A must-visit for those wishing to gain a deeper insight into World War II, Dokumentation Obersalzberg offers a comprehensive and in-depth look at the rise and decline of the Third Reich regime. Located on a site that featured an erstwhile guesthouse of the Third Reich leaders, Dokumentation Obersalzberg contains an assemblage of more than 950 objects, including audio clips, pictures, maps, and films. The guesthouse was a vacation home of Adolf Hitler during the 1930s. Visitors can also explore a bunker complex and other immersive exhibits which illustrate the history of the site.
This gorgeous royal residence in Berchtesgaden sports a facade that blends diverse architectural styles such as Rococo, Baroque, Romanesque and even Gothic. Known as the Berchtesgaden Castle, or Königliches Schloss Berchtesgaden, this elegant structure, dating back to the 12th century, has been modified and restructured several times over the years. It has served as a monastery as well as a royal hunting lodge and residence.
Berchtesgaden is often associated with salt mines and hence a visit to this municipality is incomplete without seeing the famous Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden (Saltmine Berchtesgaden), noted for its guided tours for children, adults, and groups where visitors can understand the history of salt mining. You can visit its underground sites in a thrilling journey encompassing the Treasure Vault, Salt Cathedral, Mirror Lake, and Reichenbach Pump.
A beautiful pilgrimage church, St. Bartholomew's was built in 1697, and features a striking red-domed roof with two onion domes that can be spotted from a distance. The interior of the church displays stunning stucco work attributed to renowned Salzburg artist Joseph Schmidt, and the church's spellbinding architecture and surrounds draw numerous visitors to its steps. A pilgrimage to the church takes place every year.
Königssee, a natural gem, located within the Berchtesgaden National Park, is known for its glorious emerald-colored waters and the gorgeous panoramas it offers. Nestled within the majestic alpine regions of Bavaria, the freshwater lake stretches to almost 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles) in length and 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) in width. No matter what time of year it is, Königssee makes for a beautiful view. In summer, this shining lake, an oasis of clear water, is flanked by thick stands of lush forests, while spring welcomes picturesque waterfalls that run into the lake. Fall turns the surrounding forests into a patchwork of reds and golds and the winter sees ice move across the surface of the lake, creating a natural skating rink. There's an electric launch that ferries visitors around the regal lake for those who do not have a boat of their own.
The Cable Way of Mount Jenner features two-seater carriages that connect important points in the Königssee valley. Perched at an altitude of about 1,802 meters (5,912 feet), midst the rolling hills of Bavaria, these cable car rides offer some of the most panoramic views of the alpine regions, comprising of more than a hundred German and Austrian hills. The Jennerbahn Cable leads the way up to Mount Jenner, which offers delightful activities such as hiking, paragliding, hand gliding and such, throughout the year. Needless to say, this breathtaking ride makes for a very memorable and interesting experience.
When it opened in 1983, the Rupertinum was the only museum of modern art in Salzburg. In 2004 a museum of modern art opened its doors on top of the Mönchsberg. The Rupertinum became part of this new museum and now mainly presents modern graphic arts and photos. The Austrian photo gallery is also located there. It features a national collection of contemporary photo art.
As you meander through beautiful Market Square, there is one structure that stands out above all the rest, the Dreifaltigkeitskirche or Holy Trinity Church. Designed by the great baroque architect Fischer von Erlach, this enormous church took over 8 years to construct and is one of the most treasured religious structures in the city of Salzburg. The detailed murals and incredibly high ceilings inside the Holy Trinity Church make it a truly dramatic and romantic site.
In the centre of St. Sebastian's Cemetery a Baroque style chapel is hidden behind big trees. During the day, open doors are an invitation to enter and visit the tomb of Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich of Raitenau. The builder of this chapel, Elia Castello, found his last resting place in the peaceful churchyard outside. The chapel, dedicated to Archangel Gabriel was erected around 1600. The Archbishop died in 1617. South of the chapel lies the grave of Mozart's family.
This building was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum. Today, it is mainly used by the Mozarteum music academy. There are teaching and practice rooms and two concert halls. In the 'Großer Saal' (large concert hall) concerts with international performers are often held. In the second half of January there are the concerts that are part the 'Mozartwoche' (Mozart week). If you want to visit this building be discreet. The porter doesn't like tourists walking around inside. But if you are not in a group, just enter and walk straight up to the first and second floor where you can hear students practising and you can get a taste of the Mozarteum's atmosphere.
You can find the former archbishop's pharmacy in a house at the 'Alten Markt' (Old Market), which is one of the city's most beautiful squares. The pharmacy is still in business and medicines are kept in a room behind the shop. The main part of the apothecary is worth visiting even if you are not buying anything. You can see original furnishings from the rococco era around 1760. You're not allowed to take pictures but you can buy a postcard.
This church is situated at the end of the Gstättengasse, which leads to the Ursulinenplatz. The church was built for the Ursuline Convent (1699-1705) after more than 200 people died in the Gstättengasse because of the Rock Fall of 1699. The convent has now been secularised and is home to some of the Salzburg Federal Diet's departments and the House of Nature. The building itself was designed according to plans sketched by Fischer von Erlach and the baroque church's pulpit was also designed by him.