Just come back from a two night stay at the hotel. My partner and I have an interest in World War 2 history and felt this would be an ideal place to stay in Bavaria. As has been previously stated in other reviews the zum Turken has an atmosphere all its own - be it your own imagination taking over or just the ambience of the place I couldn't say but knowing something of its background prior to going probably helped!

Don't expect a 5 star experience here with all mod cons but for sheer ambience, peacefulness, fantastic views and the historic feel you will be hard pressed to find such a unique place.

We were lucky enough to have room 5 which commands a fine view from its own large terrace.

Frau Scharfenberg is an amazing character and how she still manages to run this place I have no idea, but making you feel at home in her home adds to the special effect this place has on you.

Heaven knows what will happen when this dear lady eventually retires - so go now while you can still experience a stay which is like stepping back in time.

Whatever you do dont forget to visit the bunkers here too (also run by her!)

My mother and I stayed here for two nights. I booked it on the recommendations of other reviews that I read and it did live up to my expectation.
I am no history buff but I could be soaked up in the atomshpere of the place.
The Lady who owns it is lovely. We had a room with a balcony and great views. I know it looks as if the interior has not been updated in years but its adds to the character to the place. It is very clean and tidy. The breakfast is basic but plenty of everything.I felt the Hotel is on the verge of being spookey or else its my vivid imagination but yet again it added to the whole experience.
Don't leave without going down the bunker system at the Hotel.

Stayed in Hotel Zum Turken in May after a couple of nights in Salzburg. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and agree it is a 'must see' for anyone interested in World War II History. Stayed in Room 5, a first floor corner room with balcony, overlooking the site of 'The Berghof ' and of course the most beautiful views of the Untersberg.

Although repeating many previous reviews, the hotel has true old fashioned Bavarian charm and Frau Scharfenberg is a wonderful host. The 'honour bar system' works well as at one point in the evening, I believe we were completely alone at the hotel - a strange, but atmospheric and wonderful experience. Breakfast was delightful and plentiful. There is plenty to see in the area - the bunkers under the hotel, the documentation centre - allow several hours if you intend doing the English audio link, the films (in German) and the bunkers there. Kelhsteinhaus - (Eagles Nest) is 5 mins drive away, then buses take you up fitted with special brakes, then you walk through a tunnel to a lift to the top. Kehlsteinhaus is an amazing trip and has magnificent views over Obersalzburg and down to the Konigssee - we had lunch up there in the restaurant. We also did a boat trip on the Konigssee over to St Bartholemau - lovely. And, of course, Berchtesgaden is about 5/10 mins drive down the mountain. In Berchtesgaden, we dined in Bier Adam and the Huberstuben (the restaurant of VierJahreszeiten Hotel) - both excellent. Frau Sharfenberg recommended the restaurant at the golf club down the road 'Gustof''. We had lunch there and although quiet, it was very good.

We're glad we hired a car as it was so much easier to get round all the sites we wanted to see especially if you haven't got long to spend there. All in all, a unique Bavarian experience - Das schoene bayern!

P.S. The hotel website is www.hotel-zum-tuerken.de or email Frau Sharfenberg at hoteltuerkenobersalzberg@t-online.de

I visited the Obersalzberg with my family this past August, and we stayed at the Hotel Turken. I arranged this on purpose because I am a student of WWII history, and this holtel was once the headquarters for some of the SS guards whose job it was to protect Hitler when he was at his retreat, the Berghof. This Berghof--which is frequebtly seen in the color movies taken by Eva Braun-- was situated right nect door, just a few yards from the Turken. You may walk up to where the house stood and observe the magnificent and now infamous view of the Untersberg mountains. It is hard to imagine that sixty or so years ago, the average person in Germany would never be able to get even remotely close to this area, which was a closed off and tightly secured space.

As for the Holtel Turken, I cannot say enough. Aside from its role in history, the owner, Frau Scharfenberg is a wonderful hostess who speaks perfect english, and can answer many questions about the Hotel, her family being the original owners. She will also recommend some good, local restaurants if you want.

The view of the mountains from the dinning hall in the hotel is magnificant, and a hearty breakfast is served. The hotel becomes rather like your own home because you are given acess to a small but well-stocked, self-service bar with television off the lobby, and you will be given a key to the front door, which you will be responsible for locking each time you enter and exit the building. Once again, the view of the mountains from our room was unbelievable. If there wasn't so much to see and do in the area, you could almost sit in your room for hours just gazing at the scenery.

Of special interest is the bunker that runs under the hotel. This was a military installation, and part of a whole complex network of bunkers and tunnels that once connected all the homes of the high-ranking German officers and politicians during the Nazi period. You can walk through this bunker, which hasn't changed since the war.

Eventhough it is associated with a dark period in world history, this whole area is probably the most beautiful in all of Germany. I also recommend a drive up the Rossfeld Road, which is a scenic route that winds all the way up the mountain behind the hotel area. The alpine forrest and mountain peaks that seem to loom larger and larger as you travel further up and around the winding road should not be missed.

Mike Cuozzo,
New Jersey, USA