Ordensburg Sonthofen

The Ordensburg Sonthofen is a military barracks complex in the Alps featuring substantial stone and concrete buildings that display 1930s architectural language. The site spreads across interconnected structures with wide staircases, covered walkways, and open courtyards that reflect the design principles of that era.

The complex was built in 1934 as one of three training centers for emerging leaders. After the war the German Armed Forces took over the site and continue to use it as a military installation.

The complex served as a training institution for political leaders and shaped the area's identity for decades. Today the German Armed Forces use the buildings, and the site remains a place where architecture and history are visibly intertwined.

The grounds can be viewed from outside via Hofener Straße, which is accessible by public paths. Visiting in early morning or late afternoon offers better light for photography and avoids the midday heat.

The complex is named after Colonel General Ludwig Beck, a Wehrmacht officer who rejected Nazi plans and participated in the 1944 attempt on Hitler's life. This naming reveals how the site gained new meaning after the war and now honors resistance against dictatorship.

Location: Sonthofen

Inception: 1934

Architectural style: Nazi architecture

Address: Hofener Straße 16

GPS coordinates: 47.50568,10.28590

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:45