Visiting Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. All You Need To Know!

August 21, 2023

Perched high atop the Bavarian Alps at an altitude of 1834m in Berchtesgaden, Germany, lies the Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest or the Kehlsteinhaus as it is known as in German. It remains one of the most mysterious and well-preserved sites of Nazi-Germany. Unlike many other WW2 sites in Germany, like Hitler’s bunker in Berlin, the Eagle’s Nest still stands until this day!

So what is the Eagle’s Nest you might wonder and who coined the name the “Eagle’s Nest”? The Eagle’s Nest was built as a mountaintop retreat for Adolf Hitler, however it was seldomly used by Hitler due to security concerns during WW2. The name “Eagle’s Nest” was coined by the French ambassador André François-Poncet after having visited Hitler there in 1938.

In this article, I will try to answer a variety questions that visitors often have before going on a trip to Berchtesgaden and the Eagle’s Nest.

Does Hitler's Eagle’s Nest Still Exist?

Yes, Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest still stands today. After surviving Allied bombings during World War II, it was spared from post-war demolition due to its unique historical significance and architectural value. Nowadays, it operates as a restaurant and museum, attracting visitors with its panoramic views of the surrounding alps and its history.

Where is Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest located?

Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest is situated on the Kehlstein Mountain at an altitude of 1 834m in Obersalzberg region in Germany, close to the border with Austria. The Eagle’s Nest is located near the town Berchtesgaden (roughly 5-6 km).

Who Built the Eagle's Nest?

The Eagle’s Nest was commissioned by Martin Bormann, Hitler’s private secretary, and was inauguratedon Hitler’s 50th birthday in 1939 and was given to him as a birthday gift. The Kehlsteinhaus was designed by architect Roderich Fick and constructed by the Wachenfeld company. The building’s architecture is a mix of traditional German design and austere, fortress-like elements.

Can I Visit Hitler's Eagle's Nest?

Yes, you can. The Eagle’s Nest is open to the public, usually from early May to late October, depending on weather conditions. Visitors can take guided tours that offer detailed insights into the history of the building and its role during the Nazi regime. These tours often include original photographs, documents, and expert narration, providing a deeply educational experience.

Is Hitler’s Berghof and the Eagle’s Nest the same thing?

No, it’s important to distinguish between Hitler’s Berghof and the Eagle’s Nest. Although they were both located in close proximity one another, they are two distinct locations associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime and served different purposes. This is something that definitely wasn’t clear to me when I was planning my visit to the Eagle’s Nest, hence I create some bullet points below for you to know the difference.

Hitler's Berghof

Hitler’s Berghof was a mountain residence located in the Bavarian Alps near the town of Berchtesgaden, Germany.

The Berghof served as Hitler’s personal retreat and was a place where he spent a considerable amount of time during his leadership.
It was a larger complex that included various buildings, terraces, gardens, and accommodations for Hitler and his associates.
The Berghof was used for official meetings, relaxation, and as a place to receive foreign officials.

The complex was destroyed by Allied bombing raids in 1945, and its ruins were subsequently demolished after the war.

Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) was a mountain retreat built as a gift for Hitler’s 50th birthday.
It is located on the Kehlstein Mountain near Berchtesgaden, a few kilometers from Hitler’s Berghof.

The Eagle’s Nest was a smaller, single building perched at a high elevation, accessible by a winding road and an elevator carved into the rock.
Unlike the Berghof, the Eagle’s Nest was not used extensively by Hitler due to security concerns during World War II.
Today, the Eagle’s Nest is a historical site open to the public, offering visitors insights into its history and the surrounding landscape.

Is it worth visiting Hitler’s Eagles Nest?

The short answer is: Yes! Although the site is packed with tourists and a not so charming restaurant, the view from the mountain alone is worth a trip to the Eagle’s Nest. The long tunnel leading to the elevator that takes you 124 meters up to the Eagle’s Nest is also very interesting and unique experience.

As mentioned, the Eagle’s Nest currently operates as a restaurant and is usually packed with tourists which makes you instinctively want to leave the place. However, inside you can see the original fireplace and around it graffiti left by the allied troops which is pretty cool!

If you really want to get the most out of your visit, I recommend you taking a guided tour. Not only will they show you the Eagle’s Nest and tell you all about its history but also show you the Berghof (the remains of it) and also a bunker system that runs beneath Berchtesgaden. You can book your tour here.

How do I Get to the Eagle's Nest from Berchtesgaden?

The journey to the Eagle’s Nest begins from the town of Berchtesgaden and is pretty straightforward, but involves several modes of transportation. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Arrival in Berchtesgaden

Arrive in Berchtesgaden by car, train or bus. Berchtesgaden’s train station is well-connected with frequent services from major cities such as Munich and Salzburg.

Step 2: Travel to Obersalzberg Documentation Center

From Berchtesgaden, you need to travel up to the Documentation Center in Obersalzberg area. You have a few options:

Bus: The most convenient way is to take Bus 838, known as the ‘Eagle’s Nest Bus’, which departs from Berchtesgaden’s train station and takes you to the Documentation Center in Obersalzberg. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

Car: If you have a car, drive from Berchtesgaden up to the Obersalzberg area. Note that private cars are not allowed beyond the Documentation Center, so you will need to park your car there. It is located here.

Step 3: Special Mountain Bus to Eagle’s Nest

Once you reach the Documentation Center in Obersalzberg and have sorted your ticket out, you need to switch to a special mountain bus:

Mountain Bus Ride: This bus takes visitors up the steep, narrow, and winding road to the Eagle’s Nest. It’s also Germany’s steepest road! It is the only way to get up there, as private vehicles are not allowed on this road. The bus journey is approximately 20 minutes.

Step 4: Arriving at Eagle's Nest

Once the bus drops you off at the upper bus terminal, a short walk leads to a huge elevator built directly into the mountain:

Elevator Ride: The final leg of the journey is a dramatic 124-meter (407-foot) elevator ride directly up into the mountain. The elevator is ornately finished with polished brass, Venetian mirrors, and green leather. It takes you directly to the Eagle’s Nest.

Private Tours: As mentioned previously there is also the option of taking a private tour of the Eagle’s Nest which generally include transportation to the Eagle’s Nest and with a guide.

How Much Does it Cost to visit the Eagle's Nest?

The standard adult ticket for a round-trip bus journey from Obersalzberg to the Eagle’s Nest costs around €16). Private tours vary in price but generally range from €50 to €90 per person, including transportation and a guided tour.

Can I Walk to the Eagle's Nest?

Yes, for those who are physically fit and enjoy hiking (or just don’t want to pay for the bus €16 ticket), there is a trail that leads from Obersalzberg to the Eagle’s Nest. It is approximately 6.5 km (4 miles) long, takes around 2-3 hours to complete and you gain roughly 800 meters in altitude during the hike. For a solid resource about the hike to the Eagle’s Nest, I recommend that you check out this page. Personally, I was on a tighter schedule and wanted to explore more of Berchtesgaden and its surroundings in one day so chose the bus option.