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Maximilianstraße 2
83471 Berchtesgaden
+ 49 8652 97 990
Anyone sitting beneath the chestnut trees in the beer garden at Gasthof NEUHAUS in Berchtesgaden today might hardly imagine that guests were already stopping here 450 years ago. Located in the historic heart of Berchtesgaden, right next to the Royal Palace, Gasthof NEUHAUS is one of the region’s oldest traditional inns.
Since 1576, locals and visitors alike have come here to enjoy good food, celebrate, chat and laugh together.
Generations of guests have filled this historic Bavarian inn with life and helped shape the story it continues to tell today.
Originally built as a court tavern, Gasthof NEUHAUS once welcomed guests of the princely court. Over time, it became one of Berchtesgaden’s most important meeting places.
In those days, wine was the only drink on the menu, as beer could not yet be stored for long periods. That changed in 1815, when Anton Wurm, then owner of the Berchtesgaden Hofbrauhaus brewery, acquired the property and beer became a permanent part of life at Gasthof NEUHAUS.
To this day, the locally brewed beers of the Berchtesgaden Hofbrauhaus remain a firm favourite with locals and are still served in the traditional glass mugs so closely associated with this historic Bavarian inn.
After closing in 1971, the historic inn remained only sporadically open for many years. A new chapter began in December 2012, when Peter Hettegger took over Gasthof NEUHAUS from the Georg Kriss family. By then, the passing years had clearly left their mark and extensive renovation was urgently needed. The goal, however, was clear from the very beginning: to preserve the unique character of the house and bring its long history back to life.
“We just couldn’t leave it like that – right in the middle of the most beautiful spot in town. Even if we only put a few benches in the chestnut garden and offered beer and soft drinks for self-service, we knew we had to do something,” Martina Hettegger recalls of those first thoughts after the purchase.
Even before the main renovation work began, the beer garden was the first part of Gasthof NEUHAUS to be brought back to life. Werner Bauer from the Berchtesgaden Hofbrauhaus brewery spontaneously helped out with beer tables, benches and parasols, while the beer was served from a mobile tap system normally used at trade fairs. Together with friends and members of the team, everyone pitched in, improvised and got things up and running.
That very first summer, Gasthof NEUHAUS once again became a lively meeting place in the heart of Berchtesgaden. The first major renovation work followed in autumn, laying the foundations for the Gasthof NEUHAUS we know today.
In winter, the historic inn also becomes an integral part of the Berchtesgaden Advent, offering a cosy place to meet and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the historic centre of Berchtesgaden.
We remember Sepp Hettegger with great affection when we think back on the renovation of the house. With a deep understanding of the historic fabric of the building and a wealth of expertise, he played a key role in guiding the restoration. The aim was never to reinvent the history of Gasthof NEUHAUS, but to carefully reveal and preserve what had always been there. The historic vaulted ceilings, cosy traditional rooms and many original architectural features were therefore retained.
He was supported by our long-time friend Robert Brandner, who coordinated the interior design of the dining rooms. He had cushions and curtains made from linen and personally restored the historic wooden ceiling with oil. Old guild crests, shooting targets, rifles, paintings and hunting trophies were carefully placed throughout the rooms, giving them their distinctive character. Even the tiled stove was rebuilt using historic tiles, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines Gasthof NEUHAUS today.
After its improvised reopening during that first summer, the beer garden gradually
took on the look it has today, with its red gravel, small open huts and terrace overlooking Berchtesgaden’s pedestrian zone. Later, the conservatory and traditional Schwemme bar area were added, along with a new draught system
from the Berchtesgaden Hofbrauhaus brewery.
Since then, Gasthof NEUHAUS has served exclusively the beer specialities of Berchtesgaden Hofbrauhaus – not only because of the long-standing partnership between the two establishments, but also simply because of the quality and taste of the beer.
A true traditional inn is shaped not only by good food, but by the people who return time and again. The regulars’ tables at Gasthof NEUHAUS are the perfect example: friends, neighbours, local clubs and long-time companions come together here to catch up, laugh, play cards and share the latest news over a half-litre of beer and a plate of crispy roast pork. You may even spot senior owner Peter Hettegger, who enjoys chatting with guests about current developments and what is happening in the region.
A strong sense of community and living tradition are simply part of life at NEUHAUS. From Palm Sunday until early October, locals and visitors gather for Frühschoppen on Sundays and public holidays, while Monday evenings belong to the younger generation of the local traditional costume associations.
Today, many dedicated people continue to shape the story of Gasthof NEUHAUS. Head chef Bernadette stands for honest, regional cuisine with a real love of traditional Bavarian home cooking. Her roast pork and pork knuckle are particular favourites, freshly prepared from the oven twice a day. Restaurant manager Nico brings many years of experience to the house and, together with his team, ensures the warm and welcoming hospitality Gasthof NEUHAUS is known for.
With the expansion of the historic hall in 2023, Gasthof NEUHAUS gained another special setting for weddings, family celebrations and festive gatherings.
Gasthof NEUHAUS has seen prince-provosts, travellers, locals and innkeepers come and go over the centuries. It has changed time and again, yet one thing has always remained the same: it is a place where Bavarian hospitality is truly lived.
Every day, the entire team carries this tradition forward with genuine passion, dedication and a warm welcome for everyone who walks through the door.
