Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden
Wikiuser100 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Berchtesgaden
State	Bavaria
District	Berchtesgadener Land
Elevation	572
Area	35.63
Population	7700
Coordinates	47, 38, N, 13...

Berchtesgaden. A market town in the Bavarian Alps of southeastern Germany, it is the administrative heart of the Berchtesgadener Land district. Renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery, including the Watzmann massif and the pristine Königssee, the area has a rich history intertwined with the Prince-Provostry of Berchtesgaden and, infamously, as a secondary seat of power for the Nazi Party. Today, it is a major tourist destination, celebrated for its natural beauty, winter sports, and historical sites.

Geography

Nestled in a deep valley within the Berchtesgaden Alps, the town is surrounded by high peaks such as the Watzmann, Germany's second-highest mountain, and the Hochkalter. The emerald-green Königssee, a glacial lake, lies to the south, bordered by sheer rock faces including the famed St. Bartholomew's Church. The area is part of the Berchtesgaden National Park, one of Germany's oldest protected areas, which safeguards diverse habitats for species like the Alpine ibex and golden eagle. The landscape is shaped by the confluence of several streams that form the Berchtesgaden Ache, a tributary of the Salzach river.

History

The region's history began with the establishment of an Augustinian canonry in 1102, which evolved into the independent Prince-Provostry of Berchtesgaden, a clerical state within the Holy Roman Empire. Its wealth was historically derived from salt mining at the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, a tradition dating to the 16th century. Following the German Mediatisation in 1803, it was annexed by the Electorate of Salzburg and later incorporated into the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1810. In the 20th century, the area gained notoriety when Adolf Hitler and other Nazi elites, including Hermann Göring and Albert Speer, established residences here, most notably the Berghof and the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). The Obersalzberg was heavily fortified, and the area was targeted by a British bombing raid in April 1945. After World War II, it fell within the American occupation zone and many Nazi buildings were demolished.

Economy and tourism

The local economy is overwhelmingly driven by tourism, capitalizing on both summer and winter attractions. The town and surrounding villages are a premier destination for alpine skiing, with major resorts like the Jennerbahn cable car and areas on the Götschen peak. Summer activities include hiking in the Berchtesgaden National Park, boating on the Königssee, and touring the historic Berchtesgaden Salt Mine. The Kehlsteinhaus remains a major visitor attraction, accessible via a dedicated bus and elevator. The presence of the General Walker Hotel, a former U.S. Armed Forces recreation center, and modern hotels like the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden further support the industry.

Culture and sights

Cultural landmarks include the Berchtesgaden Royal Castle, a former provosts' palace that now houses a museum with works from the Wittelsbach collection. The pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomew's Church on the shores of the Königssee is an iconic 17th-century landmark. The town's Heimatmuseum details local traditions, while the Documentation Obersalzberg provides a critical historical examination of the Nazi era. Traditional events such as the Almabtrieb (cattle drive) and the perennial Christmas market are key features of the annual calendar. The area is also known for its distinctive woodcarving craft, a tradition maintained by local artisans.

Notable people

Historical figures associated with the area include the last Prince-Provost, Joseph Konrad von Schroffenberg. The painter and NSDAP member Hermann Gradl lived and worked here. Renowned mountaineer and author Luis Trenker had strong connections to the region. In the sporting world, Georg Hackl, the legendary luge champion, is a native of Berchtesgaden. The town was also the birthplace of composer and conductor Werner Egk.

Category:Towns in Bavaria Category:Berchtesgadener Land