Mount Untersberg is one of the most legendary mountains in the Alps — especially around its caves, where countless myths and mysterious tales have taken root over the centuries. Rising prominently between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden, this striking mountain massif is far more than just a peak to many locals. For them, the Untersberg is a mountain of mystery.
The best-known Untersberg legend tells of Charlemagne: According to the tale, Emperor Charlemagne waits inside the Untersberg for his resurrection. Every hundred years, he awakens. If he sees that the ravens are still circling the mountain, he returns to sleep for another century. During this time, the emperor is cared for by the Untersberger Mandln — dwarf-like figures devoted loyally to him.
In another version of the legend, it is Frederick Barbarossa who sleeps inside the mountain until his resurrection. His beard grows around a round table. So far, it has circled the table twice — but once it completes the third round, the end of the world will begin. And it is said that no good emperor will come after him. A similar legend surrounds the Kyffhäuser, a forested mountain ridge south of the Harz Mountains in Thuringia, where the Kyffhäuser Monument stands.
When the emperor awakens and leaves the Untersberg, some versions of the legend foretell one final great battle of humankind on the Walserfeld. Though the stories differ in content, time, and place, they likely all stem from the long-held folk belief in the return of a peace-bringing emperor.
According to a related legend, the Elector of Bavaria will hang his coat of arms on a withered pear tree on Walserfeld before the final battle — the so-called Walser Pear Tree.
This motif also appears repeatedly: Someone finds the entrance to the dwarf kingdom of the Untersberg Emperor. Either they are lavishly rewarded there, or they return to the earthly world after a brief visit—only to discover that endless years have passed in the meantime.
