Tour to the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus). Hitler's mountain house in Bavarian Alps
Any war is a tragedy that carries destruction and death. Therefore, memorials related to wars should be preserved to remind humanity of the mistakes of the past constantly.
The Berchtesgaden National Park, a natural wonder of Bavaria, lies just a few kilometers west of Salzburg. Visitors from all around the world come here to enjoy five main attractions, including the salt mines where salt is still extracted, the Koenigssee Lake with its crystal-clear water, the second highest mountain in Germany - Watzmann, the colorful resort town of Berchtesgaden, and the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), which was once Hitler's mountain retreat.
Berchtesgaden is a place that draws people in with its stunning natural beauty and rich history. It used to be an independent ecclesiastical principality that was known for producing salt, which put it in competition with Salzburg. The Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled over Bavaria, eventually turned Berchtesgaden into their own private health resort.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler, who had recently become Chancellor of Germany, wanted to construct a mountain retreat near Berchtesgaden for himself and his colleagues to unwind with their families and work in a more casual environment. The Berghof estate was finished in 1936, and the Kelsteinhaus was built two years later at a height of 1834 meters by almost 3000 workers as a destination for diplomats and summer day trips. Following Austria's annexation into the Third Reich (Anschluss), Hitler resided in the Klessheim Palace in Salzburg.
The Kelsteinhaus (later called the Eagle's Nest) is one of the few buildings left in its original form since the end of the war. I have a very detailed programme for those who are seriously interested in the subject and would like to see more places associated with the Third Reich. Please contact me!
In addition to historical facts, you will learn how Bavarians live today, enjoy the beautiful views of the Alps, mountain rivers, and lakes, drink Bavarian beer and taste national dishes. Depending on the available time and your interests, many additions can be made to the tour, which makes it attractive for guests of any age.
The duration of the tour varies between 4 to 8 hours based on the program. The opening and closing dates of the season are dependent on weather conditions. Typically, Kelsteinhaus opens in early May after the winter break and closes on November 1. The operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you enjoy being active, I can suggest a walking tour to Mount Kelstein in the Eagle's Nest. This journey will take up your entire day, but the path is easy to navigate and does not involve any rock climbing. The trip is approximately 12 kilometers round trip, and you can look forward to breathtaking views, memorable experiences, and informative commentary.
