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Coordinates: 47°37′53″N 13°0′15″E / 47.63139°N 13.00417°E / 47.63139; 13.00417
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|area_code = 08652
|area_code = 08652
|licence = BGL
|licence = BGL
|website = {{url|https://www.gemeinde.berchtesgaden.de/}}
|website = {{URL|https://www.gemeinde.berchtesgaden.de/}}
|mayor = Franz Rasp<ref>[https://www.statistik.bayern.de/wahlen/kommunalwahlen/bgm/ Liste der ersten Bürgermeister/Oberbürgermeister in kreisangehörigen Gemeinden], [[Bayerisches Landesamt für Statistik]], accessed 19 July 2021.</ref>
|mayor = Franz Rasp<ref>[https://www.statistik.bayern.de/wahlen/kommunalwahlen/bgm/ Liste der ersten Bürgermeister/Oberbürgermeister in kreisangehörigen Gemeinden], [[Bayerisches Landesamt für Statistik]], accessed 19 July 2021.</ref>
|leader_term = 2020&ndash;26
|leader_term = 2020&ndash;26
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}}
}}


'''Berchtesgaden''' ({{IPA-de|ˈbɛʁçtəsˌɡaːdn̩}}) is a [[Municipalities of Germany|municipality]] in the district [[Berchtesgadener Land]], [[Bavaria]], in southeastern [[Germany]], near the border with [[Austria]], {{convert|30|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Salzburg]] and {{convert|180|km|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Munich]]. It lies in the [[Berchtesgaden Alps]], south of Berchtesgaden; the [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] stretches along three parallel valleys.
'''Berchtesgaden''' ({{IPA|de|ˈbɛʁçtəsˌɡaːdn̩}}) is a [[Municipalities of Germany|municipality]] in the district [[Berchtesgadener Land]], [[Bavaria]], in southeastern [[Germany]], near the border with [[Austria]], {{convert|30|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Salzburg]] and {{convert|180|km|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Munich]]. It lies in the [[Berchtesgaden Alps]]. South of the town, the [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] stretches along three parallel valleys.


The [[Kehlstein]] mountain ({{convert|1835|m|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}), with its ''[[Kehlsteinhaus]]'' (Eagle's Nest) is located in the area.
The [[Kehlstein]] mountain ({{convert|1835|m|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}), with its ''[[Kehlsteinhaus]]'' (Eagle's Nest), is located in the area.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
''Berchtesgaden'', Upper Bavaria (Achental), earlier ''Perchterscadmen'', ''Perhtersgadem'', ''Berchirchsgadem'', ''Berchtoldesgadem''; the word underwent a Latin distortion of [[Old High German]] ''parach'', Romance ''bareca'' 'hay shed'. After the basic meaning was forgotten, a variant word of Old High German ''gadem'' 'room, one-room hut' was added, implying the same meaning: 'hay shed'. Cf. Old High German ''muosgadem'' 'spice room'.
''Berchtesgaden'', Upper Bavaria (Achental), earlier ''Perchterscadmen'', ''Perhtersgadem'', ''Berchirchsgadem'', ''Berchtoldesgadem''; the word underwent a Latin distortion of [[Old High German]] ''parach'', Romance ''bareca'' 'hay shed'. After the basic meaning was forgotten, a variant word of Old High German ''gadem'' 'room, one-room hut' was added, implying the same meaning: 'hay shed'. Cf. Old High German ''muosgadem'' 'spice room'.


There was a [[folk etymology]] that supported a derivation based on the legendary figure of ''Frau'' [[Perchta]] (Berchta), a woman (''Holle'' < ''Holda'' 'well disposed, dear') with good and bad changing features, who was venerated on ''Perchtertag'' ([[Shrovetide]]) and was sworn to during the Perchta procession.<ref>Translated by Carl Masthay, St. Louis, 2012, from Wilhelm Sturmfels and Heinz Bischof: ''Unsere Ortsnamen im ABC erklärt nach Herkunft und Bedeutung'', Bonn, 1961, Ferdinand Dümmlers Verlag.</ref>
There was a [[folk etymology]] that supported a derivation based on the legendary figure of ''Frau'' [[Perchta]] (Berchta), a woman (''Holle'' < ''Holda'' 'well disposed, dear') with good and bad changing features, who was venerated on ''Perchtertag'' ([[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]]) and was sworn to during the Perchta procession.<ref>Translated by Carl Masthay, St. Louis, 2012, from Wilhelm Sturmfels and Heinz Bischof: ''Unsere Ortsnamen im ABC erklärt nach Herkunft und Bedeutung'', Bonn, 1961, Ferdinand Dümmlers Verlag.</ref>


==History==
==History==
{{Moresources|section}}
{{More citations needed|section|date=July 2023}}
⚫
The first ever historical note dates back to 1102 and mentions the area because of its rich [[Halite|salt deposits]]. Much of Berchtesgaden's wealth has been derived from its [[Salt mining|salt mines]], the first of which started operations in 1517.<ref>''The Mysterious World of Salt'' – Salzbergwerk Museum tourist information leaflet.</ref> The town served as an independent ''[[Berchtesgaden Provostry|Fürstpropstei]]'' until the ''[[Reichsdeputationshauptschluss]]'' in 1803. During the [[Napoleonic wars]], Berchtesgaden changed hands a few times, such as in 1805 under the [[Treaty of Pressburg (1805)|Treaty of Pressburg]], when the area was ceded to Austria.


The first known record of the area, from 1102, mentions the area's rich [[Halite|salt deposits]]. [[Salt mining]] began in the area in 1517, and subsequently produced much of Berchtesgaden's wealth.<ref>''The Mysterious World of Salt'' – Salzbergwerk Museum tourist information leaflet.</ref>
⚫
Berchtesgaden came under the [[Bavaria]]n rule in 1810 and became instantly popular with the Bavarian royal family, the [[House of Wittelsbach]], who often visited [[Königssee]] and maintained a royal hunting residence in the former [[Augustinians|Augustine]] monastery (still used today by [[Franz, Duke of Bavaria]]). Nascent tourism started to evolve and several artists came to the area, which reportedly gave rise to ''Malereck'' ("painters' corner") on the shore of the Königssee in nearby [[Schönau am Königssee]]. The most famous author who lived in Berchtesgaden was [[Ludwig Ganghofer]].

⚫
[[File:Schlossplatz 180 Grad-Tag.jpg|upright|left|thumb|The former Royal Palace at Berchtesgaden, originally an [[Augustinians|Augustine]] monastery]]
⚫
The town and its surroundings belonged to the [[Berchtesgaden Provostry]], an independent state of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] (called ''Fürstpropstei Berchtesgaden'') and was ruled by the [[Prince-provost]] of the [[Augustinians|Augustine]] monastery in the town. It remained independent until the ''[[Reichsdeputationshauptschluss]]'' in 1803. During the [[Napoleonic wars]], Berchtesgaden changed hands a few times, such as in 1805 under the [[Treaty of Pressburg (1805)|Treaty of Pressburg]], when the area was ceded to Austria.

⚫
Berchtesgaden came under the rule of the [[Kingdom of Bavaria]] in 1810. It soon became popular with the Bavarian royal family, the [[House of Wittelsbach]], who often visited [[Königssee]] and maintained a hunting residence in the former Augustine monastery (still used today by [[Franz, Duke of Bavaria]]). Tourism began to evolve and several artists came to the area, which reportedly gave rise to ''Malereck'' ("painters' corner") on the shore of the Königssee in nearby [[Schönau am Königssee]]. The most famous author who lived in Berchtesgaden was [[Ludwig Ganghofer]].


===Nazi era===
===Nazi era===
[[Image:American soldiers at Berchtesgaden toast victory, 1945.jpg|upright|left|thumb|U.S. soldiers toast the capture of Berchtesgaden (1945)]]
[[Image:American soldiers at Berchtesgaden toast victory, 1945.jpg|upright|left|thumb|U.S. soldiers toast the capture of Berchtesgaden (1945).]]


[[Adolf Hitler]] had been vacationing in the Berchtesgaden area since the 1920s. He purchased a home in the [[Obersalzberg]] above the town on the flank of the [[Hoher Goll]] and began extensive renovations on his ''[[Berghof (residence)|Berghof]]'' in the following years. As other top Third Reich figures, such as [[Hermann Göring]], [[Joseph Goebbels]], [[Martin Bormann]], [[Heinrich Himmler]], and [[Albert Speer]], began to frequent the area the Party began to purchase and requisition land in the Obersalzberg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uncommon-travel-germany.com/obersalzberg.html|title=History of the Obersalzberg, Hitler's Mountain}}</ref>
[[Adolf Hitler]] began vacationing in the Berchtesgaden area in the 1920s. He purchased a home in the [[Obersalzberg]] above the town on the flank of the [[Hoher Goll]] and began extensive renovations on his ''[[Berghof (residence)|Berghof]]'' in the following years. As other top [[Nazi Germany|Third Reich]] figures, such as [[Hermann Göring]], [[Joseph Goebbels]], [[Martin Bormann]], [[Heinrich Himmler]], and [[Albert Speer]], began to frequent the area, the Nazi Party began to purchase and requisition land in the Obersalzberg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uncommon-travel-germany.com/obersalzberg.html|title=History of the Obersalzberg, Hitler's Mountain}}</ref>


To serve as an outpost of the German ''[[Reichskanzlei]]'' (Imperial Chancellery), Berchtesgaden and its environs (''Stanggass'') saw substantial expansion of offices, security, and support services, mainly on the Obersalzberg. Included in the town were a [[Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof|new railway station]], with a reception area for Hitler and his guests, and an adjacent post office. The Berchtesgadener Hof Hotel, where famous visitors such as [[Neville Chamberlain]] and [[David Lloyd George]] stayed, was substantially upgraded.
To serve as an outpost of the German ''[[Reichskanzlei]]'' (Imperial Chancellery), Berchtesgaden and its environs (''Stanggass'') saw substantial expansion of offices, security, and support services, mainly on the Obersalzberg. Included in the town were a [[Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof|new railway station]], with a reception area for Hitler and his guests, and an adjacent post office. The Berchtesgadener Hof Hotel, where famous visitors such as [[Neville Chamberlain]] and [[David Lloyd George]] stayed, was substantially upgraded.


Berchtesgaden was where [[Adolf Hitler]] met [[Neville Chamberlain]] in 1938 before the [[Munich Agreement]]; see [[Berchtesgaden meeting]].
⚫
Even though a feared [[Alpine Fortress]] last stand of the Nazi Regime in the Alps failed to materialize late in World War II, the Allies launched a devastating air raid on the Berchtesgaden area in the spring of 1945. The 25 April [[bombing of Obersalzberg]] did little damage to the town. On 4 May, forward elements of the [[7th Infantry Regiment (United States)|7th Infantry Regiment]] of the [[3rd Infantry Division (United States)|3rd Infantry Division]] arrived<ref name=historynet>[http://www.historynet.com/world-war-ii-race-to-seize-berchtesgaden.htm World War II: Race to Seize Berchtesgaden] HistoryNet 12 June 2006</ref> and received the town's surrender.<ref>[http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-SS-Chronology/USA-SS-Chronology-5.html UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II, Special Studies, CHRONOLOGY 1941–1945]. "In U.S. Seventh Army's XV Corps area, 101 regiment, crossing into Austria, advances through Salzburg to Berchtesgaden without opposition".</ref>

⚫
Even though a feared [[Alpine Fortress]] last stand of the Nazi Regime in the Alps failed to materialize late in World War II, the Allies launched a devastating air raid on the Berchtesgaden area in the spring of 1945. The 25 April [[bombing of Obersalzberg]] did little damage to the town. On 4 May, forward elements of the [[7th Infantry Regiment (United States)|7th Infantry Regiment]] of the [[3rd Infantry Division (United States)|3rd Infantry Division]] arrived<ref name=historynet>[http://www.historynet.com/world-war-ii-race-to-seize-berchtesgaden.htm World War II: Race to Seize Berchtesgaden] HistoryNet 12 June 2006</ref> and received the town's surrender.<ref>[http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-SS-Chronology/USA-SS-Chronology-5.html UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II, Special Studies, CHRONOLOGY 1941–1945]. "In U.S. Seventh Army's XV Corps area, 101 regiment, croberg, Hitler's Mountain</ref>


===Post–World War II===
===Post–World War II===
After the war, Berchtesgaden became a military zone and most of its buildings were requisitioned by the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]]. Hotel Platterhof was rebuilt and renamed the [[General Walker Hotel]] in 1952.<ref>{{cite web |last=Walden |first=Geoffrey R. |title=Platterhof |url=http://www.thirdreichruins.com/platterhof.htm |publisher=Third Reich in Ruins |access-date=2016-09-10}}</ref> It served as an integral part of the [[Armed Forces Recreation Centers|U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Centers]] for the duration of the [[Cold War]] and beyond.<ref name=htgbcus>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A09WAAAAIBAJ&pg=6899%2C1208042 |work=[[Eugene Register-Guard]] |location=Oregon |title=U.S. to give back Hitler's resort |date=5 February 1995 |page=16A}}</ref> The remnants of homes of former Nazi leaders were all demolished in the early postwar years, though traces of some remained. In 1995, fifty years after the end of World War II and five years after [[German reunification]], the AFRC Berchtesgaden was turned over to Bavarian authorities to facilitate military spending reductions mandated within the [[Base Realignment and Closure]] program by the US [[United States Congress|Congress]] and [[United States Department of Defense|Pentagon]] during the administration of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Bill Clinton]].<ref name=htgbcus/> The General Walker Hotel was demolished in 2000–2001.
After the war, Berchtesgaden became a military zone and most of its buildings were requisitioned by the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]]. Hotel Platterhof was rebuilt and renamed the [[General Walker Hotel]] in 1952.<ref>{{cite web |last=Walden |first=Geoffrey R. |title=Platterhof |url=http://www.thirdreichruins.com/platterhof.htm |publisher=Third Reich in Ruins |access-date=2016-09-10}}</ref> It served as a [[Armed Forces Recreation Centers|U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center]] through the [[Cold War]] and beyond.<ref name=htgbcus>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A09WAAAAIBAJ&pg=6899%2C1208042 |work=[[Eugene Register-Guard]] |location=Oregon |title=U.S. to give back Hitler's resort |date=5 February 1995 |page=16A}}</ref> Remnants of homes of former Nazi leaders were demolished in the early postwar years, though traces of some remained. In 1995, fifty years after the end of World War II and five years after [[German reunification]], the AFRC Berchtesgaden was turned over to Bavarian authorities to facilitate military spending reductions mandated within the [[Base Realignment and Closure]] program by the US [[United States Congress|Congress]] and [[United States Department of Defense|Pentagon]] during the administration of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Bill Clinton]].<ref name=htgbcus/> The General Walker Hotel was demolished in 2000–2001.


In 1986, Berchtesgaden was a first-round candidate city to host the [[XVI Olympic Winter Games]] to be held in 1992. The vote eventually went to [[Albertville]], [[France]], in October of that year.<ref name="GamesBids">{{cite web |title=Past Results |url=http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/past.html |publisher=GamesBids.com |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504224506/http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/past.html|archive-date=4 May 2012}}</ref>
In 1986, Berchtesgaden was a first-round candidate city to host the [[XVI Olympic Winter Games]] to be held in 1992. The vote eventually went to [[Albertville]], [[France]], in October of that year.<ref name="GamesBids">{{cite web |title=Past Results |url=http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/past.html |publisher=GamesBids.com |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504224506/http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/past.html|archive-date=4 May 2012}}</ref>
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[[Image:Berchtesgaden.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of Berchtesgaden]]
[[Image:Berchtesgaden.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of Berchtesgaden]]
[[Image:BerchtesgadenFog.jpg|thumb|Berchtesgaden in the morning]]
[[Image:BerchtesgadenFog.jpg|thumb|Berchtesgaden in the morning]]
⚫
[[File:Schlossplatz 180 Grad-Tag.jpg|thumb|The former Royal Castle at Berchtesgaden]]


The Hotel Türken, which was near the Nazi buildings and was often used by the SS and then by the ''Generalmajor'' of the Police, was badly damaged in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1950 and reopened as a hotel before Christmas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g187299-d238373-Reviews-Hotel_zum_Turken-Berchtesgaden_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html |title=Hotel zum Turken - UPDATED 2018 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Berchtesgaden, Germany) - TripAdvisor |publisher=Tripadvisor.ca |access-date=2018-10-14}}</ref> Visitors can still explore the historic underground hallways and tunnels that had been used by the Nazis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inspirock.com/germany/berchtesgaden/zum-turken-a588040681|title=Visit Hotel Zum Turken WWII Bunkers on your trip to Berchtesgaden|website=www.inspirock.com|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808193713/https://www.inspirock.com/germany/berchtesgaden/zum-turken-a588040681|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j9IVBAAAQBAJ&q=Berghof+Hotel+zum+T%C3%BCrken&pg=PA87|title=Hitler's Alpine Headquarters|first=James|last=Wilson|date=13 January 2014|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=9781473831872|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bunkersite.com/locations/germany/obersalzberg/turken-out.php|title=Hotel zum Türken, Obersalzberg - Bunkersite.com|last=Bunkersite.com|website=bunkersite.com}}</ref>
The Hotel Türken, which was near the Nazi buildings and was often used by the SS and then by the ''Generalmajor'' of the Police, was badly damaged in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1950 and reopened as a hotel before Christmas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g187299-d238373-Reviews-Hotel_zum_Turken-Berchtesgaden_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html |title=Hotel zum Turken - UPDATED 2018 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Berchtesgaden, Germany) - TripAdvisor |publisher=Tripadvisor.ca |access-date=2018-10-14}}</ref> Visitors can still explore the historic underground hallways and tunnels that had been used by the Nazis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inspirock.com/germany/berchtesgaden/zum-turken-a588040681|title=Visit Hotel Zum Turken WWII Bunkers on your trip to Berchtesgaden|website=www.inspirock.com|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808193713/https://www.inspirock.com/germany/berchtesgaden/zum-turken-a588040681|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j9IVBAAAQBAJ&q=Berghof+Hotel+zum+T%C3%BCrken&pg=PA87|title=Hitler's Alpine Headquarters|first=James|last=Wilson|date=13 January 2014|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=9781473831872|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bunkersite.com/locations/germany/obersalzberg/turken-out.php|title=Hotel zum Türken, Obersalzberg - Bunkersite.com|last=Bunkersite.com|website=bunkersite.com}}</ref>
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* [[Judith Graßl]], (born 1968), [[ski mountaineering|ski mountaineer]]
* [[Judith Graßl]], (born 1968), [[ski mountaineering|ski mountaineer]]
* [[Georg Hackl]], (born 1966), first Winter Olympics competitor to win five consecutive medals with consecutively two silver and three gold medals in the men's single [[luge]] event
* [[Georg Hackl]], (born 1966), first Winter Olympics competitor to win five consecutive medals with consecutively two silver and three gold medals in the men's single [[luge]] event
* [[Adolf Hitler]], (1889–1945), leader of the [[Nazi Party]] and German dictator 1933–1945; owned the [[Adlerhorst|Eagle's Nest]] mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden
* [[Adolf Hitler]], (1889–1945), leader of the [[Nazi Party]] and German dictator 1933–1945; owned the [[Kehlsteinhaus|Eagle's Nest]] mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden
* [[Kathrin Hölzl]], [[Alpine Skiing|alpine ski racer]] and gold medalist in the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009 – Women's giant slalom|giant slalom]] at the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009|2009 World Championships]]
* [[Kathrin Hölzl]], [[Alpine Skiing|alpine ski racer]] and gold medalist in the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009 – Women's giant slalom|giant slalom]] at the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2009|2009 World Championships]]
* [[Princess Irmingard of Bavaria]], [[Nazi]] resister and survivor of [[Sachsenhausen concentration camp|Oranienburg-Sachsenhausen]], [[Flossenbürg concentration camp|Flossenbürg]] and [[Dachau concentration camp|Dachau]] concentration camps
* [[Princess Irmingard of Bavaria]], [[Nazi]] resister and survivor of [[Sachsenhausen concentration camp|Oranienburg-Sachsenhausen]], [[Flossenbürg concentration camp|Flossenbürg]] and [[Dachau concentration camp|Dachau]] concentration camps
Line 108: Line 113:


==Toy symphonies==
==Toy symphonies==
in the 1760s several anonymous toy symphonies (including the famous [[Toy Symphony]] often attributed to [[Joseph Haydn|Haydn]] or [[Leopold Mozart]]) were composed at Berchtesgaden, then a manufacturing centre for toy instruments.<ref>Adeline Mueller. [https://books.google.com/books?id=vEQ6EAAAQBAJ&dq=Berchtesgaden+toys&pg=PA175 ''Mozart and the Mediation of Childhood''] (2021), chapter 6</ref> Some of the instruments used for these can be seen in the [[Salzburg Museum|Museum Carolino Augusteum]] in Salzburg.<ref>Davies, Hugh. 'Toy Instruments', in ''Grove Music Online'' (2001)</ref>
In the 1760s several anonymous toy symphonies (including the famous [[Toy Symphony]] often attributed to [[Joseph Haydn|Haydn]] or [[Leopold Mozart]]) were composed at Berchtesgaden, then a manufacturing centre for toy instruments.<ref>Adeline Mueller. [https://books.google.com/books?id=vEQ6EAAAQBAJ&dq=Berchtesgaden+toys&pg=PA175 ''Mozart and the Mediation of Childhood''] (2021), chapter 6</ref> Some of the instruments used for these can be seen in the [[Salzburg Museum|Museum Carolino Augusteum]] in Salzburg.<ref>Davies, Hugh. 'Toy Instruments', in ''Grove Music Online'' (2001)</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 11:58, 7 November 2024

Berchtesgaden
Municipality
Berchtesgaden and the Watzmann in August 2010
Berchtesgaden and the Watzmann in August 2010
Coat of arms of Berchtesgaden
Coat of arms
Location of Berchtesgaden within Berchtesgadener Land district
BerchtesgadenEck (unincorporated area)SchneizlreuthSchellenberger ForstAinringAngerBad ReichenhallBayerisch GmainBerchtesgadenBischofswiesenFreilassingLaufenMarktschellenbergPidingRamsau bei BerchtesgadenSaaldorf-SurheimSchneizlreuthSchönau am KönigsseeTeisendorfTraunstein (district)Austria
Berchtesgaden is located in Germany
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is located in Bavaria
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden
Coordinates: 47°37′53″N 13°0′15″E / 47.63139°N 13.00417°E / 47.63139; 13.00417
CountryGermany
StateBavaria
Admin. regionOberbayern
DistrictBerchtesgadener Land
Government
 • Mayor (2020–26) Franz Rasp[1] (CSU)
Area
 • Total
34.78 km2 (13.43 sq mi)
Elevation
700 m (2,300 ft)
Population
 (2023-12-31)[2]
 • Total
7,698
 • Density220/km2 (570/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Postal codes
83471
Dialling codes08652
Vehicle registrationBGL
Websitewww.gemeinde.berchtesgaden.de

Berchtesgaden (German pronunciation: [ˈbɛʁçtəsˌɡaːdn̩]) is a municipality in the district Berchtesgadener Land, Bavaria, in southeastern Germany, near the border with Austria, 30 km (19 mi) south of Salzburg and 180 km (110 mi) southeast of Munich. It lies in the Berchtesgaden Alps. South of the town, the Berchtesgaden National Park stretches along three parallel valleys.

The Kehlstein mountain (1,835 m or 6,020 ft), with its Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest), is located in the area.

Etymology

[edit]

Berchtesgaden, Upper Bavaria (Achental), earlier Perchterscadmen, Perhtersgadem, Berchirchsgadem, Berchtoldesgadem; the word underwent a Latin distortion of Old High German parach, Romance bareca 'hay shed'. After the basic meaning was forgotten, a variant word of Old High German gadem 'room, one-room hut' was added, implying the same meaning: 'hay shed'. Cf. Old High German muosgadem 'spice room'.

There was a folk etymology that supported a derivation based on the legendary figure of Frau Perchta (Berchta), a woman (Holle < Holda 'well disposed, dear') with good and bad changing features, who was venerated on Perchtertag (Epiphany) and was sworn to during the Perchta procession.[3]

History

[edit]

The first known record of the area, from 1102, mentions the area's rich salt deposits. Salt mining began in the area in 1517, and subsequently produced much of Berchtesgaden's wealth.[4]

The former Royal Palace at Berchtesgaden, originally an Augustine monastery

The town and its surroundings belonged to the Berchtesgaden Provostry, an independent state of the Holy Roman Empire (called Fürstpropstei Berchtesgaden) and was ruled by the Prince-provost of the Augustine monastery in the town. It remained independent until the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss in 1803. During the Napoleonic wars, Berchtesgaden changed hands a few times, such as in 1805 under the Treaty of Pressburg, when the area was ceded to Austria.

Berchtesgaden came under the rule of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1810. It soon became popular with the Bavarian royal family, the House of Wittelsbach, who often visited Königssee and maintained a hunting residence in the former Augustine monastery (still used today by Franz, Duke of Bavaria). Tourism began to evolve and several artists came to the area, which reportedly gave rise to Malereck ("painters' corner") on the shore of the Königssee in nearby Schönau am Königssee. The most famous author who lived in Berchtesgaden was Ludwig Ganghofer.

Nazi era

[edit]
U.S. soldiers toast the capture of Berchtesgaden (1945).

Adolf Hitler began vacationing in the Berchtesgaden area in the 1920s. He purchased a home in the Obersalzberg above the town on the flank of the Hoher Goll and began extensive renovations on his Berghof in the following years. As other top Third Reich figures, such as Hermann Göring, Joseph Goebbels, Martin Bormann, Heinrich Himmler, and Albert Speer, began to frequent the area, the Nazi Party began to purchase and requisition land in the Obersalzberg.[5]

To serve as an outpost of the German Reichskanzlei (Imperial Chancellery), Berchtesgaden and its environs (Stanggass) saw substantial expansion of offices, security, and support services, mainly on the Obersalzberg. Included in the town were a new railway station, with a reception area for Hitler and his guests, and an adjacent post office. The Berchtesgadener Hof Hotel, where famous visitors such as Neville Chamberlain and David Lloyd George stayed, was substantially upgraded.

Berchtesgaden was where Adolf Hitler met Neville Chamberlain in 1938 before the Munich Agreement; see Berchtesgaden meeting.

Even though a feared Alpine Fortress last stand of the Nazi Regime in the Alps failed to materialize late in World War II, the Allies launched a devastating air raid on the Berchtesgaden area in the spring of 1945. The 25 April bombing of Obersalzberg did little damage to the town. On 4 May, forward elements of the 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division arrived[6] and received the town's surrender.[7]

Post–World War II

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After the war, Berchtesgaden became a military zone and most of its buildings were requisitioned by the U.S. Army. Hotel Platterhof was rebuilt and renamed the General Walker Hotel in 1952.[8] It served as a U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center through the Cold War and beyond.[9] Remnants of homes of former Nazi leaders were demolished in the early postwar years, though traces of some remained. In 1995, fifty years after the end of World War II and five years after German reunification, the AFRC Berchtesgaden was turned over to Bavarian authorities to facilitate military spending reductions mandated within the Base Realignment and Closure program by the US Congress and Pentagon during the administration of President Bill Clinton.[9] The General Walker Hotel was demolished in 2000–2001.

In 1986, Berchtesgaden was a first-round candidate city to host the XVI Olympic Winter Games to be held in 1992. The vote eventually went to Albertville, France, in October of that year.[10]

Berchtesgaden today

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Aerial view of Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden in the morning

The Hotel Türken, which was near the Nazi buildings and was often used by the SS and then by the Generalmajor of the Police, was badly damaged in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1950 and reopened as a hotel before Christmas.[11] Visitors can still explore the historic underground hallways and tunnels that had been used by the Nazis.[12][13][14]

In 1972, local government reform united the then-independent municipalities of Salzberg, Maria Gern and Au (consisting of Oberau and Unterau) under the administration of the town of Berchtesgaden. Another suggested reform uniting all remaining five municipalities in the Berchtesgaden valley (Bischofswiesen, Ramsau, Marktschellenberg and Schönau) failed to gain enough popular support; it passed in Berchtesgaden but failed everywhere else.

The Berchtesgaden National Park was established in 1978 and has gradually become one of Berchtesgaden's largest draws. Mass tourism is confined to a few popular spots, leaving the rest to nature-seekers. Other tourist draws are the Königssee, the salt mine, the Kehlsteinhaus, open seasonally as a restaurant, and the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg museum about the area's history, operated by the Munich Institut für Zeitgeschichte since 1999.[15][16][17]

Recreational and competitive sports have grown in importance. The town's ski slope is popular. The Königssee bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track has hosted ski-running and several international events and competitions. Berchtesgaden's most famous sports personality is Georg Hackl, a multiple Olympic medal winner. The city is home to the International Luge Federation (FIL).

Unlike the northern part of Berchtesgadener Land and the Salzburg area, Berchtesgaden has virtually no manufacturing industry.

Berchtesgaden Central Station is connected by the Salzburg–Berchtesgaden railway to the Rosenheim–Salzburg railway at Freilassing.

The Bavarian state government facilitated the erection of a hotel, which opened in 2005 and is operated by the InterContinental Hotels Group.[16] Since May 2015, the hotel has been the Kempinski Berchtesgaden.[18][19]

Geography

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Berchtesgaden's neighbouring towns are Bischofswiesen, Marktschellenberg, Ramsau, and Schönau am Königssee.

The municipality counts the following villages which are (Ortsteil): Am Etzerschlößl, Anzenbach, Hintergern, Metzenleiten, Mitterbach, Oberau, Obergern, Obersalzberg, Resten, Unterau, Untersalzberg I, Untersalzberg II, and Vordergern.

Notable people

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Hermann von Barth

Toy symphonies

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In the 1760s several anonymous toy symphonies (including the famous Toy Symphony often attributed to Haydn or Leopold Mozart) were composed at Berchtesgaden, then a manufacturing centre for toy instruments.[20] Some of the instruments used for these can be seen in the Museum Carolino Augusteum in Salzburg.[21]

References

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  1. ^ Liste der ersten Bürgermeister/Oberbürgermeister in kreisangehörigen Gemeinden, Bayerisches Landesamt für Statistik, accessed 19 July 2021.
  2. ^ Genesis Online-Datenbank des Bayerischen Landesamtes für Statistik Tabelle 12411-003r Fortschreibung des Bevölkerungsstandes: Gemeinden, Stichtag (Einwohnerzahlen auf Grundlage des Zensus 2011).
  3. ^ Translated by Carl Masthay, St. Louis, 2012, from Wilhelm Sturmfels and Heinz Bischof: Unsere Ortsnamen im ABC erklärt nach Herkunft und Bedeutung, Bonn, 1961, Ferdinand Dümmlers Verlag.
  4. ^ The Mysterious World of Salt – Salzbergwerk Museum tourist information leaflet.
  5. ^ "History of the Obersalzberg, Hitler's Mountain".
  6. ^ World War II: Race to Seize Berchtesgaden HistoryNet 12 June 2006
  7. ^ UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II, Special Studies, CHRONOLOGY 1941–1945. "In U.S. Seventh Army's XV Corps area, 101 regiment, croberg, Hitler's Mountain
  8. ^ Walden, Geoffrey R. "Platterhof". Third Reich in Ruins. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
  9. ^ a b "U.S. to give back Hitler's resort". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. 5 February 1995. p. 16A.
  10. ^ "Past Results". GamesBids.com. Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  11. ^ "Hotel zum Turken - UPDATED 2018 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Berchtesgaden, Germany) - TripAdvisor". Tripadvisor.ca. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  12. ^ "Visit Hotel Zum Turken WWII Bunkers on your trip to Berchtesgaden". www.inspirock.com. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  13. ^ Wilson, James (13 January 2014). Hitler's Alpine Headquarters. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781473831872 – via Google Books.
  14. ^ Bunkersite.com. "Hotel zum Türken, Obersalzberg - Bunkersite.com". bunkersite.com.
  15. ^ "Dokumentation Obersalzberg: Home". Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  16. ^ a b Ryback, Timothy W. (1 April 2005). "The Hitler Shrine". The Atlantic.
  17. ^ "THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Berchtesgaden 2018 - Must See Attractions in Berchtesgaden, Germany | TripAdvisor". Tripadvisor.ca. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  18. ^ "Luxury 5 Star Hotel in the Bavarian Alps - Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden". www.kempinski.com.
  19. ^ "Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden - Reviews, Photos & Rates". ebookers.com. 23 August 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  20. ^ Adeline Mueller. Mozart and the Mediation of Childhood (2021), chapter 6
  21. ^ Davies, Hugh. 'Toy Instruments', in Grove Music Online (2001)
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