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.
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.
Among the largest of Salzburg's magnificent churches, the splendid Salzburg Cathedral serves as the backdrop for the annual Jedermann Festival. The first church to be erected on the site dates back to the latter part of the 8th-century and was dedicated to St. Virgil and St. Rupert. The building that we see today is the third avatar of the original structure and was erected sometime between 1620 to 1628 by the acclaimed architect Santino Solari. The church witnessed its moment of glory when it was consecrated by Archbishop Paris Lodron during the tense spell of the Thirty Years' War. The cathedral can be seen from many points in the city, which makes it an unmissable sight in Salzburg.
The undefeated Hohensalzburg Fortress is the defining feature of Salzburg's skyline, towering high above the Old Town on its lofty perch atop the Mönchsberg. Originally constructed in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, the castle was expanded over the years, taking its current form in the year 1500 under the guidance of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. Built to monumental proportions, the castle is one of Europe's largest Medieval structures, its sprawling embrace a cornucopia of Medieval artistic and architectural riches. The State Rooms and Princely Chambers are the most lavishly adorned, closely followed by the Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. Today, the castle houses the Museum of the Rainer Regiment, the Fortress Museum and the Marionette Museum, and hosts the annual Salzburg Fortress Concerts amid the mount's ancient trees. Multimedia displays and interactive experiences bring the Medieval Era alive at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, historic Salzburg's crowning glory.
Situated by the banks of the river Salzach, Schloss Mirabell is one of the finest medieval structures in the city. A classic example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, this building is known to have been the residence of prominent aristocrats, including King Otto of Greece. The palace is surrounded by beautiful, geometrically-shaped gardens which house sculptures and statues of characters form Greek mythology.
An enduring landmark which offers an insight into the town's salt mining industry, Alte Saline is a historic saline plant which illuminates the significance of salt, its production, and its development among other factors. Set amid lush green courtyards dotted with trees and a large fountain, the monument is an important part of the town's heritage and history. Group tours and guided tours are provided regularly and interested visitors can explore the fascinating complex which also features a salt shop and a salt museum.
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.
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.
Neue Residenz stands overlooking most of the ancient, architectural marvels of the old town of Salzburg but it still stands apart as a striking construction of the city. This magnificent building saw the reign of four Archbishops but it owes its design and planning to Wolf Dietrich. The building is a 16th-century construction which was then used as a guest house featuring a library and stately rooms, in addition to the Salzburg Glockenspiel. It also is an address to the famous Salzburg Museum. Today, Neue Residenz is a functional event venue popular for concerts and other cultural gatherings.
Christuskirche in Berchtesgaden is an Evangelical church that bestows peace upon thousands of devotees who come here for prayers, sermons and mass. Solemn ceremonies and melodious concerts by the church's choir are a regular feature at the church. Besides that, the church also finds an important place in the city's itinerary with tourists coming in to appreciate its archaic beauty.
Arguably one of the most scenic roads in Bavaria, perhaps, all of Germany, the Rossfeld Höhenringstraße connects Berchtesgaden to various attractions such as Eagle's Nest, mountains of Hohen Göll and the Tennen and Dachsteingebirge ranges. Perched atop an altitude of more than 1600 meters (5249 feet), this gorgeous toll route offers some of the most splendid panoramas in Europe. The road is well-maintained for driving as well as hiking, in fact, many visitors to Germany prefer to hike up this magnificent mountainous path, which most likely forms one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. This region is home to several beautiful alpine meadows where you can spot flora and fauna that is typical to alpine regions. There are many restaurants, charming mountain lodges and inns to be found throughout route. If you're in Berchtesgadener Land, this is a road you must take!
Wallfahrtskirche Maria Gern is the pilgrimage church of Berchtesgaden, often regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in Bavaria. Established somewhere between 1708 -1710, the church was built on the site of an older chapel. Maria Gern is home to a rare and significant image of Madonna and Child, which dates back to 1666. The Roman Catholic church boasts of pretty interiors, complete with beautiful frescoes and stucco work, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, by Christoph Lehrl and Joseph Schmidt.