Berchtesgaden & Eagle's Nest

From Salzburg, the fairytale scenery of Germany’s Bavarian Alps leads to Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s mountain retreat, and Eagle's Nest (or Kehlsteinhaus), the southern headquarters of the Nazi party.

Brilliantly positioned on top of Mt Kehlstein, the lodge boasts some of Germany’s most amazing views of the snowcapped Alps and valleys. The chateau was commissioned to celebrate Hitler’s 50th birthday in 1939 and was built as a retreat and meeting house, although it was seldom used due to the outbreak of war.

These days, visitors come here to drink in those fabulous views and dine at the onsite restaurant and beer garden. While you’re here, you can take a tour of the Kehlsteinhaus and the mountain’s bunkers, including a glimpse of the reception room’s red marble fireplace, a gift from Mussolini.

Practical Info

Eagle’s Nest is in Berchtesgaden at the German-Austrian border. It’s an hour from Salzburg by car or bus. To reach the chalet from the car park, an opulent elevator decorated with brass, leather and Venetian glass rises straight through solid rock to the peak. Hiking trails also lead to the summit from the car park, but it’s around a two-hour uphill slog.