Leslie Massey
The Eagle's Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus, is a chalet perched atop Mount Kehlstein in the Bavarian Alps, Germany. It was built as a diplomatic teahouse and gifted to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday. The Eagle's Nest is located at an elevation of roughly 6,000 feet or 1,800 metres and offers panoramic views of the Alps and surrounding areas. Visitors can take a special bus or hike up to the chalet, which has since been converted into a restaurant. The site is known for its historical significance, particularly its association with Hitler and the Nazi regime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 6,000 ft or 1,800 m |
| Location | Mount Kehlstein, Obersalzberg Mountain, Berchtesgaden, Germany |
| Construction | Built under the rule of the National Socialists as a gift for Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday |
| History | Hitler spent about a quarter of his time in power at the Berghof, which was a few miles downhill from the Eagle's Nest; the Eagle's Nest was used for state occasions and government meetings during World War II |
| Current Use | Houses a mountain restaurant with stunning panoramic views of peaks up to 200 km away |
| Accessibility | Can be reached by a special bus or a 3-hour hike; the bus ride costs 28 euros |
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What You'll Learn
The Eagle's Nest is perched atop Mount Kehlstein at 6,000 feet
The Eagle's Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus, is a chalet perched atop Mount Kehlstein at an altitude of 6,000 feet. It was built as a diplomatic teahouse for Adolf Hitler and his inner circle, and it was a gift to Hitler from Martin Bormann on his 50th birthday. The Eagle's Nest is located in the Bavarian Alps, above the town of Berchtesgaden and the Berchtesgaden salt mines. The chalet offers panoramic views of the Alps, with mountains stretching away in all directions.
The Eagle's Nest is accessible only by a special bus or a strenuous three-hour hike. The bus ride up the mountain is an experience in itself, with dramatic scenery along the way. At the top, visitors disembark and enter a 400-foot tunnel into the mountain. An elevator then carries passengers another 124 metres up to the Eagle's Nest.
The Eagle's Nest has a rich history beyond its association with Hitler. In 1944, it hosted a wedding reception for Eva Braun's sister, Gretl, and Hermann Fegelein. Today, the chalet houses a restaurant, and visitors can explore most of the rooms, including Eva Braun's tea room, Hitler's study, a room for guards, and a basement.
The area surrounding the Eagle's Nest also offers a wealth of attractions. Visitors can take a boat ride across the fjord-like Königssee, hike to a high waterfall in the secluded Almbach Gorge, or explore the Berchtesgaden salt mines. The bunkers of Obersalzberg, once an underground town with meeting rooms, offices, and living quarters, are another popular destination for those interested in the history of World War II and the Nazi regime.
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It was Hitler's 50th birthday gift
The Eagle's Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus, is a chalet perched atop Mount Kehlstein at an altitude of roughly 6,000 feet. It was constructed by the Nazi Party in 1939 as Hitler's 50th birthday gift from his inner circle. The chalet and the road leading up to it cost a fortune, but Hitler, who was afraid of heights, only visited 14 times.
Hitler first visited the Kehlsteinhaus on September 16, 1938, and returned to inaugurate it on his 50th birthday, April 20, 1939. The Kehlsteinhaus was commissioned by Martin Bormann in the summer of 1937 and completed in 13 months. It cost 30 million ℛ︁ℳ︁ to build (about $247 million USD, inflation-adjusted for 2022). The building features a 124-metre entry tunnel lined with marble and an ornate elevator surfaced with polished brass, Venetian mirrors, and green leather.
Hitler chose the scenic mountainside area of Obersalzberg, a few miles uphill from the market town of Berchtesgaden, as the location for his official mountain retreat. The region, a finger of Bavarian territory that extends into Austria, had long been one of the classic Romantic corners of Germany. Hitler credited the landscape for inspiring him as he finished his manifesto, Mein Kampf, in a rented Obersalzberg cabin in the 1920s. His propagandists used this to establish the notion that the native Austrian was truly German at heart.
Today, the chalet is a reasonably priced restaurant with dramatic views. The terrace offers a magnificent panorama on clear days, and the tunnel, elevator, and mountain road leading to the Eagle's Nest are impressive in any weather. Visitors can also explore the vast bunker system in Obersalzberg, which includes meeting rooms, offices, government archives, and lavish living quarters for Hitler.
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It's accessible only via a special bus or a 3-hour hike
The Eagle's Nest, also known as Kehlsteinhaus, is a chalet perched atop Mount Kehlstein at an altitude of roughly 6,000 feet or 1,800 metres. It was built as a diplomatic teahouse and gifted to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday.
The Eagle's Nest is accessible only via a specially equipped mountain bus or a long hike. The bus travels up Germany's highest road, about 4 miles or 6.5 km, to the brass-lined elevator that leads to the Eagle's Nest. The one-lane road is closed to normal traffic, and buses are timed so that those coming down and going up can pass each other safely at a turnoff. The ride is incredibly scenic, but not for those afraid of heights. Tickets can be purchased onsite, and a return ticket is required for the journey down.
The hike to the Eagle's Nest takes about three hours and is strenuous. It is possible to take a gondola to the top and then hike to the Eagle's Nest, which takes about 4-5 hours round trip. This route is considered moderate, with a relatively mild uphill walk and lots of switchbacks and incredible views.
The Eagle's Nest offers spectacular panoramic views of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, with mountains all around. The terrace offers a magnificent panorama, and the tunnel, elevator, and mountain road are dramatic in any weather. Visitors can explore most of the rooms and enjoy food and drinks in the same spot where Hitler, Eva Braun, Himmler, and others held banquets and entertained foreign diplomats.
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The Eagle's Nest offers panoramic views of the Alps
Perched atop Mount Kehlstein, the Eagle's Nest in Germany offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps. At an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet, or 1,800 metres, it provides a unique vantage point for taking in the majestic Alpine landscape.
The Eagle's Nest, also known as Kehlsteinhaus, was built as a diplomatic teahouse for Adolf Hitler and his inner circle. It sits atop a mountain summit, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps. On clear days, the panorama is truly incredible, with the Alps stretching as far as the eye can see.
The journey to the Eagle's Nest is an adventure in itself. Visitors can opt for a strenuous three-hour hike or take a specially equipped mountain bus up Germany's highest road. The bus ride offers its own set of thrilling experiences, with incredible photo opportunities along the way. Once at the Eagle's Nest car park, the journey becomes even more adventurous, as visitors can take an elevator that rises a further 124 metres into the Eagle's Nest.
The Eagle's Nest has a rich history beyond its association with Hitler. It served as a venue for state occasions and government meetings during World War II. Today, it houses a restaurant, providing diners with the opportunity to enjoy stunning views while savouring a meal. The terrace, added after the war, offers a magnificent setting for those seeking to soak in the Alpine scenery.
The Eagle's Nest is a must-visit destination for those seeking to combine history and natural beauty. The panoramic views of the Alps are truly spectacular, and the journey to this unique location is an experience in itself. Visitors are advised to plan their trip accordingly, as the Eagle's Nest is typically closed during the winter months.
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The Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle's Nest, is now a restaurant
Perched atop Mount Kehlstein at an elevation of roughly 6,000 feet (1,800 metres) or 6,017 feet (1,834 metres) above sea level, the Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle's Nest, is now a restaurant. It was built as a diplomatic teahouse for Adolf Hitler and his acolytes and gifted to him by Martin Bormann on his 50th birthday.
The Eagle's Nest is located in the Bavarian Alps, a few miles uphill from the market town of Berchtesgaden. It is accessible by a specially equipped mountain bus that travels up Germany's highest road to the Eagle's Nest car park, from where an elevator takes visitors up another 124 metres (400 feet). Alternatively, visitors can opt for a strenuous three-hour hike to the elevator shaft. The road from Obersalzberg to the Eagle's Nest car park rises 800 metres in altitude and features a single long bend.
The Eagle's Nest offers stunning panoramic views of the Alps, with mountains in both Germany and Austria visible from the terrace. The terrace also features a beer garden, which was added after World War II. The tunnel, elevator, and mountain road leading to the Eagle's Nest are dramatic and impressive engineering feats, regardless of the weather.
The Eagle's Nest is a popular tourist destination, with guided bus tours available from nearby towns such as Munich and Salzburg. Visitors can explore most of the rooms, including the kitchen, office (Hitler's study), a room for the guards, and a basement. The site also has historical significance, as it served as a venue for state occasions and government meetings during World War II.
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Frequently asked questions
The Eagle's Nest, also known as Kehlsteinhaus, is located in Germany, not Austria. It is perched atop Mount Kehlstein at an elevation of roughly 6,000 feet or 1,800 metres.
You can either hike up to the Eagle's Nest or take a special bus to the Eagle's Nest car park and then take an elevator up to the Nest. The hike is a strenuous 3-4 hour walk up the mountain. The bus ride is also quite scenic as it winds up Germany's highest road.
The Eagle's Nest offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps. The chalet at the Eagle's Nest now houses a restaurant, and the terrace offers magnificent panoramic views of the mountains.
Yes, there are several other attractions near the Eagle's Nest. You can visit the Kehlsteinhaus, a small chalet located on a 6,000-foot outcrop, or explore the bunkers at the Dokumentation Center on Obersalzberg. You can also take a guided bus tour from Munich, which includes a trip to the Eagle's Nest and a visit to the town of Berchtesgaden.
