Perched high up in the Bavarian alps ‘Kehlsteinhaus’ or more commonly referred to as the ‘Eagle’s Nest’ is the country retreat used by Hitler during World War II. It was one of my favourite experiences in Germany and provides some of the most panoramic views I have ever seen!
History
Although the setting is tranquil and the architecture is worthy of marvelling at, a visit to Eagle’s nest is not complete until you understand the history behind it. It was built in 1938 during the era of the Third Reich (more commonly known as ‘Hitler’s Germany’). It’s crazy to think that something so peaceful and beautiful was used to plot and scheme such immense atrocities on the human race. However, despite being a symbol of Nazi power and grandeur, Hitler only visited a handful of times. It is believed that he had a fear of heights and disliked using the brass elevator to reach the building. At the bottom of the mountain was another vacation house known as ‘Berghof’ where he spent a considerable amount of time. Although he did entertain guests of significance and visiting dignitaries at the impressive structure nestled in the mountain above.
Towards the end of the war, it was the target for an Allied bombing, but this proved to be a difficult task due to the location. Eagle’s Nest was captured in May 1945 and was used as an Allied military post until it was given back to the state of Bavaria in 1960.
The structure and interior has been well preserved and almost feels like you are walking back in time.
Opening Dates
Eagle’s Nest is open and available to visit from Mid May to Mid October. You are not able to use the access road during winter due to snow and unsafe road conditions. As nice as it would be to see it covered in a blanket of snow, it certainly does not disappoint with the stunning contrast from the greens and blues of Bavaria’s countryside 🙂
Options for visiting
To visit Eagle’s Nest you have two main options.
- Self guided (using a rental car or the bus). This would be great to give you flexibility for staying as long as you would like, and getting as many pictures as you would like…make sure you get a good one for ‘the gram’ 🙂
- Guided tour. This provides return transport and is great for the convenience it offers you. We chose to do this and it gave us the chance to sit back, relax and take in the wonderful views as you ascend up the mountain…not something you can do as easily if you are driving a car.
Tour companies:
There are many companies that offer guided tours to Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden. Eidelweiss Tours are based in Salzburg and offer several day trips in the area. Viator also has lots of options. I have used this company many times for tours all over the world, as they are reputable and recommended by Trip Advisor 🙂
I have also recently discovered a company that offer historical tours of Eagle’s Nest and even show you a war time bunker. I’m definitely keeping this as a potential idea for my next trip back to Germany!
Getting there
Located in the South of Germany it is easily accessible as a day trip from Munich or Salzburg (Austria). It is a 2 hour drive from Munich or a short 35 minute drive from Salzburg that crosses the border (but this is pretty easy). Whichever city you are coming from you will only need to set aside half a day to get the most out of it. Of course, if you want to take it slower and give yourself more time up there, then go for it 🙂
What to expect
When you arrive you will need to walk down a fairly long and dark tunnel to access the lift that will take you to the top of the mountain. I suggest keeping your smartphone torch handy for this. You will then go into the lift. This is the original lift built by the Nazis, in all its glory. It is very regal, with gold embellishments and even has the old telephone from the 1930’s in there.
Today the old stone residence (which is perfectly intact) is used as a restaurant and you can grab a refreshment after strolling along the top of the ridge. Inside, the vintage fireplace with the Nazi insignia still exists… which is pretty cool!
If you want to get the best shots and get a little adventurous, take the time to walk further up the path and climb over some of the smaller rocks. This isn’t too steep and will get you further away from people, giving you better opportunities to create the right shots…without getting photobombed accidentally LOL! The view down into the valley below was so pure, crisp and green. It is beautiful and I would rate it as high as say, New Zealand’s South Island…which is famous for its jaw dropping vistas.
On most tours you will get to experience the quaint little town of Berchtesgaden on the way back, which you can see at a distance while up at Eagle’s nest. You can stroll the cute little streets and even go into the beautiful, old cathedral for an idyllic cultural experience.
In my opinion this is one of the best day trips you can take in Germany, make that Western Europe. If you are planning a trip to Germany or even Salzburg, then make sure you get there…you won’t regret it 🙂
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