Berchtesgaden -Skiing, Bobsleigh and Wonderful Lake

Berchtesgaden is a small town in the south of Bavaria near the Austrian border. It is known to fans of winter sports as a first-class ski resort. But it was not always so. These places were once famous not so much for the snow, but rather for salt. Snow little interested medieval Europeans but salt was valuable mineral. The first salt deposits at Berchtesgaden were mentioned in chronicles in 1102. However, despite the obvious value of the fossil material, industrial salt production began here only in 1517. Berchtesgaden grew quite rich on the salt trade, managing to get the right of a free imperial city. This means that it was under the direct control of the Holy Roman Emperor.

Everything changed after the Napoleonic Wars. The city was included in the kingdom of Bavaria. Very soon Berchtesgaden became a favorite holiday destination of the House of Wittelsbach –the rulers of Bavaria. They rebuilt the former Augustinian monastery and made it a hunting residence. The Bavarian nobility reached Berchtesgaden. Soon the bohemians also took fancy to the place. The views of the picturesque mountain peaks attracted artists. Malereck - a township of painters, poets and writers on the lake Konigssee -emerged in this way (Malereck means painter’s corner). The German novelist popular in the XIX century, Ludwig Ganghofer, is considered its most famous inhabitant.

The audience that loved Berchtesgaden in the 20-ies of the past century was quite diverse. Adolf Hitler started to come to rest here at that time. After the Nazis came to power, Hitler's favorite architect, Albert Speer built the luxury Berghof residence. Later, the mountainous residence, Kehlsteinhaus, was built and it still exists. Villas of other leaders of the Nazi state also appeared in these places. Not only the Nazi bosses, but also leaders of other countries visited Berchtesgaden. For example, British Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and David Lloyd George stopped in the local Hof hotel.

After the war, the city gradually turned into one of the favorite places for Bavarians. In summer, they come ashore Konigssee to admire the beautiful views and a stroll through the surrounding slopes. In 1978, the National Park Berchtesgaden was founded. Watzmann Terme resort was constructed for those who need treatment, where the spring water will help people improve their health. In winter, these places are a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. Fans of skiing and snowboarding come here. But there is a category of people for whom Berchtesgaden name sounds special. They are the fans of Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton. The local bobsleigh track is considered one of the best in Europe. It is no coincidence that the International Luge Federation is in Berchtesgaden. One of the most famous athletes in the history of the sport -Georg Hackl -is a native of the town. Besides, many famous winter sportsmen- skier Kathrin Hoelzl, lugers Patrick Leitner and Felix Loch were born in Berchtesgaden and its outskirts.

As befits a resort destination, a large number of cafes, eateries, bars and restaurants are concentrated in Berchtesgaden offering both traditional Bavarian and international cuisine. Everywhere there is a large range of pork dishes, which is typical for Bavaria. But there are dishes that are unique, offered only in this area, such as pork schnitzel Bergsteiger Schnitzel (Bergsteiger Schnitzel means schnitzel for the climber). It is well-done pork medallions, served with cheese sauce and mushroom grease. Bauernschmaus (peasant feast) is another local culinary specialty. This dish is served with two slices of fried ham side by side with pork sausage and slices of local bread on a plate. Sweet sauce is served in addition.

After having a meal you should stroll through the city center: fortunately, many buildings of the Middle Ages have preserved in Berchtesgaden. Once in these parts, you should definitely visit the old salt mine on Mount Watzmann, which is now a museum of the salt business. And, of course, you should go to Lake Konigssee with St. Bartholomew’s Church on water. Sunlit Berchtesgaden is a city not only for luge and skiing. It is also visited by painters, and scholars of ancient architecture, and those who need to improve their health, and those who just love to travel.