Geocaching at the Eagle’s Nest: Exploring History and Hidden Treasures in Berchtesgaden, Germany

Berchtesgaden, Germany – Where History Meets Adventure

Berchtesgaden is a picture-perfect Alpine town, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and deep historical roots. But beyond the charming streets and postcard views lies another world – a world of exploration and mystery: the world of geocaching. Armed with my GPS and a healthy dose of curiosity, I recently set off on a treasure hunt through this remarkable region, where each cache offered not just a hidden prize, but a window into the past.

My journey led me to the most infamous landmark in the area – the Eagle's Nest, Hitler’s former mountaintop retreat. This is the story of my geocaching adventure, where the thrill of the hunt collided with the weight of history.

Climbing to the Eagle's Nest: German Efficiency on Full Display

Perched 1,834 meters (6,017 ft) above sea level on the Kehlstein mountain, the Eagle’s Nest – or Kehlsteinhaus – was commissioned in 1937 as a 50th birthday gift for Adolf Hitler from the Nazi Party. Though Hitler rarely visited, the building became a symbol of Nazi power, both for its extreme location and the engineering feat it represented.

Today, the structure stands not as a monument to its former occupant, but as a stark reminder of the past and a testament to reconciliation. It has been repurposed into a restaurant and historical site, welcoming visitors from around the world who come to reflect on history and take in the breathtaking views.

We chose the most convenient way to reach the top – a bus ride from downtown Berchtesgaden. And what a demonstration of German Ordnung it was. Every passenger had a pre-assigned bus and departure time, all running with precise punctuality.

As a bus driver myself, I found the experience especially fascinating. The buses, purpose-built for the narrow, winding road, have fixed gearboxes and make quite a bit of noise on the steep climb. But despite the rattling, the journey was smooth and well-orchestrated.

At the top, we exited in perfect order and entered a tunnel bored straight into the mountain. At the end of it awaited the original brass-lined elevator, which ascends through 124 meters of solid rock – still a marvel to this day. In less than a minute, we were standing inside the Eagle’s Nest.

A Geocaching Close Call: Victory in the Final Seconds

The geocache at the Eagle’s Nest (now archived) turned out to be a tough one. We searched high and low, turning over stones and scanning every crevice, but came up empty. I was on the verge of logging a DNF – “Did Not Find.” But just as I was about to admit defeat, one stone caught my eye. Could it be? Yes – the elusive cache at last!

With excitement rushing through me, I quickly signed the logbook. My son and I raced back to the elevator, managing to catch our designated bus just in time. We were thrilled – not just because we’d found the cache, but because we avoided the long walk back down the mountain!

A Reflection on the Past

Visiting the Eagle’s Nest is a powerful reminder of how landscapes can carry history. It’s easy to be swept away by the panoramic views of the Alps, but beneath the surface lies a complex and sobering legacy.

On the day of our visit, we ascended the mountain in peace, driven by curiosity and adventure – a stark contrast to the ideologies that once echoed here. The Kehlsteinhaus still stands, quiet and solemn, bearing witness to a darker time in human history. But it also serves as a symbol of how far we’ve come, and the importance of remembering the past to shape a better future.

Creux du Van: Discover Switzerland’s Grand Canyon Through Geocaching and Scenic Hikes

Creux du Van isn’t your average hiking destination. It’s a geological masterpiece—a natural amphitheater carved by glaciers and the passage of time. Nestled in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland, this breathtaking site is a dream come true for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone craving a wild escape in the heart of Europe. Join me as I revisit an unforgettable adventure to a place that will forever hold a special spot in my travel memories.

Geocaching is my excuse to explore the unexpected. Case in point: Yverdon-les-Bains, a lakeside town that sparked a spontaneous journey—complete with an impromptu swim. With Creux du Van as our destination and the trusty Waze app as our guide, we climbed higher and higher into the clouds. The road seemed endless, but the promise of a hidden cache kept us going. And wow, was it worth it! A secret trail revealed itself, leading us to a vast amphitheater—so dramatic it felt like we’d stumbled upon a lost civilization.

The magic of Creux du Van still lingers, even after seven years. The amphitheater’s sudden appearance left a deep impression on our entire family. As the others made their way back to the car, I decided to extend the adventure and log a few more caches. Only later did I realize I had unknowingly found the second-oldest cache in Switzerland—a hidden piece of history that added yet another layer of wonder to an already incredible day.

Did You Know This About Creux du Van?

• Limestone Formation: Around 200 million years ago, the Jura region was submerged under a warm, shallow sea. Over time, layers of sediment—including shells, coral fragments, and marine micro-organisms—compressed into thick limestone beds.

• Glacial Carving: During the last Ice Age (approximately 100,000 to 10,000 years ago), glaciers sculpted the landscape, gouging out soft rock and accentuating the amphitheater's iconic semi-circular shape.

• Freeze-Thaw Erosion: The amphitheater continues to evolve today. Water seeps into cracks in the limestone, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly break down the rock. This process—along with gravity—causes chunks of rock to fall, widening the bowl over time.

• Impressive Dimensions: Creux du Van spans about 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) in width and 150 meters (nearly 500 feet) in depth—big enough to house several city blocks. Standing at the edge gives you a dizzying view straight down into the vast, green basin.

• Wildlife Haven: The area is a nature reserve, home to ibex, lynx, chamois, marmots, and a rich variety of alpine flora. If you’re lucky, you might spot ibex lounging on rocky ledges like seasoned mountaineers.

• Microclimate Phenomenon: Due to its shape and orientation, the floor of the amphitheater can remain cool and damp even in summer, while the upper cliffs are dry and sunlit. It’s a natural microclimate showcasing several ecosystems in one place.

The result is the dramatic bowl-shaped formation of Creux du Van, often referred to as Switzerland's "Grand Canyon" due to its impressive scale and geological significance. It's a testament to the powerful forces that have shaped our planet over vast periods of time.

Whether you're a geology geek, a hiker hungry for views, or a treasure hunter chasing digital coordinates, Creux du Van delivers. It’s not just a place you visit—it’s a place that stays with you.

Cache visited: Grand Tour #27: Creux Du Van

Geocaching in Svalbard: Exploring Longyearbyen and the Hospital Stairs

Three Visits to the Svalbard Islands: A Geocaching Adventure

I've been lucky enough to visit the Svalbard Islands three times, with my last trip taking place just before the world changed with the 2020 pandemic. These islands, located far up in the Arctic Ocean, are an unforgettable destination—and Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, has become an unlikely geocaching hotspot, thanks to the Virtual Rewards program. 

Longyearbyen: The Arctic’s Hidden Gem

Longyearbyen is the administrative center of Svalbard and home to around 2,500 hardy residents. Despite its remote location, it’s a surprisingly vibrant community with colorful wooden houses, cozy cafés, and a strong sense of resilience. It’s also a hub for adventurers, researchers, and—of course—geocachers!

The town is small enough to walk across in about 20 minutes, yet it offers everything from a modern university campus (UNIS) to the world’s northernmost brewery. And with its surreal Arctic light—either months of polar night or midnight sun—it adds a magical backdrop to every geocaching outing.

The Hospital Stairs: A Local Landmark and Virtual Geocache

One of the highlights of my last trip was visiting the Hospital Stairs, a reconstructed wooden staircase that holds historical and cultural significance. It's dedicated to the nurses and patients who once climbed the stairs each year on March 8th to welcome the sun after the long polar night. In 2018, a Virtual Geocache was placed at this site, making it a must-visit for geocachers seeking both a smiley and a story.

Winter Geocaching in Longyearbyen: Bundle Up!

If you're planning a winter geocaching trip to Longyearbyen, prepare for extreme cold. Temperatures can drop to -25°C (-13°F) or lower, with wind chill making it feel even colder. But the cold doesn’t stop the adventure. The town’s compact layout and mostly hard-packed snow make it surprisingly walkable—even in deep winter. Just be sure to wear multiple layers and keep your GPS device warm (batteries drain fast in the cold!).

Polar Bear Safety: Stay Alert

While Longyearbyen is generally safe, polar bears are a real concern in the area. The local police have occasionally had to scare off bears wandering close to town, especially at night. Outside city limits, you're required to carry a rifle for protection, and warning signs remind visitors of the potential danger. Always be alert, follow local guidelines, and never venture out unprepared.

A Unique Destination Worth Exploring

Svalbard offers an unforgettable mix of icy wilderness, rich history, and warm-hearted locals. From traditional dishes like reindeer stew to stories of Arctic exploration, every visit adds something new. I can’t wait to return post-pandemic and see what new geocaching adventures await in this Arctic wonderland.

Cache code: GC7B9MR

Geocaching: The World's Largest Treasure Hunt

Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a treasure hunt? Well, with geocaching, you can turn that dream into a reality! It's a real-world, outdoor adventure that's happening all around you, all the time, and you're invited to join the fun.

So, what exactly is geocaching?

At its core, geocaching is a global game of hide-and-seek using GPS coordinates. People all over the world hide containers, called "geocaches" or "caches", and then share the locations online. You use a GPS device or a smartphone app to navigate to the coordinates and find the hidden cache.

How do you get started?

1. Create an account: Sign up on a geocaching platform like Geocaching.com. It's free and easy to do!

2. Find a geocache: Use the app or website to find geocaches near you. They can be hidden anywhere – parks, city centers, forests, and even underwater! You have probably passed by on thousands of caches already.

3. Navigate to the location: The app will guide you to the geocache's coordinates. Once you're close, you'll need to use your detective skills to find the hidden container.

4. Sign the logbook: When you find the geocache, open it up and sign the logbook inside. This lets other geocachers know you found it.

5. Trade items (optional): Many geocaches contain small trinkets or toys. If you take something, leave something of equal or greater value behind.

What are the benefits of geocaching?

• Explore new places: Geocaching takes you to interesting and often overlooked locations, from local parks to hidden gems in your city.
• Get exercise: It's a fun way to get active and spend time outdoors.
• Learn about history and nature: Many geocaches have educational themes, teaching you about the history of an area or local flora and fauna.
• Meet new people: You might encounter other geocachers on your adventures, and you can attend geocaching events to meet fellow enthusiasts.
• It's just plain fun! The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finding a hidden treasure is an exhilarating experience.

Different types of geocaches

There are many different types of geocaches, from simple containers to elaborate puzzles. Some are easy to find, while others require creative problem-solving skills. This variety keeps the game fresh and exciting, no matter your skill level.

Geocaching etiquette

• Be respectful of the environment: Leave the area as you found it, and don't disturb any wildlife or plants.
• Be discreet: Avoid attracting attention to yourself while searching for geocaches.
• Replace geocaches as you found them: Make sure the geocache is well hidden for the next geocacher to find.

Ready to get started?

If you're looking for an exciting new hobby that combines adventure, exploration, and a bit of mystery, geocaching might be the perfect fit. Grab your GPS or smartphone, head outdoors, and start exploring the world around you – you never know what hidden treasures you might find!