Untersberg
Salzburg
Untersberg is a striking mountain massif forming the northernmost part of the Berchtesgaden Alps, located on the border between Salzburg, Austria, and Berchtesgaden, Germany. Its highest peak, Berchtesgaden Hochthron, rises to 1,973 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The massif is renowned for its distinctive table-top shape and limestone geology, featuring the famous Untersberg Marble used in historic architecture such as Salzburg Cathedral. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails or take the Untersbergbahn cable car from Sankt Leonhard to the Geiereck summit, providing easy access to the mountain's scenic vantage points. The massif hosts over 400 caves, including the Schellenberg Ice Cave and the Riesending Cave, Germany's deepest and longest cave system. Untersberg gained international recognition through its appearance in the film "The Sound of Music" and is steeped in local legend, including tales of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa sleeping inside the mountain. Outdoor activities vary seasonally, with hiking, climbing, and paragliding in summer, and ski touring and snowshoeing in winter. Its proximity to Salzburg makes it a popular natural landmark and cultural symbol in the region.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during late spring to early autumn for hiking and cave tours, or winter for ski touring. Purchase cable car tickets in advance during peak seasons to avoid queues. Visitors can benefit from discounts for groups, families, and seniors. The cable car operates daily with frequent departures, and parking regulations apply near the base station. Check the official website for live webcam views and updated weather conditions before your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Untersberg's Berchtesgaden Hochthron is the highest peak at 1,973 m (6,473 ft).
- •The Riesending Cave in Untersberg is Germany's deepest (1,148 m) and longest (over 19 km) cave system.
- •The mountain's limestone includes the famous Untersberg Marble used in Salzburg Cathedral's facade.
- •Untersberg features in the opening and closing scenes of the 1965 film "The Sound of Music."
- •Over 400 caves have been discovered within the massif, including the Schellenberg Ice Cave, a show cave since 1925.
History
The first recorded ascent of Untersberg was in the early 12th century by Eberwein from the Augustinian monastery at Berchtesgaden.
Over centuries, the mountain became a notable landmark between Bavaria and Salzburg, with its marble quarried since Roman times for construction and sculpture.
The Untersbergbahn cable car, inaugurated in 1961, modernized access to the massif, boosting tourism.
The massif's caves have been explored extensively since the 19th century, revealing complex karst formations and deep subterranean systems.
Its cultural significance is enhanced by its role in folklore and its depiction in the 1965 film "The Sound of Music."
Place Guide
Berchtesgaden Hochthron
The highest peak of Untersberg at 1,973 meters, offering panoramic views of the Alps and surrounding valleys. A popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Schellenberg Ice Cave1925
A show cave located at 1,570 meters elevation, known for its year-round ice formations. Open to visitors since 1925, it showcases fascinating karst phenomena.
Riesending Cave1845 (discovery of Kolowrat Cave, part of the system)
The largest and deepest cave in Germany, with a depth of 1,148 meters and a length exceeding 19 kilometers. It features complex karst systems and requires experienced cavers for exploration.
Untersbergbahn Cable Car1961
A cable car operating since 1961, transporting visitors from Sankt Leonhard at 456 m to the Geiereck summit at 1,776 m in about eight and a half minutes, facilitating easy access to the mountain's hiking and sightseeing areas.
Contact
Phone: 06246 724770
