Berchtesgaden – Eagles Nest

The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is a historic mountaintop retreat located high above the town of Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. Perched at an altitude of over 1,800 meters on the Kehlstein mountain, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and even into Austria on clear days. Originally constructed in 1938 as a diplomatic and ceremonial gift for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday, the Eagle’s Nest is one of the few remaining structures from the Nazi era. Despite its dark historical background, today it serves as a place of reflection, education, and remembrance. The mountaintop building, accessible via a scenic bus ride and a unique brass elevator that cuts through the mountain, now houses a restaurant and exhibition space. The experience is as much about the journey as the destination. The winding mountain road leading up to the Eagle’s Nest is an engineering marvel, and the views from the summit are among the most spectacular in the Alps. Hiking trails in the surrounding Berchtesgaden National Park offer additional ways to explore the pristine natural landscape. While its past is somber, the modern-day Eagle’s Nest is focused on peace, learning, and appreciating the natural world. It’s a destination that combines dramatic alpine scenery with powerful historical context, attracting both outdoor enthusiasts and history-minded travelers.