Berchtesgaden has a very rich history. Indeed, it housed the residence where Adolf Hitler was present during the Second World War. It is therefore possible to observe the remains of his home, destroyed on April 25, 1945 by the French only 4 days after his suicide. It was in 1952 that the German federal government completed the destruction of this building in order to avoid any nostalgic pilgrimage to the Third Reich. Today, a few curious people go there to assimilate and better understand the history of their country and the rest of the world. If you want to deepen this leap in the past, you can also visit the Museum of Nazism.
Also, the city has long been the privileged place of residence of Princess Marie-Élisabeth de Saxe-Meiningen, a famous German musician and composer between 1875 and 1890.
In addition to its history which does not always highlight it, Berchtesgaden is also very warm and welcoming. Its many bars will open their doors to you and show you the atmosphere of the region. During a more or less long stay, discover the exceptional charm of this city located at the foot of the mountains, but also its main tourist activities such as the Salzbergwerk saltworks. Also, discover the spectacular nature that surrounds it.
The Salzbergwerk
Salzbergwerk was built in 1531, so it will soon be 500 years old. This saltworks has only been open to the public since 2007 and has since welcomed around 400,000 visitors each year. To visit it, tourists disguise themselves as miners, descend into the depths of the mine, continue by large wooden slides in the middle of dark galleries to the place where the salt was harvested. This experience is recommended for children, because in addition to teaching them the history and how to harvest white gold, they will remember it as a very fun adventure!
Mount Watzmann, Germany’s third largest mountain
It is the third highest mountain in Germany at 2713 meters high, but also the first in the Berchtesgaden National Park. It is possible to make treks and magnificent hikes. You will discover green and then rocky landscapes and perhaps have the chance to come across animals living in these Alps.
Lac Koenigssee
This lake is definitely the highlight of the show for many visitors to the area. Summer or winter, it allows you to enjoy a breath of fresh air and a magical panorama. With its area of 5.218 km², it is an ideal place to rest and enjoy your holidays in peace. Here you can discover St. Bartholomew, a secluded pilgrimage church near the lake. To get there, you will have to take the boat or take a long walk in the surrounding hills.
