Description
Directly behind the entrance to Berchtesgaden you can find "Haus der Berge", the Centre of the National Park. A total of 17,000 square meters are dedicated to the natural habitats of Berchtesgaden National Park. With light and sound effects, you can learn about the biodiversity and ecosystem of the national park in the exhibitions. The House of Mountains includes an outdoor area, an information centre, an education centre, a shop, and a restaurant.
Information Centre
Your visit to the Information Centre starts with a cinema in the foyer showing a nature film about Berchtesgaden National Park. You will then be able to see the permanent exhibition "Vertical Wilderness". In addition to learning about habitat, biodiversity, and flora and fauna in the exhibit, you will also gain insight into the interaction between climate, biology, and soil conditions. The exhibition covers 1000 square meters and recreates the landscape from the bottom of Lake Königsee to the summit of the Watzmann. Each of the four habitats is presented one after the other: water, forest, meadow, and rock. There is a 12-minute cycle of light projections to reflect the four seasons.
With many visual and acoustic impressions, you can experience the theme individually and interactively at the museum. The highlight of the exhibition is a 15-metre-wide, eleven-metre-high screen that shows a nature film and opens to reveal a view of the Watzmann through the glass front. Additionally, to the permanent exhibition "Man and Mountain", which represents clubs and associations, mountaineering, and myths of the region, there are also changing special exhibitions.
Educational Centre
Children and groups are the main targets of the education centre. It serves to prepare and deepen knowledge after viewing an exhibition or participating in an excursion to a National Park. In general, the education centre is only accessible during the programme or can be used by groups with prior registration.
Outdoor Area
The outdoor area offers a panoramic path with views of the Watzmann, Jenner and Hochkalter. Benches invite you to linger in this area. There is also an adventure trail for groups and schoolchildren to get to know nature up close.
Historical Information
On 24 May 2013, the House of the Mountains opened its doors. The project cost 19 million euros, of which 15 million were financed by the Free State of Bavaria. Before this project, the village only had a small information center.
How to get there
You can reach the House of the Mountains by car or by train.
- The journey from Munich takes about two hours by car. There are plenty of parking spaces directly in front of the facility.
- By train, it takes two and a half to three hours. The terminus is called Berchtesgaden. From there it is a 20-minute walk to the National Park Centre.