Dokumentation Obersalzberg

In the Obersalzberg Documentation you can explore the history of the Obersalzberg and the history of the National Socialist dictatorship in a multimedia way.

The permanent exhibition "Idyll and Crime" gives visitors a comprehensive insight into the history of Obersalzberg and its connection to Adolf Hitler and National Socialism. Using around 350 objects, documents, photographs and multimedia elements, the exhibition explains the historical site and tells of the fate of the victims. The largest exhibit is the historic bunker, which is accessible as part of the permanent exhibition. The Obersalzberg Documentation has been working on the Nazi past since 1999 and is one of the most important institutions in Germany and internationally.

Obersalzberg above Berchtesgaden has been Adolf Hitler's vacation home since 1923. After the seizure of power in 1933, Obersalzberg became the Führer's restricted area and was systematically developed into the second seat of government alongside Berlin. The documentary Obersalzberg shows the history of Obersalzberg as a contrast between idyll and crime, deconstructs propaganda images and focuses on the fates of the victims.

European Museum Prize for the Obersalzberg Documentation

The Obersalzberg Documentation has been awarded the Luigi Micheletti Award 2025 by the European Museum Academy. The prestigious European museum prize honors the new permanent exhibition "Idyll and Crime", which opened in 2023 and deals with the history of Obersalzberg during the National Socialist era. The jury particularly praised the impressive narrative style, the successful combination of local location and historical context as well as the harmonious interplay of exhibits, scenography, media and visitor guidance.

The exhibition was conceived and scientifically supervised by the Institute of Contemporary History Munich-Berlin, which was responsible for the historical reappraisal and communication of the topic. The Obersalzberg Documentation was the only German museum among the nominated institutions in 2025. Since its reopening, around 430,000 visitors have seen the exhibition - a clear sign of the continuing high level of interest in the examination of this historically significant site.

Obersalzberg Documentation

The Obersalzberg Documentation offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of Obersalzberg and the history of National Socialism as a whole at this historic site. The multimedia exhibition documents the history of Obersalzberg in connection with the National Socialist dictatorship.

A place of remembrance and learning

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Obersalzberg Documentation offers changing special exhibitions and a varied program of events. Participants can actively engage with Nazi history and the present in the diverse educational program.

Tours & media guide

Trained guides accompany you on tours of the "Idyll and Crime" exhibition and explain the most important aspects of the exhibition using selected exhibits. Open tours are regularly offered for individuals. It is also possible to book tours for groups (max. 20 people). A media guide is also available for visitors to the documentation, either on loan or as an app.