Eagle’s Nest
Bayern
The Eagle’s Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus, is a historic building located on a rocky promontory above Obersalzberg near Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, Germany. Completed in 1938, it was commissioned by the Nazi Party primarily for official and social functions, with Adolf Hitler visiting it on multiple occasions. Architecturally, the building is notable for its mountain-top location and the ornate elevator that ascends through the mountain to reach it, featuring polished brass and Venetian mirrors. The interior includes a grand reception room with a red Italian marble fireplace gifted by Benito Mussolini. Originally, meals were prepared in town and reheated on-site, as the kitchen was never used for cooking. Today, the Eagle’s Nest operates seasonally as a restaurant and beer garden, attracting visitors with its breathtaking views over the Berchtesgadener Alps and the Königssee lake. It also serves as a historical site with an exhibition detailing its construction, use during the Nazi era, and post-war history. The access road, Kehlsteinstraße, is exclusively served by special buses, preserving the mountain environment. The site is a powerful symbol of history, blending natural beauty with a sobering past.
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Tip: The Eagle’s Nest is open seasonally from early May to late October, weather permitting. Access is only possible via special buses on the Kehlsteinstraße starting from the Obersalzberg parking area. Visitors are advised to purchase bus tickets in advance, which include entrance to the nearby Obersalzberg Documentation Center. The site can close unexpectedly due to weather conditions such as snow or rockfalls, so checking current status before visiting is recommended. Guided tours inside the building are not permitted, but an outdoor exhibition on the sun terrace provides historical insights. To avoid crowds and enjoy clearer views, mornings on weekdays are ideal for visits.
Interesting facts
- •The elevator inside the mountain ascends 124 meters and is lined with polished brass and Venetian mirrors.
- •Twelve workers died during the construction of the Eagle’s Nest, notably while building the elevator shaft inside the mountain.
- •The red Italian marble fireplace in the main reception room was a gift from Benito Mussolini and was damaged by Allied soldiers who chipped off souvenirs.
- •Adolf Hitler feared the elevator’s winch mechanism attracting lightning and preferred not to use it frequently.
- •The access road to the Eagle’s Nest, Kehlsteinstraße, includes five tunnels and a hairpin turn, climbing 800 meters over 6.5 kilometers.
- •The building was never used to cook meals; food was prepared in town and reheated on-site.
- •The name 'Eagle’s Nest' was coined by the French ambassador André François-Poncet during a diplomatic visit in 1938.
History
Construction of the Eagle’s Nest began in 1937 and was completed within 13 months in 1938, commissioned by Martin Bormann and funded by the Nazi Party.
The building was intended as a diplomatic reception house and was visited by Adolf Hitler approximately fourteen times, with his first visit in September 1938 and an inauguration on his 50th birthday in 1939.
Despite its association with Hitler, he reportedly distrusted the elevator and rarely used it.
During World War II, the site was part of the Führersperrgebiet (leader's restricted area) and survived Allied bombing in April 1945 with minor damage.
After the war, the building was seized by Allied forces, transferred to the Free State of Bavaria in 1949, and opened to the public in 1952 as a restaurant and historical site.
Since then, it has become one of the most visited attractions in the Berchtesgadener Land region.
Place Guide
Kehlsteinstraße (Access Road)1937-1938
A 6.5 km mountain road climbing 800 meters with five tunnels and a hairpin turn, used exclusively by special buses to reach the Eagle’s Nest parking area.
Mountain Elevator1938
A 124-meter elevator carved inside the mountain, decorated with polished brass, Venetian mirrors, and green leather, transporting visitors from the tunnel entrance to the Eagle’s Nest building.
Main Reception Room1938
The primary interior space featuring a large fireplace made of red Italian marble, a gift from Benito Mussolini, which was partially damaged by Allied soldiers taking souvenirs.
Exhibition on Sun TerraceContemporary
An outdoor exhibition with 14 information panels detailing the history of the Eagle’s Nest, the Obersalzberg area, and its transformation from a Nazi stronghold to a tourist site.
Panoramic Views from the Terrace
Offers breathtaking views over the Berchtesgadener Alps, the Königssee lake, and surrounding mountain landscapes, making it a prime photo opportunity.
Contact
Phone: 08652 2969
