Gotzenalm, Mountain pasture in the Berchtesgaden Alps, Germany.
Gotzenalm is a mountain pasture in the Gotzenberge on the western edge of the Hagengebirge above Königssee, in the Berchtesgaden Alps. Several scattered huts stand on the open plateau, including the Springlkaser, which is staffed in summer and offers overnight stays. The pasture lies in the care zone of Berchtesgaden National Park and was first mentioned in 790.
Gotzenalm was first documented as "ganzo" in 790 in the Notitia Arnonis, an early survey of Bavarian church property. It lies in the Pflegezone of Berchtesgaden National Park, where several Kaser are scattered across the open plateau; the Springlkaser is farmed in summer and offers overnight stays.
The hut sits within one of Germany's most visited protected areas, drawing hikers who want to experience alpine pasture life firsthand. Traditional Bavarian food is served here, including locally made cheese and bread, which gives the stop a genuinely regional feel.
The hut can be reached from several directions along marked trails, with the approach varying in length and difficulty depending on the route chosen. Sturdy footwear is strongly advised, as paths can become slippery after rain or when snow lingers in spring and autumn.
From the hut, the east face of Watzmann is directly visible, one of the largest rock walls in the Alps, which has drawn mountaineers since the 19th century. The elevated position gives a perspective on this wall that cannot be seen from the valley below.
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