The Eagle’s Nest
August 17th, 2010 at 4:00 pm by David Farrar
The Eagle’s Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus, is a chalet on a mountain peak near Berchtesgaden in Bavaria. Only 30 kms or so from Salzburg. You don’t even realise you have crossed into another country unless you see the discrete sign.
It is famous for having been gifted to Hitler as a 50th birthday present. After the war there was a big debate about whether it should be destroyed, as happened to most buildings associated with the regime. They decided in the end not to destroy it, partly because in fact Hitler almost never went there.
It is important to stress that the facility is in no way a monument to the Nazis. On the contrary, all the books about the site talk about the 12 years of Nazi rule as a blight on Germany’s reputation etc.
The building and road were constructed in 1938. The 4 metre wide road was blasted out of nothing and is basically one lane, so you can only go up in special buses. They take you to the tunnel you can see above. You then go 100 metres or so into the tunnel, and a lift takes you up 124 metres into the chalet, which is now a restaurant.
There are spectacular views from the location. With the lack of public access, it would have been very secluded. One a fine day you can see up to 200 kms away.
A couple enjoying the breath taking views.
The chalet, as seen from the lookout just above it.
Up on the lookout peak.
I’m only a couple of metres away from sheer cliff.
Another view from the chalet.
I discovered that rather than that the lift back down, you could walk back to the carpark. Was a lovely walk, except for the fact I brushed my arm against some stinging nettle.
Tags: DPF, Germany
August 17th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
except for the fact I brushed my arm against some stinging nettle.
Vote:kiwis dont wimp,DAVID
August 17th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Its hysterical considering that Hitler was afraid of heights
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Is the place that seems to to appear in a clip commonly shown of Hitler walking around a terrace laughing and smiling. The clip is in colour and he seems to where a light brown jacket.
[DPF: No that place is nearby, but was destroyed]
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
And his dog was with him, know the one.
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Thanks for this post ( and all your others ) Having read about it many years ago it had slipped from my mind but I remember thinking at the time it would be great to see it. Now I have. Cheers.
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Excellent pics, not sure about the shorts though…..a bit retro…are u wearing sandals?
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Now it’s clear — the little Reuters item’s significance: “…bald eagle seen for for the first time in 40 years on Kehlsteinhaus…”
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Want to go and check that out soon. looks just stunning. Easy to understand why it gave someone a superiority complex!
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Awww – I want a few phots and even a video of you dancing over the grassy hills sing at the top of your voice ” the hills are alive with the sound of muzac”
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Was great seeing the Band of Brothers getting rip roaring drunk in there.
There wasn’t much left intact cause the SS took what they could but the cellars were still full.
A farmer further down was paid to leave and his farm house bull dozed.
Vote:August 17th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
I was always surprised that the Allies never flattened the place during the war.
Vote:August 18th, 2010 at 7:17 am
The restaurant is nonsmoking and doesn’t serve alcohol or meat dishes.
Vote: