Berchtesgaden, Germany is a majestic village that will forever hold a place in my heart. After surviving World War Two, my family lived here, working at a displacement camp before immigrating to the United States in 1951. Rediscovering my roots brought tears to my eyes and light to my soul. Visiting Berchtesgaden is an easy day trip from Salzburg and a doable day trip from Munich.
Whether you visit for a day or overnight, these are some of the best places and spaces to visit.
Get a Bird's Eye View
This tiny town originated in 1120AD when the Augustaner Monks built a small church, which expanded to the monastery. The village sits on a hill and an indiscreet trail climbs the side of the town. It's not a designated trail but rather follow the tiny road up the hill eventually to an open green space that overlooks the town as seen in the image above.
Whether you visit for a day or overnight, these are some of the best places and spaces to visit.
Get a Bird's Eye View
This tiny town originated in 1120AD when the Augustaner Monks built a small church, which expanded to the monastery. The village sits on a hill and an indiscreet trail climbs the side of the town. It's not a designated trail but rather follow the tiny road up the hill eventually to an open green space that overlooks the town as seen in the image above.
German War Graves Cemetery
War memorials are commonly seen throughout Germany, and this cemetery is dedicated to the German men who risked their lives for the "Vaterland" in World War One and Two. Meandering the graveyard is an interesting experience. In one way the graveyard is beautiful and the tombstones are dressed with multitude of flowers, ivy and gold lettering. In a different light, it's astonishing to see how young these men were, some barely 18, dying for their country. In a mix of beauty and sadness, and makes one appreciate the life we have today.
War memorials are commonly seen throughout Germany, and this cemetery is dedicated to the German men who risked their lives for the "Vaterland" in World War One and Two. Meandering the graveyard is an interesting experience. In one way the graveyard is beautiful and the tombstones are dressed with multitude of flowers, ivy and gold lettering. In a different light, it's astonishing to see how young these men were, some barely 18, dying for their country. In a mix of beauty and sadness, and makes one appreciate the life we have today.
Gasthof zum Neuhaus
Take a break and enjoy an authentic German food at one of the oldest restaurants in town. Operating since 1576, Gasthof offers odds and ends of vegetarian options like potatoes, pumpkin soup, knudels and purple cabbage. During the summer, enjoy the outdoor biergarten with the opportunity to people watch.
Hofbräuhaus Berchtesgaden
Operating since 1645, this historic beer hall is another hotspot for good Bavarian food and traditional German beer. Upbeat and lively, don't be surprised if you see a boatload of people dressed in lederhosen and dirndls.
Take a break and enjoy an authentic German food at one of the oldest restaurants in town. Operating since 1576, Gasthof offers odds and ends of vegetarian options like potatoes, pumpkin soup, knudels and purple cabbage. During the summer, enjoy the outdoor biergarten with the opportunity to people watch.
Hofbräuhaus Berchtesgaden
Operating since 1645, this historic beer hall is another hotspot for good Bavarian food and traditional German beer. Upbeat and lively, don't be surprised if you see a boatload of people dressed in lederhosen and dirndls.
War Remembrance Mural
Located on one side of Schlossplatz is an arcade (shops) that contains a war mural. The artwork depicts a variety of scenes from the tragedy of war to young soldiers saying goodbye to their family before heading off to battle.
Marktplatz
The central meeting point in Altstadt, enjoy a variety of souvenir shops, cafes, building facades with painted murals and historical high notes. Operating since the village's origins in 1102AD, thousands of souls have passed, bartered and meandered these streets. Don't forget to visit, or throw a coin into, the Market Square Fountain (Marktplatz Brunnen), erected in 1558 and today, is still a popular meeting point.
Located on one side of Schlossplatz is an arcade (shops) that contains a war mural. The artwork depicts a variety of scenes from the tragedy of war to young soldiers saying goodbye to their family before heading off to battle.
Marktplatz
The central meeting point in Altstadt, enjoy a variety of souvenir shops, cafes, building facades with painted murals and historical high notes. Operating since the village's origins in 1102AD, thousands of souls have passed, bartered and meandered these streets. Don't forget to visit, or throw a coin into, the Market Square Fountain (Marktplatz Brunnen), erected in 1558 and today, is still a popular meeting point.
Berchtesgadener Handwerkskunst
Tucked away in a little blue building is one of the most impressive shops in town. The "hand work art" are precious wooden treasures for any and every season. From Christmas smokers to little bird whistles, everything is made and painted by hand. It's well worth window shopping even if you don't plan to buy anything.
Tucked away in a little blue building is one of the most impressive shops in town. The "hand work art" are precious wooden treasures for any and every season. From Christmas smokers to little bird whistles, everything is made and painted by hand. It's well worth window shopping even if you don't plan to buy anything.
Obersalzberg & Hotel zum Turken
Located a short bus ride from the Berchtesgaden transport station is Obersalzberg, a place where nazi ruins and alpine beauty unite. Here Hitler's retreat, Eagle's Nest, is now a restaurant that overlooks the valley. For a few euros, enter the bunker system under the Hotel zum Turken's bunker. Down below, is a two-level museum of cellars, hidden rooms and narrow hallways that contain the dark mysteries and eerie remains of Hitler's underground bunker.
Located a short bus ride from the Berchtesgaden transport station is Obersalzberg, a place where nazi ruins and alpine beauty unite. Here Hitler's retreat, Eagle's Nest, is now a restaurant that overlooks the valley. For a few euros, enter the bunker system under the Hotel zum Turken's bunker. Down below, is a two-level museum of cellars, hidden rooms and narrow hallways that contain the dark mysteries and eerie remains of Hitler's underground bunker.
What's your favorite place in the village? Let us know and we can add it to the list.
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