Berchtesgaden, Germany:

The area was first used as a small settlement until the Augustinian monastery and town were officially established in 1100.  Like other local powerhouses such as Salzburg and Hallstatt, salt was quickly discovered in Berchtesgaden and from 1200 through the Middle Ages, this white gold brought wealth to the village.  Since the 1500s the village has back and forth on whether it is part of greater Salzburg or Bavaria, but has retained as much sovereignty as possible.

Because of its beauty, many leaders have longed for Berchtesgaden, from the Bavarian Royal family that has held a permanent residence here since 1810 and even Hitler who made the area the 2nd seat of government for the 3rd Reich during WWII.  When the Nazi’s lost WWII the region was in search of an identity and decided to join neighboring cities to form Berchtesgaden Land.

Since WII some of Berchtesgaden’s Nazi past has been turned into wonderful tourist attractions to help make sure the event of the past are never repeated.  These attractions include the Documentation Center Museum complete with its underground tunnels and the mighty Eagle’s Nest providing views of up to 120 miles.  Throw in the amazing experience of a boat ride the enclosed Königsee Lake, the views and skiing from Jennar Mountain, and charm of Old Town’s market and beer halls all capped off with the tower Watzmann peaks and you have a village that needs to be on your must-visit list.