BerchtesgadenThings to do

Things to do in Berchtesgaden

  1. Salt Mines

    Once a major producer of so-called 'white gold', Berchtesgaden has thrown open its salt mines for fun-filled tours (90 minutes). The brand-new SalzZeitReise exhibition opened here in 2007, and sees visitors donning protective overalls and taking a special train into the depths of the mine. Down below, the highlights include the crossing of a 100m-long illuminated lake containing the same concentration of salt as the Dead Sea, and the brightly lit, interactive treasure chamber where visitors learn about the history of salt mining in the Alps. It's usually only around 12°C down there, so bring a sweater.

    reviewed

  2. Dokumentation Obersalzberg

    The fascinating Dokumentation Obersalzberg leaves few stones unturned. The forced takeover of the area, the construction of the compound and the daily life of the Nazi elite are documented, and all facets of the Nazi terror regime - Hitler's near-mythical appeal, his racial politics, the resistance movement and the death camps - are covered in extraordinary depth. A section of the underground bunker network is open for touring. Audioguides are available for €2. To get there take bus 838 from the Hauptbahnhof.

    reviewed

  3. Eagle's Nest

    Famous as Hitler's mountaintop eyrie - though he rarely used it himself - the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is perched in one of Germany's most breathtaking locations, truly offering a bird's-eye view. Ride in a luxurious brass elevator to the spectacular lodge and restaurant at 1834m - provided you don't suffer vertigo as Hitler supposedly did!

    reviewed

  4. Gastätte St Bartholomä

    On the shore of the Königsee, and reached by boat, this is a tourist haunt that actually serves delicious food made with ingredients picked, plucked and hunted from the surrounding forests and the lake. Savour generous platters of venison in mushroom sauce with dumplings and red sauerkraut, or grilled trout in the large beer garden or indoors.

    reviewed

  5. Holzkäfer

    This funky log-cabin restaurant in the hills around Obersalzberg is a great spot for a night out with fun-loving locals. Crammed with antlers, carvings and backwoods oddities, it's known for its tender pork roasts, dark beers and list of Franconian wines. There's wheelchair access.

    reviewed

  6. A

    Salzbergwerk

    Don a protective suit, slide into glowing grottoes deep below the earth's surface and raft across a subterranean lake - no, it's not a theme park but Berchtesgaden's 500-year-old salt mine. The 90-minute mine tour is more fun than it sounds.

    reviewed

  7. Bräustübl

    Enter through the arch painted in Bavaria's white and blue diamonds and pass the old beer barrels to reach a secluded beer garden. The vaulted hall is the scene of heel-whacking Bavarian stage shows every Saturday night.

    reviewed

  8. Pool Complex

    Berchtesgaden's thermal wellness and fun pool complex has several indoor and outdoor pools with various hydro-therapeutic treatment stations, a sauna and inspiring Alpine views.

    reviewed

  9. Walking in Bavaria - Guided

    8 days (Berchtesgaden/Schonau)

    by World Expeditions

    Discover warm hospitality and the dramatic scenery of the Bavarian Alps.

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$1,490
  10. Walking in Bavaria

    Walking in Bavaria

    8 days (Berchtesgaden/Schönau)

    by World Expeditions

    Discover warm hospitality and the dramatic scenery of the Bavarian Alps.

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$1,290
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  12. B

    Dalmacija

    Pizzas, pastas and a whiff of the Balkans in a bistro-cafe teeming with young patrons.

    reviewed

  13. Skischule Treff-Aktiv

    For equipment hire and courses, try Skischule Treff-Aktiv.

    reviewed

  14. C

    Gasthaus Bier-Adam

    Cheerful place with a good range of traditional fare.

    reviewed