Craftsmanship and regional products

The region’s most famous handicraft is Berchtesgadener War: these wooden pieces are still made today using traditional methods, carefully crafted by hand and artfully painted. The Arschpfeifenrössl—small horses with whistles—are also part of this traditional craftsmanship and adorn the Berchtesgaden Christmas tree in miniature form.

In addition to Berchtesgadener War, traditional crafts are alive and well in Berchtesgaden. Here, you’ll find potters and woodcarvers, as well as instrument makers for Alpine and classical music. Other highly specialized crafts typical of the region include lederhosen makers and Böllermacher, makers of saluting guns. Young artisans like woodturner Franz Keilhofer from Bischofswiesen are following in these footsteps. They not only learn traditional techniques but also bring in new ideas and skills—ensuring the preservation and continued evolution of this centuries-old craftsmanship.