The Eagle's Nest: The Kehlsteinhaus in the Bavarian Alps

History is my thing. If you've followed my posts along the way you'll know that, and that war history in particular interests me. We headed over to Europe a little while ago for the second time and had tagged Austria as somewhere we wanted to go; Salzburg specifically. Whilst there we planned to visit the Eagle's Nest in the Bavarian Alps; The Kehlsteinhaus.

If you don't know, The Eagle's Nest was a gift to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday from the Nazi party and Martin Bormann back in 1939. It sits about 1834m above the lovely town of Berchtesgaden. A narrow approach road climbs 800m to a car park and the imposing 124m long tunnel entrance to the elevator which provides access the building above. It was reportedly captured in May 1945 by the 101st Airborne (there's contention as to which unit actually captured it) and was used by the allies until 1960 when it was handed back to the State of Bavaria.

It's an imposing structure with a dark past but is a wonderful place to visit. It offers amazing 360 degree views over the countryside, a cosy little restaurant and the ability to wander the rooms of The Kehlsteinhaus. One can feel the history, the past that has seeped into the bones of the structure and, and I certainly felt a certain disquiet when walking around, especially inside. We walked in the footsteps of people like Hitler, Himmler, Ava Braun, the high -ranking Nazi party members and their diplomatic guests. Apparently Hitler was afraid of heights so only visited 14 times.

Hitler talking with another Nazi (looks like SS) at the Eagle's Nest. A pity he didn't fall off and to his death. (Image source: ayay.com.uk)

Ava Braun and her sister Gretl at the Eagle's Nest (Image source: uncommon-travel-germany.com)

On the way to the Eagle's Nest. The scenery in Austria and Bavaria is completely mind-blowing, especially for an Aussie couple like us. So much green!

Gratuitous shot of the Bavarian countryside. Green everywhere.

Here's the tunnel entrance. Imposing? I think so. Apparently there's a small road up also but tourists don't use it. Hitler distrusted the elevator so used the road.

Here's the tunnel leading to the elevator room. My chicky babe looks happy to be there. :)

And another

Once you get through the tunnel it opens out into this room with the elevator in it. I did a stealth shot as I wasn't supposed to take photo's so the shot isn't that good.

Once we reached the top the reason for choosing this location for the Eagle's Nest made perfect sense. The views are simply amazing. It was quite cold up here, in fact it snowed the very next day, and one could feel the chill even on this sunny day. (Snow is not something I see much in Australia).

Here's my girl risking life and limb for that perfect shot. Well, maybe not perfect with my photography skills.

This sign sits on the side of the building and states the elevation in metres. (1834m)

This fireplace was given to Hitler by Benito Mussolini of Italy. It's huge.

The day we were there was a completely clear day fortunately however I think even if it was snowing it would have a great deal of beauty. Strolling around the Eagle's Nest, wandering the rooms and just standing their taking in the views made me think about what it must have been like for the nazi Party members and diplomats back in a pre-WWII 1939 world. I could imagine the banquets, (apparently many) and the important topics of the day.

I also thought about those 101st airborne paratroopers who captured The Kehlsteinhaus in 1945. For them the war was coming to an end after parachuting into Normandy prior to the D Day beach landings and fighting their way towards Germany. To come here, to the tranquility of this place, must have been surreal after what they had gone through. They were still at war but here I think the war would have seemed distant. The image below depicts E Company, 506th Infantry Regiment at the Eagle's Nest as featured in the HBO series Band of Brothers.

Here's Easy company back in 1945 at the Eagles Nest.

This place was designed by and created for one of the most brutal group's of people ever to walk the earth. The Nazi's, led by Adolf Hitler, created chaos and wreaked havoc across the entire world. No-one was untouched by the Second World War and the world was irrevocably changed. The Eagle's Nest played it's part in that history however the location and building itself weren't evil as such. It was simply a place where evil gathered. If you get the chance to travel there I would highly recommend it. Take the day, stay for lunch and explore.

Thanks for reading

Additional image source: yusufahmedwriting.com, businessinsider.com.au/american-troops-chilling-at-hitlers-home