The Eagle’s Nest, known as Kehlsteinhaus in German, is located in the Bavarian Alps near the town of Berchtesgaden in southeastern Germany, near the border with Austria. It stands atop Kehlstein Mountain at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet.
A Scenic Prelude and the Summit Ascent
Brian and I made our way there from Salzburg as part of a tour group. The drive is quite lovely, offering views of emerald-green valleys and waterfalls. Upon reaching the base of the mountain, we were transferred to another bus. This change is necessary because only these specialized buses are permitted to navigate the mountain’s steep and winding roads. I have a tendency to get motion sick, so I was happy I was wearing a motion-sickness patch, but I have to admit, I was still a little bit squeamish coming up and down the twisting mountain roads.
The final leg of the journey to the Eagle’s Nest involves a remarkable feat of engineering—a brass-clad elevator tunnel that bores through solid rock and emerges at the summit.
Surprising Facts
There were two things I learned during our visit, that were much different than I had originally thought.
The first is that I expected to see some huge, elaborate headquarters with barracks and guard stations. That wasn’t the case. It’s just one simple structure, relatively modest in size. Its simplicity was surprising, but also allowed for the surrounding natural beauty to take center stage. Today, the building serves as a restaurant and historical site. Visitors can explore the building, its exhibits, and the terrace with its incredible vistas. As you explore the building, you’ll learn about the meticulous construction process, the legendary teahouse meetings, and the eventual transformation of this place after World War II into a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Second, I was under the impression that Hitler spent significant time at the Eagle’s Nest, plotting and scheming. However, I was surprised to learn that he had the structure constructed as a lavish gift for his 50th birthday. While he did make several visits during the first year after its completion, his subsequent infrequent visits raise questions about the rationality of someone with a profound fear of heights choosing a retreat so high up in the mountains. It underscores the perplexing decisions made by this person.
Alpine Beauty
While history may be the initial draw, the true star of the show is the alpine scenery. The views are nothing short of stunning, with an endless expanse of untouched nature stretching as far as the eye can see. Lake Königssee, shimmering in the distance, adds to the natural beauty.
A Journey Remembered
Visiting the Eagle’s Nest gave me mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s impossible to ignore the horrific history associated with the place. On the other, I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to reflect and remember.
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