Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden: Alpine Luxury & History Review

Perched at 1,000 metres on the Obersalzberg, Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is a five-star superior alpine resort that opened in 2005 as the InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort before being rebranded under Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group in 2015 (Peter von Stamm Travelblog). This article examines the property’s history, ownership, luxury positioning, and guest experience, drawing on verified facts and multiple review platforms.

Last checked: 2026-09-19

Hotel Name: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden · Location: Berchtesgaden, Bavarian Alps, Germany · Star Rating: 5 Stars · Altitude: 1,000 m · Style: Bavarian alpine luxury with modern amenities · Key Amenities: Spa, gourmet dining, mountain views, recreational activities

What is the history of Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden?

The building opened in March 2005 as the InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort, a new‑build designed by architect Herbert Kochta (Tophotel). During its first decade the hotel struggled financially: occupancy reportedly never exceeded about 60 %, prompting the owners – Bayerische Landesbank – to seek a new operator (Jürgen Deischl, travel feature).

On 20 October 2014, Kempinski Hotels signed a management contract to take over the property. After a three‑week closure for renovation, the resort reopened as Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden on 1 May 2015 (Peter von Stamm Travelblog).

The site’s location on the Obersalzberg – the former Nazi leadership zone – has been a subject of both journalistic and architectural commentary. As Tophotel noted, the modern design was praised for “reclaiming the site for peaceful tourism” while also sparking debate about building in a historically sensitive area (Tophotel).

What this means: the hotel’s history is one of repositioning – from a financially underperforming InterContinental to a Kempinski alpine flagship – against a backdrop of complex local heritage.

Who owns the Kempinski hotel?

Kempinski Hotels itself is owned by a joint venture between the founding Kempinski family and a consortium of investors, including the state‑owned China Merchants Group. The Berchtesgaden property is owned by Bayerische Landesbank, which contracted Kempinski to manage the resort under a long‑term agreement (HospitalityNet).

This split between ownership and operation is common in the luxury hotel industry. The owner remains a distinct entity, while Kempinski brings its brand standards, reservation systems, and management expertise.

The bottom line: if you are wondering “who runs the hotel,” it is Kempinski; if you are wondering “who owns the land and building,” it is Bayerische Landesbank.

“Vormals als InterContinental geführt, begrüßt das Haus seit 1. Mai 2015 seine Gäste als drittes alpines Resort der Kempinski Gruppe.”
— ProudMag editorial, describing the brand transition

Is Kempinski high end?

Yes. Kempinski Hotels is widely recognised as a luxury brand with a portfolio of five‑star properties worldwide. Its Berchtesgaden resort is classed as “five‑star superior,” the highest tier in German hotel classification (HospitalityNet).

Features that underpin its high‑end positioning:

• Kempinski The Spa, with seven treatment rooms, indoor/outdoor pools, and a PUR design concept introduced in early 2020 (Kempinski Press Kit).
• A gourmet restaurant that has held Michelin stars (Luxury Lifestyle Magazine).
• Ski‑in/ski‑out access, ski passes and lessons, and a nearby high‑altitude nine‑hole golf course (Hotels.com).

The implication: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden aligns with the brand’s luxury promise, particularly for guests seeking alpine wellness and gourmet dining in a five‑star setting.

What are the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden reviews like?

Aggregated guest ratings are very high. Expedia reports an overall score of about 10 / 10 based on several hundred reviews, with top marks for amenities, cleanliness, and service (Expedia). Trip.com shows similarly elevated sub‑scores (Trip.com Canada).

Common praises: the spa and pools, the mountain panorama from guest rooms, and the quality of the breakfast buffet. The Luxury Lifestyle Magazine review calls the spa “award‑winning” and notes “an impressive cocktail bar” (Luxury Lifestyle Magazine).

Recurring complaints – though less frequent – centre on the premium pricing and the remote location, which limits dining options outside the hotel. As the hotel itself is a five‑star property, rates are high, typical of luxury mountain resorts.

The pattern: reviewers overwhelmingly endorse the experience, with the natural setting and wellness facilities being the strongest selling points.

Best for segments

Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is particularly well suited for three traveller types:

• Couples seeking a romantic alpine escape – the spa, candle‑lit dining, and serene mountain setting create a private retreat atmosphere.
• Families wanting outdoor activities and luxury – ski passes, kids’ club (mentioned in the press kit), and easy access to hiking trails.
• Luxury travelers preferring serene mountain retreats – guests who value quiet, high‑end service, and Michelin‑level cuisine over urban nightlife.

Alternatives in the region

Guests researching the area may also consider:

• Hotel EDELWEISS Berchtesgaden – a four‑star spa and wellness hotel also located in Berchtesgaden, offering a more mid‑priced alpine experience.
• Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol – another Kempinski alpine resort in the Austrian Alps, comparable in concept but situated in the Kitzbühel region.

“The hotel features an award-winning Spa, indoor and outdoor pools area, a Michelin starred restaurant, an impressive cocktail bar, a kids club and even a helipad.”
— Luxury Lifestyle Magazine reviewer

Frequently asked questions