Adolf Hitler’s mountain retreat, the Eagle’s Nest combines haunting history with stunning panoramic views. Located high in the Bavarian Alps, this famous Third Reich construction was bought for the former German Führer as a 50th-birthday present. Today, the spot (also known as Kehlsteinhaus) is open to the public. After a bus journey to the base of the Eagle’s Nest, visitors walk through a long tunnel and make a final 406-foot ascent in an elevator embedded into the mountainside. Once inside the building, don’t miss the Italian marble fireplace—a present from Benito Mussolini. Also note that weather conditions may cause the Eagle’s Nest to close at certain times of year, so summer is your best bet to visit.
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The Eagle's Nest
There wasn’t a moment where I didn’t feel weird being there; the incredible views, however, were more than enough to keep my mind off the terrible past. I took a trip up to the Eagles Nest in Berchtesgaden, which was once Hitler’s vacation home (even though he rarely visited). The building has been turned into a restaurant, but you have the freedom of venturing off into the mountainside. There are some hiking trails that lead you through some rocky enclaves. If you go far enough away from the building, the crowds of tourists will disappear and You will have yourself a perfect place to sit, look out into the Alps, and think about life.
Long Treks Yield Incredible Views
My dad is a WWII nut. I wasn’t too keen on this historical endeavor to visit Hitler’s old ‘tree house,’ but I quickly changed my mind. Board a bus and creep precariously up the mountainside on winding roads, then hop on a cable car. Once you’re there, do as you please. Take pictures, take in the view, and then drink a bier. Prost!
