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Schloss Berchtesgaden: A Royal Bavarian Retreat

Discover centuries of Bavarian history and art at Schloss Berchtesgaden, a former monastery turned royal residence, in the heart of the Alps.

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Explore Schloss Berchtesgaden, a former monastery transformed into a royal residence, showcasing a blend of architectural styles from Romanesque to Rococo. Discover its rich history, art collections, and connection to Bavarian royalty in the heart of Berchtesgaden.

A brief summary to Schloss Berchtesgaden

Local tips

  • Book your guided tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you don't miss out on exploring the castle's fascinating interior.
  • Combine your visit to Schloss Berchtesgaden with a trip to the nearby Berchtesgaden National Park for a day of history and natural beauty.
  • Check the castle's website for special tours and events, such as evening tours by candlelight or themed tours focusing on specific aspects of the castle's history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take a local bus to the 'Berchtesgaden Schlossplatz' stop. Several bus lines serve this route, including those heading towards Königssee or other nearby destinations. The bus ride is short, typically lasting only a few minutes. From the Schlossplatz bus stop, the castle entrance is a very short walk. A single bus fare within Berchtesgaden costs approximately €2-3. Note that with the Berchtesgaden Guest Card, many local bus routes are free.

  • Walking

    Schloss Berchtesgaden is located in the town center and is easily accessible on foot from most points in Berchtesgaden. From the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof, it is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Follow the signs towards the town center (Zentrum) and Schlossplatz. The castle is prominently situated on Schlossplatz.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available at the Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof. A taxi ride to Schloss Berchtesgaden from the train station will take only a few minutes and cost approximately €8-12. Ride-sharing services may also be available, but their availability can vary.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow signs to Berchtesgaden Zentrum. Parking is available at the AlpenCongress Berchtesgaden (Maximilianstraße 9), which is a short, 3-minute walk to the castle. Parking fees at AlpenCongress vary, but expect to pay around €1.20 per hour. Be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of the castle is limited.

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Discover more about Schloss Berchtesgaden

Schloss Berchtesgaden, nestled in the scenic Bavarian Alps, offers a captivating journey through centuries of history and art. Originally founded as an Augustine monastery in 1102, legend says Countess Irmgard von Sulzbach established it to give thanks for her husband's rescue after a hunting accident. Over the centuries, the complex expanded, reflecting various architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. This blend of styles is a testament to the castle's continuous evolution and the changing tastes of its inhabitants. Throughout the Middle Ages, the monastery grew in power and influence, eventually becoming an independent church state within the German Empire. In 1559, it was elevated to a prince-provostry, granting its leader territorial control over the surrounding villages. However, in 1803, the monastery's spiritual status was revoked, and the land came under various rulers before becoming part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1810. From 1818 onwards, Schloss Berchtesgaden served as a hunting lodge for the Bavarian kings. Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria made it his primary residence from 1922 to 1933, enriching the castle with his extensive art collection. Today, the head of the House of Wittelsbach, Duke Franz of Bavaria, still uses the castle as a summer residence, maintaining its connection to Bavarian royalty. A visit to Schloss Berchtesgaden is only possible through guided tours, which explore approximately 30 of the castle's 214 rooms. These tours offer a glimpse into the lives of the prince-provosts and Bavarian monarchs who once resided here, as well as the castle's impressive collection of art and artifacts. Among the highlights are two altarpieces by Tilman Riemenschneider, dating back to around 1500, a Madonna from the circle of Veit Stoss, and paintings by Peter Gertner, Barthel Beham, and Karl Rottmann. The rooms are furnished with original items from the Gothic, Empire, and Biedermeier periods, providing an authentic backdrop to the castle's history. The castle also houses three armories, displaying Baroque hunting rifles and medieval war weaponry.

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