Footsteps of WWII · Western & southern Germany
Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest)
Headquarters · 1937–1945
The story
Martin Bormann had the Kehlsteinhaus built in 1937–38 just below the Kehlstein summit at about 1,838 m, with a road cut through five tunnels and a 124 m lift shaft inside the mountain. Designed by Roderich Fick, it cost some 30 million Reichsmarks and was presented to Hitler for his 50th birthday in 1939. Hitler, who disliked heights, visited only about 14 times; it was used for receptions and by Eva Braun. The French ambassador André François-Poncet called it the 'eagle's nest' after a visit in October 1938. In early May 1945 French troops of the 2e Division Blindée and US troops reached Berchtesgaden, and the building later served the Allies until 1960.
What to look for
Ride the bus up the narrow mountain road, walk the tunnel and take the brass-lined lift to the house, now a restaurant with a small history exhibition. On a clear day the views over the Berchtesgaden Alps and towards Salzburg explain the choice of site.
Plan your visit
Open roughly early/mid May to early November (2026 season to 8 November), weather permitting. Access only by special bus from the Kehlstein bus station beside the Documentation Centre; the ticket includes the lift. Buy timed tickets online to avoid queues.
Things change, so check opening times before you travel.
Nearby sites
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Footsteps of WWII: Europe 1939–1945
A free field guide for your phone: the route, the maps and the stories built in, even with no signal. The whole Second World War in Europe, from the first shots at Westerplatte on 1 September 1939 to the German surrender in May 1945: Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, Normandy, Arnhem, Bastogne, Stalingrad, Berlin and the camps, in 15 areas from Britain to Russia.
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