Escorted Rail Tours to The Eagle's Nest
Built by the Nazis for Adolf Hitler
The Kehlsteinhaus, or the 'Eagle's Nest', is a chalet-style
building, built by the Nazis as a fiftieth birthday present for
Adolf Hitler. It was designed to be a secure retreat, and a place
for him to entertain visiting dignitaries. The retreat was
certainly secure; it is reached by a spectacular road and then a
granite tunnel, bored through the mountain. The last 124 m (407 ft)
up to the Eagle's Nest are reached by a lift, furnished with
polished brass, Venetian mirrors and green leather. Yet the Eagle's
Nest's other main function was largely unfulfilled; Hitler rarely
even visited, let alone welcomed state visitors here.
History preserved
One of the most significant events to have taken place
here was the wedding of Eva Braun's sister in June 1944. In May
1945, the building was captured by Allied forces, who continued to
use it as a military post after the war, handing it back to Bavaria
in 1960. It was decided that as Hitler had spent so little time at
the Eagle's Nest, it would be safe to retain the building, provided
it was never used to glorify the actions of the Nazis. It is used
primarily as a restaurant today, though it is still open and
serving as a reminder of Hitler, his regime and the horror of
war.
Excellent organisation with very good tour manager.