10 Must-Visit Places and Spaces in Berchtesgaden, Germany, Berchtesgaden, Germany

Berchtesgaden, Germany is a majestic village that will forever hold a place in my heart. After surviving World War Two, my family lived here, working at a displacement camp before immigrating to the United States in 1951. Rediscovering my roots brought tears to my eyes and light to my soul. Visiting Berchtesgaden is an easy day trip from Salzburg and a doable day trip from Munich. Whether you visit for a day or overnight, these are some of the best places and spaces to visit.

This tiny town originated in 1120AD when the Augustaner Monks built a small church, which expanded to the monastery. The village sits on a hill and an indiscreet trail climbs the side of the town. It's not a designated trail but rather follow the tiny road up the hill eventually to an open green space that overlooks the town as seen in the image above. 

War memorials are commonly seen throughout Germany, and this cemetery is dedicated to the German men who risked their lives for the "Vaterland" in World War One and Two. Meandering the graveyard is an interesting experience. In one way the graveyard is beautiful and the tombstones are dressed with multitude of flowers, ivy and gold lettering. In a different light, it's astonishing to see how young these men were, some barely 18, dying for their country. In a mix of beauty and sadness, and makes one appreciate the life we have today.  ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).