Janis W.
Yelp
I was traveling with my college aged children, and we definitely wanted to make a stop here. I had intended to be here at 9am, but things went a little slower than normal that morning and we didn't arrive until about 9:30. We drove right into Parking lot #2 for the Obersalzberg Dokumentation center, and grabbed a spot. Turns out, this parking lot is quite a hike to the bus loading area, up stairs and inclines, so you might want to try and find Parking lot #1 as it would be much easier of a walk. After we parked our car and headed to the stairs, we passed a parking token machine that had a line of people. We didn't realize we had to pay to park, so we had to stand in line here. Then we hiked up and over and across until we finally got to the bus ticket line, and by this time there was certainly a line. We probably waited in line at least 15 minutes to get our tickets - you can schedule a specific time or they will just give you the next available bus. There is a gift shop there that sells t-shirts, etc. but also bottled water and snacks if you want them. Restrooms are here too. When your time slot comes, you stand by the sign for your bus number (there are actually 6 large Greyhound type buses that transport people up at each time slot). The buses are very new and very nice. Once the drive starts, a video plays that I'm guessing tells the history of the area and of the building, etc. but I couldn't really say as it is all in German with no subtitles or anything. The drive takes 20-25 minutes, and it is up a very steep, narrow road that is only one car width wide. The outer edge drops straight down, so if you are sitting on that side of the bus it is kind of freaky. We sat on the driver's side of the bus, and we pretty much saw hillside 2/3'rds the way up, then there is a switchback which placed our side of the bus on the outer edge so we could see the great view. So to see the most of the view going up sit on the opposite side of the driver, and on the way down sit on the same side as the driver. But either side does get some of the view each way.
Once on top, you all empty out and stand in line to book your return trip. You can stay as long as you want - I would recommend at least an hour or more, but if you want to hike around you may want to add more time. Then you go down a long, dark (and chilly) tunnel. At the very end you are placed in a big round room where you wait for the elevator. They literally cram you into the elevator (as in,you can feel the breath of the people next to you) for the quick trip up.
Once outside, prepare to be amazed! You can stay right around the building, but make sure to go on all sides as the view is very different. One side sweeps down into the town, the other towards the Alps and other mountains. If you can, climb up the hill. Part way up there is a wonderful outlook that gives you the chance for amazing pictures, further up there is a large cross and more outlooks, and even further up more outlooks again. It does get more rocky the higher you go, so wear good walking shoes if you want to explore. The views are magnificent, and really worth the trip. The building itself really doesn't offer much other than a restaurant and restrooms which is disappointing. There is also a snack bar for drinks, ice creams, etc. which was good on a hot day. Then when your return time comes close, down the elevator you go and back to the bus line for the return trip. If you really want more of a history fix, as you hike your way back to the parking lot stop in the museum there. It really is very well done, and they have a set of bunkers you can go down in to explore which was very interesting.