Misplaced Pages

#258741

64-571: Obersalzberg is a mountainside retreat situated above the market town of Berchtesgaden in Bavaria , Germany . Located about 120 kilometres (75 mi) south-east of Munich , close to the border with Austria , it is best known as the site of Adolf Hitler 's former mountain residence, the Berghof , and of the mountaintop Kehlsteinhaus , popularly known in the English-speaking world as

128-561: A second seat in the nearby village of Bischofswiesen with Hitler receiving numerous guests of state at the Berghof. With the outbreak of war extensive anti-aircraft defences were installed, including smoke generating machines to conceal the Berghof complex from hostile aircraft. Further, the nearby former Hotel zum Türken was turned into quarters to house the Reichssicherheitsdienst (RSD) SS security men who patrolled

192-441: A French diplomat, was built in 1937–38 above the Berghof, but Hitler rarely went there. The area became a German tourist attraction during the mid-1930s, after Hitler came to power as dictator. Visitors gathered at the end of the driveway or on nearby public paths in the hope of catching a glimpse of Hitler. This led to the introduction of severe restrictions on access to the area and other security measures. A large contingent of

256-555: A curious display of cactus plants in majolica pots." A dining room was panelled with very costly cembra pine . Hitler's large study had a telephone switchboard room. The library contained books "on history, painting, architecture and music." A great hall was furnished with expensive Teutonic furniture, a large globe, and an expansive red marble fireplace mantel. Behind one wall was a projection booth for evening screenings of films (often, Hollywood productions, including Mickey Mouse ). A sprawling picture window could be lowered into

320-530: A plan named Operation Foxley in 1944. This called for a sniper to kill Hitler on his daily 15–20 minute walk from the Berghof residence to the Teehaus on the Mooslahnerkopf Hill , which had been revealed by a prisoner of war. The operation would be undertaken by a German-speaking Pole and a British sniper wearing German uniforms after being parachuted into Austria. They would be housed and led to

384-573: A positive light. These stories helped to soften his image by portraying him as a man of culture, dog lover, and good neighbour. Writer William George Fitz-Gerald, under the pseudonym Ignatius Phayre, published many articles about visiting Hitler at home that were fabricated from Nazi propaganda sources. Based on German propaganda sources, Fitz-Gerald, writing for the British Homes & Gardens magazine, described Hitler as "his own decorator, designer, and furnisher, as well as architect", and

448-510: A year later by a winter garden and stonework; finally, the most extensive in 1935–1936 when the once modest chalet was finally transformed into the sprawling landhaus with a series of extensions, a bowling alley in the cellar, and a giant window that could be lowered to provide a panoramic view. The house became known as the Berghof or Mountain Court in English. Among other buildings in the area

512-689: 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. Recreational and competitive sports have grown in importance. The town's ski slope

576-746: 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 . Since May 2015, the hotel has been the Kempinski Berchtesgaden. Berchtesgaden's neighbouring towns are Bischofswiesen , Marktschellenberg , Ramsau , and Schönau am Königssee . The municipality counts

640-519: Is documented since the 12th century and a major salt mine opened in 1517. It was destroyed in 1834 but rebuilt and named the "Old Salt Works". The rectangular layout and some components still exist. The area was part of the provostry's eight localities (so-called Gnotschaften ) mentioned in the first land register of 1456 and was ruled by the Augustinian abbey. From 1517 the Petersberg gallery

704-599: 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

SECTION 10

#1732771813259

768-546: The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler was housed in barracks adjacent to the Berghof. Under the command of Obersturmbannführer Bernhard Frank , they patrolled an extensive cordoned security zone that encompassed the nearby homes of the other Nazi leaders. With the outbreak of war extensive anti-aircraft defences were also installed, including smoke-generating machines to conceal the Berghof complex from hostile aircraft. The nearby former hotel "Türken"

832-625: 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. 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

896-598: The Cold War and beyond. 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

960-519: The French 2nd Armoured Division . Herman Louis Finnell of the 3rd Division stated that he and Private Fungerburg were the first to enter Berghof and the secret passages below the structure. Finnell stated that the hallway below the structure had rooms on either side filled with destroyed paintings and evening gowns, as well as destroyed medical equipment and a wine cellar. A French tank crew soon joined them, and Allied soldiers thoroughly looted and stripped

1024-570: The InterContinental Hotels Group ), which opened in 2005. Since May 2015, the InterContinental hotel has been renamed the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden. Other tourist draws are the Königssee , the salt mine where visitors can tour the pumping hall, some tunnels and the museum. The Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest) is open seasonally as a restaurant. During one of the bus trips to the restaurant, visitors can see

1088-887: The Marineheim and then to a hotel in Berchtesgaden, the Deutsches Haus , where he dictated the second volume of Mein Kampf in the summer of 1926. Hitler met his girlfriend at that time, Maria Reiter , who worked in a shop on the ground floor of the hotel, during another visit in autumn 1926. In 1928, Winter's widow rented Haus Wachenfeld to Hitler, and his half-sister Angela came to live there as housekeeper, although she left soon after her daughter Geli 's 1931 death in Hitler's Munich apartment . By 1933, Hitler had purchased Haus Wachenfeld with funds he received from

1152-602: The SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler was housed in barracks adjacent to the Berghof. Under the command of Obersturmbannführer Bernhard Frank , they patrolled an extensive cordoned security zone that encompassed the nearby homes of the other Nazi leaders. The Obersalzberg area comprised three security zones. The so-called Führersperrgebiet ("the Führer's autonomous area") shielded Hitler and his staff from public access. Two other security zones protected

1216-653: The "Eagle's Nest". All of the Nazi era buildings (except the Kehlsteinhaus, which still exists and now serves as a restaurant and tourist attraction) were demolished in the 1950s, but the relevant past of the area is the subject of the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg museum, which opened in 1999. The name of the settlement area derives from the rock salt deposits in the former Prince-Provostry of Berchtesgaden . Salt mining at Pherg

1280-470: The 'Russian problem' was studied. On 11 May 1941, Karlheinz Pintsch visited the Berghof to deliver a letter from Rudolf Hess informing Hitler of his illegal flight to Scotland . Hitler's social circle at his Berghof retreat – which his intimates referred to as "on the Berg " – included Eva Braun and her sister Gretl , Herta Schneider and her children, Eva's friend Marion Schönmann, Heinrich Hoffmann , and

1344-573: The Bavarian government decided to demolish the buildings so they would not become a Nazi shrine. On 30 April, the Berghof, the houses of Göring and Bormann , the SS barracks, the Kampfhäusl , and the teahouse were all destroyed. In total, over 50 Obersalzberg Nazi buildings were destroyed. The Platterhof, which had been a hostel for visitors to the area, was not destroyed since it had been turned into

SECTION 20

#1732771813259

1408-547: 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

1472-602: The General Walker Hotel for U.S. troops after the war. It was demolished in 2001. The nearby Hotel zum Türken, often used by the SS, later occupied by Hitler's bodyguard, and then the Generalmajor of the Police, was badly damaged in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1950 and reopened as a hotel before Christmas. The nearby Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg museum, opened in 1999, provides historical information on

1536-477: The German Alps", was established in 1978 and has gradually become one of Berchtesgaden's largest draws. The park attracts 1.5 million visitors per year. Mass tourism is confined to a few popular spots, leaving the rest to nature seekers. The trail system covers 250 kilometres (155 miles). In 1995, the entire area was returned to the Bavarian state government that facilitated the erection of a hotel (operated by

1600-761: The Nazis.) Whenever Hitler was in residence, members of the RSD and Führerbegleitkommando (Führer Escort Command; FBK) were present. While the RSD men patrolled the grounds, the FBK men provided close security protection for Hitler. Several Wehrmacht mountain troop units were also housed nearby. Hence, the British never planned a direct attack on the compound. Guests at the Berghof included political figures, monarchs, heads of state, and diplomats along with painters, singers, and musicians. The important visitors personally greeted on

1664-531: The Obersalzberg boarding house, shortly before the Beer Hall Putsch and his imprisonment at Landsberg . It was in a cabin on the premises where, after his release from custody in 1925, he dictated Part Two of Mein Kampf , which earned him large royalties. He became so fond of the area that by 1928 he began using his royalty income to rent a small chalet nearby called Haus Wachenfeld from

1728-404: 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. Visitors can still explore the historic underground hallways and tunnels that had been used by the Nazis. In 1972, local government reform united the then-independent municipalities of Salzberg, Maria Gern and Au (consisting of Oberau and Unterau) under

1792-607: The US Congress and Pentagon during the administration of President Bill Clinton . 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. The Hotel Türken, which was near the Nazi buildings and was often used by

1856-431: 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

1920-434: The area as both a summer and winter vacation retreat. The Obersalzberg boarding house was leased to the former racing driver Bruno Büchner in the early 1920s. When he acquired the property in 1928, he renamed it Platterhof inspired by Richard Voss' novel Zwei Menschen. The scenic landscape and sweeping mountain views also attracted Adolf Hitler, who in 1923 visited his fellow party member and anti-semite, Dietrich Eckart at

1984-471: The area by an anti-Nazi, identified as "Heidentaler" who lived nearby in Salzburg . The Foxley plan did not proceed, due to a dispute as to whether killing Hitler was a prudent idea and the lack of intelligence about his exact daily routine. By the time that the plan might have proceeded, Hitler had stopped visiting his mountain retreat; he never returned to the compound after 14 July 1944. The Obersalzberg

Obersalzberg - Misplaced Pages Continue

2048-402: The area evolved into a retreat for high-level Nazis with a cinema, a school for young children, an SS barracks, and an underground shooting range. Most of the original buildings were demolished. The Berghof became something of a German tourist attraction during the mid-1930s. This led to the introduction of severe restrictions on access to the area and other security measures. A large contingent of

2112-686: The area, the Nazi Party began to purchase and requisition land in the Obersalzberg. 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,

2176-405: 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

2240-466: The burned shell in 1952. The Berghof began as a much smaller chalet called Haus Wachenfeld , a holiday home built in 1916 (or 1917) by Kommerzienrat Otto Winter, a businessman from Buxtehude . It was located near the Platterhof , the former Pension Moritz where Hitler had stayed in 1922–23. By 1926, the family running the pension had left, and Hitler did not like the new owner. He moved first to

2304-588: The chalet as "bright and airy" with "a light jade-green colour scheme"; caged Harz Roller canaries were kept in most of the rooms, which were furnished with antiques, mostly German furniture from the 18th century. Old engravings hung in the guest bedrooms, along with some of Hitler's small watercolour sketches. His personal valet Heinz Linge stated that Hitler and his longtime companion Eva Braun had two bedrooms and two bathrooms with interconnecting doors, and Hitler would end most evenings alone with her in his study drinking tea. Though Hitler did not smoke, smoking

2368-454: The films were Joseph Goebbels , Reinhard Heydrich , Heinrich Himmler , Joachim von Ribbentrop , Albert Speer , and Karl Wolff . Two guests planned to use a visit to the Berghof as an opportunity to assassinate Hitler. On 11 March 1944, Captain Eberhard von Breitenbuch arrived with a concealed pistol with the intention of shooting Hitler in the head, but guards would not allow him into

2432-436: The following villages which are ( Ortsteil ): Am Etzerschlößl, Anzenbach, Hintergern, Metzenleiten, Mitterbach, Oberau, Obergern, Obersalzberg, Resten, Unterau, Untersalzberg I, Untersalzberg II, and Vordergern. 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. Some of

2496-552: The grounds of the Berghof. Several Heer mountain troop units were also housed nearby. Hence, the British never planned a direct attack on the compound. Hitler spent much of August 1939 at the Berghof, making final plans for the invasion of Poland. Hitler's last known visit was on 14 July 1944. The premises – except for the Kehlsteinhaus – were heavily damaged by an Allied air raid on 25 April 1945. On 4 May, four days after Hitler's suicide in Berlin , retreating SS troops set fire to

2560-489: The heavily expanded SS and SD barracks, support staff, guest houses, underground bunkers , and air-raid shelters. In 1938 Bormann also had the Kehlsteinhaus lodge erected on a rocky promontory, including a lift system from the upper end of the access road. Hitler seldom visited it, though he and his mistress Eva Braun spent much time at Obersalzberg. From 1937 the German Reich Chancellery maintained

2624-554: The house over the next few days. The American 1st Battalion of the 506th Infantry Regiment arrived on 8 May. The 3rd Battalion of the 506th came into Berchtesgaden by a different route and sustained casualties in a skirmish with the crews of two German 88mm anti-aircraft/anti-tank guns . One of the most notable artifacts taken by American soldiers was the Columbus Globe for State and Industry Leaders , known more commonly as "Hitler's Globe". The teahouse on Mooslahnerkopf hill

Obersalzberg - Misplaced Pages Continue

2688-478: The houses of Göring and Bormann, the SS barracks, the Kampfhäusl , and the teahouse were all destroyed. This had been part of an agreement under which the Americans handed the area back to the Bavarian authorities. There was fear that the ruins would become a neo-Nazi shrine and tourist attraction. More than 50 Obersalzberg Nazi buildings were destroyed. The Platterhof had been a nearby hostel for visitors to

2752-485: The instruments used for these can be seen in the Museum Carolino Augusteum in Salzburg. Berghof (residence) The Berghof was rebuilt and renamed in 1935 and was Hitler's holiday residence for ten years. It was damaged by British bombs in late April 1945, and again in early May by retreating SS troops, and it was looted after Allied troops reached the area. The Bavarian government demolished

2816-489: The ruins of some Third Reich buildings. 47°37′52″N 13°3′21″E  /  47.63111°N 13.05583°E  / 47.63111; 13.05583 Berchtesgaden 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

2880-501: The sale of his political manifesto Mein Kampf . The small chalet-style building was refurbished and much expanded by architect Alois Degano during 1935–36 under the supervision of Martin Bormann , when it was renamed The Berghof (English: "Mountain Court"). The renovated interiors were designed by Gerdy Troost . A large terrace was built and featured big, colourful, resort-style canvas umbrellas. The entrance hall "was filled with

2944-403: The same room. On 7 June 1944, Colonel Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg planned to detonate a bomb at a meeting there, but his fellow conspirators would not give him approval to do so because Himmler and Hermann Göring were also not present. The Allies rejected suggestions about derailing Hitler's train to Obersalzberg and using poison in the train's drinking water, but the British developed

3008-484: The steps of the Berghof by Hitler included David Lloyd George (3 March 1936), the Aga Khan (20 October 1937), Duke and Duchess of Windsor (22 October 1937), Kurt von Schuschnigg (12 February 1938), Neville Chamberlain (15 September 1938), and Benito Mussolini (19 January 1941). At the end of July 1940, Hitler summoned his military chiefs from OKW and OKH to the Berghof for the 'Berghof Conference' at which

3072-472: The town. On 4 May, forward elements of the 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division arrived and received the town's surrender. 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. It served as a U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center through

3136-593: The use of the mountainside retreat during the war, and about the history of National Socialism; visitors can tour the bunker complex. (Access to the bunkers was closed for construction in September 2017 and remained closed in July 2018 "until further notice".) The museum is operated by the Institut für Zeitgeschichte (Institute of Contemporary History). The Berchtesgaden National Park, billed as "the only National Park in

3200-468: The villa as Hitler had previously ordered. Only hours later, the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division arrived at Berchtesgaden along with the French 2nd Armoured Division . The Obersalzberg area was placed under the U.S. administration. At the time, the Berghof still contained destroyed paintings, evening gowns, medical equipment, and a wine cellar. The house was looted by American troops. The Berghof's shell survived and had been attracting tourists until 1952 when

3264-470: The wall to give a sweeping, open-air view of the snow-capped mountains in Hitler's native Austria . The house was maintained much like a small resort hotel by several housekeepers, gardeners, cooks, and other domestic workers. The Berghof became a centrepiece of Nazi propaganda. The Nazi-controlled German press as well as the English-language international press covered Hitler's life at home in

SECTION 50

#1732771813259

3328-509: The widow of a Buxtehude manufacturer. Hitler put his half-sister Angela Raubal in charge of the household, together with her daughter Geli . Several months after the Nazi seizure of power ( Machtergreifung ) in January 1933, Chancellor Hitler purchased Haus Wachenfeld and began making a series of three important renovations. The first included window shutters and a small office, followed

3392-581: The wives and children of other Nazi leaders and Hitler's staff who would all pose for an annual group photograph on the occasion of Hitler's birthday. The social scene at the Berghof ended on 14 July 1944, when Hitler left for his military headquarters in East Prussia, never to return. Silent colour films shot by Eva Braun survived the war and showed Hitler and his guests relaxing at the Berghof. In 2006, computer lip-reading software identified several parts of their conversations. Among those identified in

3456-538: Was Ludwig Ganghofer . 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

3520-466: Was allowed on the terrace. His vegetarian diet was supplied by nearby kitchen gardens and, later, a greenhouse. A large complex of mountain homes for the Nazi leadership, and many buildings for their security and support staff, were constructed nearby. To acquire the land for these projects, many neighbours were compelled to sell their properties and leave. A mountaintop structure, the Kehlsteinhaus , nicknamed Eagle's Nest by André François-Poncet ,

3584-446: Was bombed by hundreds of British RAF Lancaster heavy bombers, including aircraft from No. 617 Squadron RAF (the "Dambusters"), which attacked Obersalzberg on 25 April 1945. At least two bombs struck the Berghof and did considerable damage to the building. Retreating SS troops set fire to the villa on 4 May, four days after Hitler's suicide in Berlin. Only hours later, the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division arrived at Berchtesgaden along with

3648-561: Was built, the first of the Berchtesgaden salt mines which became the economic base of the Prince-provostry. The area was annexed by Austria in 1805 and then ruled by France in 1809–1810. With Berchtesgaden it was secularised in 1803 and passed to the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1810. Salzberg was re-established as a Bavarian municipality in 1817. Plans by Nazi authorities to merge it with Berchtesgaden were not carried out and Salzberg

3712-752: Was not incorporated into Berchtesgaden until 1972. It was the scene of the filming of The Sound of Music 's last scene where the von Trapps were escaping into what was thought to be Switzerland and to their freedom. In 1877 Mauritia Mayer, a pioneer in Alpine tourism , opened the Pension Moritz boarding house in Obersalzberg. In the late 19th century German intellectuals like Mayer's close friend Richard Voss , artists such as Johannes Brahms , Ludwig Ganghofer , Joseph Joachim , Ludwig Knaus , Franz von Lenbach , Peter Rosegger and Clara Schumann as well as industrialists like Carl von Linde began using

3776-720: 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

3840-732: 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

3904-793: Was the Kehlsteinhaus ("the house on Kehlstein mountain", called the "Eagle's Nest" by English speakers) atop the summit of the Kehlstein, a rocky outcrop, that was used for Nazi Party meetings and to host dignitaries; the building had no beds. It was presented to Adolf Hitler in 1939, on his 50th birthday, but he only visited the site on 14 occasions, because of a fear of heights among the reasons; Eva Braun used it more frequently. Around Hitler's home, several Nazi leaders such as Hermann Göring , Martin Bormann and Albert Speer acquired residences. By 1935–36 Party Secretary Bormann had all residents of Obersalzberg either bought out or evicted, and

SECTION 60

#1732771813259

3968-455: Was turned into quarters to house the Reichssicherheitsdienst (Reich Security Service; RSD) SS security men who patrolled the grounds of the Berghof. It was later occupied by the Generalmajor of the Police. (The hotel was rebuilt in 1950 and reopened as a hotel before Christmas, the Hotel zum Türken. Visitors can still explore the historic underground hallways and tunnels that had been used by

4032-514: Was unscathed in the April 1945 bombing raid, but the Bavarian government knocked it down by 1951 because of its link with Hitler. For 55 years, the ruins lay in the woods by the 13th hole of the Gutshof golf course, but these were taken away altogether during the summer of 2006. The Berghof's shell survived until 1952, when the Bavarian government demolished it with explosives on 30 April. The Berghof,

4096-449: Was venerated on Perchtertag ( Epiphany ) and was sworn to during the Perchta procession. 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. The town and its surroundings belonged to the Berchtesgaden Provostry , an independent state of the Holy Roman Empire (called Fürstpropstei Berchtesgaden ) and

#258741