Hitler’s Mountain Retreat
The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is a mountaintop building at 1,834 metres in the Berchtesgaden Alps — approximately 160 kilometres southeast of Munich (about 2 hours by road). Built in 1938 as a 50th birthday gift for Hitler by Martin Bormann, the building sits atop the Kehlstein peak and is reached by a dramatic mountain road (engineered with hairpin bends and tunnels), a 124-metre tunnel carved through the mountain, and a brass-lined elevator that ascends the final 124 metres through the rock to the summit. Hitler rarely used the building (he was reportedly afraid of heights and disliked the altitude), but its engineering, its Alpine setting, and its historical associations make it one of the most visited WWII-related sites in Germany.
The Eagle’s Nest was not destroyed after the war (unlike many other Nazi sites) and now operates as a restaurant and memorial with panoramic views across the Berchtesgaden Alps into Austria. On clear days, the view extends across the Salzburg region and the Austrian Alps.
A day tour from Munich combines the Eagle’s Nest with the town of Berchtesgaden and often the Königssee (a pristine Alpine lake) or the Obersalzberg Documentation Centre (which documents the history of the Nazi leadership’s Alpine retreat complex — the Eagle’s Nest was only one building in a larger compound).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Eagle’s Nest from Munich?
Approximately 160 kilometres, about 2 hours by road. Day tours run 10–12 hours total.
Is the Eagle’s Nest open year-round?
No. The Eagle’s Nest is accessible only from approximately mid-May to late October (weather dependent). The mountain road closes in winter due to snow and ice. The Obersalzberg Documentation Centre is open year-round.
Can I combine the Eagle’s Nest with Salzburg?
Some tours combine the two — Berchtesgaden is approximately 30 kilometres from Salzburg. However, both are substantial visits and combining them in a single day from Munich creates a very long, rushed day. Separate day trips are recommended if time allows.