Dachau and Berchtesgaden, Germany (Berchtesgaden)

After our visit at the Dachau Concentration Camp, we hopped back into the car and headed for Berchtesgaden, Germany.  I really love this entire region of Germany. To say it is beautiful is a complete understatement!

We stayed in a charming little hotel, Guesthouse Alpina. It was clean, the staff was very helpful and friendly, the room was larger than we expected (it also came with a balcony overlooking the Eagle's Nest mountain), and a continental breakfast was included (90 EUR for one night).  We would definitely recommend this hotel to others!

We were worried the weather would prevent us from going up the mountain again!
Thankfully, everything cleared up after breakfast and we were able to enjoy some time at Hitler's Eagle's Nest.

The only downside to the hotel was that it was not within walking distance to the downtown area/restaurants and the parking lot was very tight.  But, driving in Berchtesgaden was not difficult and we drove (about 5 min) to the downtown area and were able to park (somewhat) easily and walk around.  We didn't find a restaurant downtown that we really wanted to eat at and none of the shops were open on Sunday, so we didn't stay very long.

Members of the SA gathered at the same fountain in 1930s

Instead, we went to a restaurant at the nearby Hotel Schwabenwirt and had an amazing dinner!

We also took a tour of the Salt Mines while we were there and I would highly recommend it if you have young children (although, I think we enjoyed it was much as they did!).  The guided underground tour took about 1 hr. and included a small train ride into the mines, a boat ride (with light show) across the clearest water we've ever seen in our lives, two chances to slide down the mines, and a funicular ride back up to the train.  Although the guide spoke English, the tour was in German (English audio guide included in ticket price, 42 EUR for family of four).

You are not allowed to take pictures in the mine but they have three stops where they take pictures for you and you can purchase them after your visit for about 5 EUR each.  Also, when planning for the mine, allot yourself time to change into the "salt suit," as my children call it.  You will need to have your bags checked and be changed prior to your tour start time.  Aren't they lovely?!

We truly enjoyed every minute of our quick trip to Berchtesdgaden! It was hands-down our most scenic trip to date.  According to my son, "it was EPIC!"  I would have to agree...

Ever been?  Did we miss anything you would recommend?