Bavaria the country in Germany

Bavaria is a modern day success story, not only in Industry, but also in Tourism, as a Region for Wellness and Family Holidays. Bavaria is an ideal destination for Farmstead Holidays. Berchtesgaden didn’t become part of Bavaria until the early 19th Century. We have compiled a short history of Bavaria and Berchtesgaden from its origins by the Celts through to its development as an Industrial and Recuperation Region.  

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Celtic Nomads and Northern Germanes started a process that would, over the centuries, lead to the initiation of the Bavarian Clan. Evidence has been uncovered that Bavarians existed as early as 555 A.D. The victory of Karl the Great over Bavarian Duke Tassilo 3rd ended the rule of the Bavarian Dukedom. It was Karl the Great, one of the first Provosts in Berchtesgaden, who allowed the mining of minerals and salt.
The Wittlesbach Royal Family ruled Bavaria from 1180 till 1918. Due to a timely alliance with Napoleon and France, Bavaria was awarded large land grants for its assistance in the downfall of Austria. Then, after signing a treaty with Austria, helped defeat Napoleon at the Viennese Congress in 1814. Even today the Bavarian dialect consists of French words and phrases. Berchtesgaden became a part of the Bavarian Kingdom in 1810, up until then it was an independent Duchy.
Further widespread of the Reformation into Bavaria was delayed by the Bavarian Dukes. Wilhelm IV (1508 – 1550) was against the Reformation. In 1524 Wilhelm allowed the Pope to ordain the Bavarian Bishops leaving him to rally against the Reformation. That is why today north Germany is more Evangelist in their Religion and Bavaria more Catholic.
The famous King Ludwig 2nd “The Fairytale King” is renowned for his fabulous fairytale castles, Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee. His predecessor King Ludwig 1st built Munich as an Art and University City. Due to an affair with a dancer Lola Montez, during the March unrest in 1848, Ludwig 1st abdicated his crown. Both Ludwig 1st and 2nd hardly ever visited Berchtesgaden.
In 1866 Bavaria found itself in yet another Prussian – Austrian War. Due to the immense firepower of the Prussians the Bavarians took heavy casualties. In 1871 Bavaria became a part of the new German Reich. They were allowed to retain Reservation Rights along with Postal Services, Train Network and the Military.
After deposing of Ludwig 2nd in 1886 through mysterious circumstances, Prince Regent Luitpold (1886 – 1912) took over as ruler, never taking the crown. He presented himself as Bavaria’s return to “the good old days”. He visited Berchtesgaden frequently and was an avid Hunter, preferring hunting to the political advancement of Bavaria. Prince Regent Luitpold passed away in 1912 his successor, the lesser known Ludwig the Third.
The Bavarian Monarchy ended in 1918 round about the time of Germany’s November unrest. On 09.11.1918 Bavaria became a Free State. During the reign of the National Socialists (N.S.) Nurnberg and the Obersalzberg were used for most of the N.S. propaganda. The Alpine Fortress complex consists of the whole area of the Obersalzberg and not just the Eagles Nest, the area from the Platterhof Hotel (General Walker Hotel) to the village of Buchenhöhe laid host to the prominent and the privileged.
In 1949, after the occupation by the American Military, Bavaria became a part of the newly founded German Federal Republic. The idea was to develop Agricultural and Industrial Towns. Today firms such as Siemens, BMW, Eurocopter, MAN and more are now located throughout various towns and cities in Bavaria. The surrounding countryside turned to Tourism and Winter Sports. The Ski resorts of Jenner and Götschen have both been hosts to World Cup Ski Races. Most Regions in Bavaria are ideal for Family Holidays and have lots to offer in regards to Wellness and Active Holidays (Walking, Rafting or Mountain Climbing). Make your Holiday in Bavaria a real adventure, and Berchtesgaden a place to recuperate.