Watzmann: The Mountain That Makes Germany Stand Tall
The third highest mountain in Germany and the highest one in Bavaria, the Watzmann looming above the clear green waters of River Koenigssee, is much more than just a perfect postcard backdrop. With a massif that also includes Watzmanfrau or Kleiner Watzmann and Watzmannkinder, the Watzmann also has three peaks: Hocheck (2651m), Mittelspitze (2713m) and Sudspitze (2712m).
Location
The Watzmann is a mountain range located in the town of Berchtesgaden in the federal state of Bavaria in Germany.
Weather
Due to a typically alpine climate, summers are warm in Berchtesgaden but not hot, while winters are cold. During the winter months, the temperature in the town drops to 2 degree Celsius and at night, it drops to -5 degree Celsius. Summer months are warmer with an average temperature of 24 degree Celsius which drop to 16 degree Celsius at night. Rainfall occurs mostly during the summer months.
Watzmann: Germany’s Highest Pride
The Watzmann is a prominent mountain in Germany not only because it is one of the highest mountains in the country, but also because this mountain provides a different view of the landscape surrounding it from all the four directions. This very beauty of the Watzmann is the reason why locals, as well as tourists, are attracted to the mountain as a moth is attracted to the flame since hundreds of years.
Botanist G.A. Weitzenbach was the first recorded summiteer of Hocheck. His ascent was made in the year 1784. The first ascent of Mittelspitze took place at the turn of the 18th century (1799) by Valentin Stanik. P.C. Thurwieser made the first ascent of Sudspitze in 1832.
For many proceeding years, numerous mountaineers discovered a number of mountain routes in order to reach the summit of the Watzmann. Some were slightly difficult ones, and others were more so. But, it wasn’t until 1947 that the easiest route, as called the easiest ‘climbing path’ was discovered by a pair named J. Aschauer and H. Schuster through the big wall known as Berchtesgardener Weg.
In the sixties, a plan to build a teleferic to Watzmann-Hocheck was build up. However, the plan later did not materialize. So, today the Watzmann has a cabin at Hocheck built in 1898, some steps cut out of stone as well as rope protection in place. Hence, the Watzmann has, for many years, remained a paradise of rock, stones and snow for hikers and climbers.
Traveling in Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden was added to the Kingdom of Bavaria in the 19th century. It is not your typical town. Not only it is home to the highest mountain range in Bavaria, but it is also the place where Nazi power has left its mark. Obersalzberg, where Hitler had made his abode, was the place where high-level meetings took place and Berghof, where sitting in a large chalet Hitler planned his invasions on the countries of Poland, France, and Russia. These are the two places that cannot be forgotten because a visitor becomes captivated by the beauty of the Watzmann.
Apart from climbing and hiking the summits of the beautifully majestic mountain, one can also spend quality time with one’s kith and kin by sailing on the green, enchanting waters of the Konigssee. A visit to a local hofbrauhaus is never a bad idea. A small town that blends a dark past with a gorgeous present and some fun activities is definitely not worth a miss!
Why visit?
Every traveler or adventurer has one wish in common on their wish list- to have a bird’s eye view of the world from atop a mountain. Well, not exactly the world, but the peak of the Watzmann can surely give a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers as well as the villages! And who can neglect the calm, quiet, serene surrounding that motivates you to rediscover yourself in a spiritual way? However, the journey is more significant than the end result. The mere joy of climbing through different paths and yet reaching the same destination not only gives you an adrenaline rush but also makes you realize that no matter which way we take in life, we all will reach the same destination in the end. A journey that makes you feel full of life that helps you to reinvent or reconstruct your perception about life and the world is a journey that you must take once in your lifetime.
Major attractions
- Hitler’s Eagles Nest: This place first and foremost will provide you with one of the best panoramic views that any other hilltop destination can offer. 3,000 feet above the ground, this attraction is called so because, from that point, you will be able to cast an eagle eye for over 120 miles away. Meant to be a gift to Hitler on his 50th birthday, this was not an easy path to tread as it took over 3000 laborers who labored in dangerous and risky conditions to pave a road that led to the actual ‘gift.’ The place was turned into a restaurant in 1952, but a special bus ride from the Nazi Documentation Centre and a small steep climb later, you will find yourself at the Mountain Cross, from where you can capture the panoramic view below.
- King’s Lake (Konigssee): Bavaria’s deepest lake is also an angelic sight to behold. Electric passenger ferries will take you past boathouses, massive waterfalls, and majestic mountain faces. Every moment spent sailing on the lake is a treasure for travelers and tourists. The Ferry Boat Tour will first take you to the Church of St. Bartholoma, a white structure with a red dome- one of the most photographed attractions in Berchtesgaden. But the best part of the entire tour is The Ice Chapel, a perennial glacier with a natural cave. Sailing further, you will come upon Obersee, the incredibly crystal clear part of the lake with a grandiose waterfall.
- Salzbergwerk: Take a guided tour of this salt mine that was first opened about 500 years ago to know more about salt mining in detail. Go to the underground lake and slide down the 120-foot long miner slide to make the best out of the experience there! A miner jumpsuit will make you feel just like a professional miner. This attraction is one of the many attractions in the town that is a sure fun activity for people of all ages.
- Braeustueberl Beer Hall (Hofbrauhaus): Part of the popular and much loved Hofbrauhuas chain, this Beer Hall is just the place to visit if you want to have a memorable culinary experience while interacting with the locals at the same time. A good glass of beer, traditional food, and locals who sing along to live music at the top of their lungs- you will find it all here, and much more. Traditions such as Trachtenfest will make it all the more easier for you to enjoy the company of other locals while you chug down (or try to) a liter of beer as a challenge by an on-site blacksmith. Just indulge in the traditions and soon you will cherish it with a big smile on your face!
- The Sommerrdelbahn Slide: A 2,000-foot long metallic slide that slides you down the mountain is something you should not forget to experience. After a ride downhill, the track will automatically shuttle you upwards to the top once more. A family fun ride that promises thrill and happiness hand in hand.
What else is around?
- Wimbachklamm Waterfalls
- Deer House
- Monkey Facade
- Berghof
- Burgruine Plainburg
- Rothbach Waterfall
Plan a trip to Watzman and enjoy exploring this place with your family and friends. The picturesque locations offer a soothing experience while the mountains offer a gateway to adventurous activities. So, go ahead and visit Watzman, you won’t regret it, we promise!