Dokumentation Obersalzberg

About the museum

After the US armed forces withdrew from the Obersalzberg in the mid-1990s, the Free State of Bavaria decided that this historically tainted site should be home not only to tourism but also to education. The Dokumentation Obersalzberg opened in 1999; academic responsibility was entrusted to the Institut für Zeitgeschichte München–Berlin (Institute of Contemporary History).

The building was erected on the foundations of the former guesthouse “Hoher Göll”, which belonged to the KdF (Strength Through Joy) hotel Platterhof in the former Führersperrgebiet (the Führer's restricted area). From here, part of the extensive bunker system, driven into the mountain in the last years of the war, is accessible and now forms part of the tour.

The facility was designed for around 40,000 visitors a year, but soon many times that number came. The Free State therefore commissioned a new building, which opened in fall 2023 together with the newly conceived permanent exhibition “Idyll und Verbrechen” (Idyll and Crime).

The exhibition links the transformation of the mountain village into the second center of power of the Nazi state with the regime's crimes across Europe. Around 350 objects, documents, photographs and media stations tell this story; the program is complemented by guided tours, educational programs and a small exhibition in the Kehlsteinhaus.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Idyll und Verbrechen” in the new building from 2023
• Walk-through World War II bunker complex
• Free multimedia guide, also in Easy Language, German Sign Language (DGS) and with audio description
• Interactive children's tour for ages 8 and up
• View of the grounds of the former Führersperrgebiet

Permanent exhibitions

• Idyll und Verbrechen – Opened in 2023, the permanent exhibition shows how the Obersalzberg became a center of power of the Nazi regime and connects the site with the dictatorship's crimes. The tour includes the bunker complex.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Institut für Zeitgeschichte München–Berlin (im Auftrag des Freistaats Bayern)

Director

Sven Keller

Admission & discounts

Prices as of January 2026. Free admission also for volunteer service participants, holders of the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card), police, press and active-duty soldiers. Multimedia guide included in admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

All exhibition areas reachable by elevator; accessible parking spaces at P2 with level access. Bunker reachable via a 19 m ramp (9% gradient); passageways (79–87 cm) unsuitable for wide power wheelchairs. Tactile maps and guidance system, folding chairs at the ticket desk. Media guide with German Sign Language, Easy Language and audio description.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 12+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Visit to the exhibition recommended from age 12 (topics: persecution, war and mass murder); children under 12 only when accompanied by an adult. For children ages 8 and up there is a dedicated children's tour in the media guide with 16 stops. Back-carried child carriers are not allowed in the exhibition.

Getting there & parking

In summer the parking lots are often full, in winter expect snow and ice – the museum recommends arriving by public transport. For tour buses and large vehicles, approaching via Austria (A 10, exit Anif) is recommended.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Lockers

Beverage and snack vending machines in the basement (consumption only there or outdoors). Backpacks and bulky items are not allowed in the exhibition.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit