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Berchtesgaden: Alpine Jewel with a Fascinating History

Discover Berchtesgaden: A Bavarian treasure offering alpine beauty, historic sites, and cultural experiences in the heart of the German Alps.

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden is a charming town surrounded by stunning natural beauty and steeped in history. From its medieval roots as a salt-mining center to its dark past as a Nazi stronghold, Berchtesgaden offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and scenic attractions.

A brief summary to Berchtesgaden

Local tips

  • Take advantage of the Berchtesgaden guest card for free bus rides and discounts on attractions.
  • Visit the Königssee early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking in the Berchtesgaden National Park.
  • Book your Eagle's Nest tour in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Try local Bavarian specialties like Windbeutel (cream puffs) and fresh trout.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof (main train station), you can reach most major attractions using the local bus network. Bus 841 goes to Königssee (approx. 10-15 minutes, running every 10-20 minutes). Bus 838 goes to the Obersalzberg Documentation Center, the starting point for Eagle's Nest tours (approx. 15 minutes, running every 10 minutes). A day ticket for the RVO bus network costs approximately €10 and covers travel within the Berchtesgaden area. With the Berchtesgaden guest card, bus travel is free.

  • Walking

    The town center of Berchtesgaden is easily walkable, with most shops, restaurants, and historical sites located within a compact area. From the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, it's a steep uphill walk of about 15 minutes to the town center. Alternatively, you can take bus 839, 841, or 843 from the station to Berchtesgaden Zentrum. Parking is available in the town center, but it can be relatively expensive. A 24/7 underground car park is located on Maximilianstraße. Check parking machine for guest card discounts.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof and can be used to reach destinations not easily accessible by bus or for a more direct route. A taxi from the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof to Königssee costs approximately €15-€19 and takes about 6 minutes. A taxi to the Eagle's Nest costs approximately €22-€27 and takes about 23 minutes. Taxi fares within Berchtesgaden depend on distance and duration. As a reference, a taxi from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden is around 32 EUR.

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Discover more about Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden, a picturesque town in the southeastern corner of Germany, offers visitors a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Surrounded on three sides by Austria, this Bavarian gem boasts stunning alpine scenery, including the towering Watzmann mountain, the emerald-green Königssee lake, and the Berchtesgaden National Park. Berchtesgaden's history dates back to the 12th century with the opening of its salt mines, which brought prosperity and shaped its early development. Ruled for centuries by church provosts and later princes, Berchtesgaden retained its independence until the early 19th century when it became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria. The town's rich history is reflected in its charming alpine-style architecture, winding streets, and the Royal Castle, a former Augustinian monastery. However, Berchtesgaden is also known for its association with Nazi Germany. The nearby Obersalzberg mountain became a retreat for Adolf Hitler and other Nazi leaders, who built chalets, bunkers, and other installations there. The infamous Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), perched atop a mountain, offers panoramic views and serves as a reminder of this dark chapter in history. The Documentation Center Obersalzberg provides valuable context and insights into the Nazi era. Today, Berchtesgaden is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Visitors can explore the town's historic center, tour the salt mine, take a boat trip on the Königssee, hike in the national park, or visit the Eagle's Nest. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and Bavarian charm, Berchtesgaden is a destination that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a memorable travel experience.

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