About Berchtesgaden

This Barvarian municipality is home to the stunning Eagle's Nest retreat, serene Lake Königssee and Germany's third tallest mountain - Watzmann - with a summit of 8,901 feet. Salt mines were established in Berchtesgaden during the 12th century. The town's Obersalzberg mountain area was purchased by the Nazi during the 1920s and Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's Eagle's Nest chateau was constructed from 1937-38 on Hoher Göll. Allied Forces took Berchtesgaden in 1945. Obersalzberg then became a U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center and later returned to Germany during the 1990s.