High above the town of Berchtesgaden, perched on a rocky outcrop of the Kehlstein mountain, stands the Kehlsteinhaus, commonly known as the Eagle’s Nest. Few places in Bavaria combine dramatic alpine scenery with such a complex historical legacy. Today, the site offers sweeping views across the Bavarian Alps while also serving as a place for historical reflection.
General Information
The Eagle’s Nest is located within the Berchtesgaden Alps National Park and is accessible only during the warmer months.
Current use: Historic site and mountain restaurant
Location: Kehlstein Mountain, near Berchtesgaden
Elevation: 1,834 meters (6,017 ft)
Season: Mid-May to October (weather dependent)
Access: Special bus and elevator only
Historical Background
The Kehlsteinhaus was completed in 1938 as a ceremonial building commissioned by the Nazi Party. It was intended as a prestigious meeting place and symbol of power rather than a permanent residence.
Despite its association with Adolf Hitler, he rarely visited the site, reportedly due to discomfort with heights and altitude. Instead, the building was more often used by other senior figures of the Nazi leadership.
After World War II, the site came under Allied control and was later transferred to the Bavarian state. Unlike many other Nazi-era structures in the region, the Eagle’s Nest was preserved and repurposed rather than demolished, allowing it to become a place for education, reflection, and public access.
An Engineering Achievement
The construction of the Eagle’s Nest remains a remarkable technical feat:
- A 6.5 km mountain road carved into steep alpine terrain
- A 124-meter tunnel blasted through solid rock
- A brass-lined elevator, originally designed to impress visiting dignitaries
The entire project was completed in just 13 months, despite the challenging mountain conditions.
Visiting the Eagle’s Nest
A visit combines history, landscape, and unique access:
- Bus ride up the Kehlstein Road from Obersalzberg
- Short walk through the original mountain tunnel
- Elevator ascent directly into the building
At the top, visitors can explore interior rooms, including the famous marble fireplace, dine at the mountain restaurant, and step outside to enjoy panoramic views extending across Bavaria and into Austria.
How to Get There & Ticket Information
Access
Private vehicles are not permitted on the Kehlstein Road.
- Starting point: Dokumentation Obersalzberg parking area
- Transport: Official Eagle’s Nest buses
- Bus ride duration: Approx. 20 minutes
Ticket Prices (Approximate, 2025)
- Adults: ~ €30
- Children (6–14): ~ €16
- Children under 6: Free
- Parking at Obersalzberg: ~ €3
Tickets include the round-trip bus ride and elevator access.
Best Time to Visit
Weather: Clear days offer the best long-distance views
Season: Mid-May to October
Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds
Nearby Historical Context
Just below the mountain lies the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a museum dedicated to explaining the Nazi presence in the region and the broader historical context. Visiting both sites together provides a more complete and responsible understanding of the area’s past.
Good to Know
- Weather: Conditions can change quickly at altitude—warm layers recommended
- Accessibility: Limited due to historic structure and terrain
- Food: Restaurant available at the summit
- Photography: Allowed throughout the site
Final Thoughts
The Eagle’s Nest is a place of striking contrasts—extraordinary natural beauty paired with a difficult historical legacy. Visiting today offers not only some of the most impressive views in Bavaria, but also an opportunity to reflect on history in its physical setting.
At VisitBavaria, we regard the Kehlsteinhaus as a destination best approached with context and awareness: admired for its landscape and engineering, and understood for the history it represents.
