Mount Untersberg

A mountain steeped in legend between Berchtesgaden and Salzburg

Untersberg is the northernmost massif in the Berchtesgaden Alps - lots of wondrous tales revolve around it. It lies in the states of Bavaria and Salzburg, with the border running right across the mountain itself. Its striking summit plateau is defined by two main peaks: Berchtesgadener Hochthron at 1,972 meters and Salzburger Hochthron at 1,853 meters.

Inside the Untersberg’s 70-square-kilometer massif lies a hidden world of caves, including the Schellenberg Ice Cave, which is open to visitors, and the Riesending cave system. With a length of at least 19.5 kilometers and a depth of more than 1,148 meters, it is Germany’s longest and deepest cave. This wealth of caves has inspired numerous legends and myths that surround the mountain.

Friedrich Barbarossa im Untersberg, Stich aus dem 19. Jahrhundert von Karl Girardet
Legend

Legendary Untersberg

Mount Untersberg is one of the most legendary mountains in the Alps—especially its caves, which are surrounded by countless myths and stories. Rising between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden, this striking massif has long been considered a mountain of mystery by locals.

Legends & myths

Mountain huts and alpine pastures

Rustic huts and traditional alpine experiences

Stöhrhaus and Toni-Lenz-Hütte warmly welcome you, whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight. If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, you’ll also find traditional alpine pastures like Scheibenkaser and Zehnkaser at Untersberg.

  • Scheibenkaser on Untersberg

    Marktschellenberg
    • Closed now
  • Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden

    Zehnkaser

    • Closed now

The Untersberg Cable Car

Start in Sankt Leonhard, just across the Austrian border, and hop aboard the Untersbergbahn cable car. The reversible aerial tramway, operated in pendulum mode, lifts you smoothly up to Geiereck—where you’ll find yourself standing high above it all on the panoramic Untersberg.

Die Schellenberger Eishöhle

Schellenberg Ice Cave

Step down into the Schellenberg Ice Cave and venture deep inside the legendary Untersberg. At an elevation of 1,570 meters, you’ll discover mesmerizing ice formations and vast, majestic chambers. With around 60,000 cubic meters of ice—reaching thicknesses of up to 30 meters—Germany’s largest developed ice cave delivers a refreshingly cool, almost otherworldly experience, even in the height of summer. A true natural wonder that will leave you in awe.

[Translate to English:] Die Almbachklamm

Almbachklamm gorge

At the foot of Untersberg, the Almbach stream plunges into the wild, romantic Almbachklamm gorge with roaring force. Cross countless bridges and walkways as you experience this raw natural spectacle in Marktschellenberg up close.

Untersberg Loop bike tour

You can’t ride your bike to the top of Untersberg—but you can circle it. The Untersberg Loop is one of the region’s classic rides, taking you through Berchtesgaden and Salzburg on a route that’s as varied as it is rewarding.

Explore the Untersberg loop