The Kehlsteinhaus, also known as the Eagle's Nest, on the Obersalzberg in Berchtesgaden stands at an altitude of 1834 metres. It is a historic vantage point high above Berchtesgaden with an overwhelming panoramic view and a dark past.
- Kehlsteinhaus and its history
- General information
- How to get there from Munich
- Frequently asked questions about Kehlsteinhaus
Kehlsteinhaus was completed in 1938. Among other purposes, it was intended for the entertainment of official guests during the dictatorship, which is why it was also referred to as the “Teehaus” (tea room). In fact, Adolf Hitler himself rarely visited the Kehlsteinhaus: it is thought that the journey to get there was considered too long and too risky.
The Kehlsteinhaus - today an excursion destination and mountain restaurant - has been retained in its original form as a historical monument from the Third Reich, and is among the most popular destinations for trips in Germany. Its location permits a unique view from the terrace, over the Berchtesgaden alpine landscape and the area around Salzburg. However, it is important to regard it not simply as a lookout point and beauty spot, but also as an admonishment and reminder of the atrocities of the inhuman National Socialist regime.
The Kehlsteinhaus, or ‘Eagles Nest’, situated at an altitude of 1834 metres, was little used by Hitler and was spared from the bombing at the end of the war, along with parts of its 1930s interior. Its location with a view of the Watzmann and Königssee was intended to impress foreign guests of state. Today, most people combine a visit to the documentation centre with an ascent to the Eagle's Nest. However, this is only possible from the beginning of May to the end of October.
All the information on opening times, guides, and how to travel up to the Kehlsteinhaus is available at www.kehlsteinhaus.de. The Kehlsteinhaus is closed in the winter season.
Car: about 2 hours via the A8 motorways
By bus and lift: Kehlsteinstrasse, which leads to the Eagle’s Nest – as the Allies referred to the property after the Second World War – is inaccessible to private traffic. Buses take visitors to the viewing platform, and a 124-metre-long tunnel leads from there to a brass-lined lift in which guests travel 124 metres up into the Kehlsteinhaus.
On foot: A hike from the Ofnerboden car park to the Kehlstein takes between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on your physical condition. It is only a few metres from the Kehlsteinhaus to the summit, where the panoramic Kehlstein circular trail begins.
Tip: Anyone planning a day trip to Berchtesgaden should rise early, as the trip from Munich takes around two hours.
Got curious? A day trip with Gray Line Sightseeing takes you along the Alpine Road into the Berchtesgadener Land – to the Obersalzberg and Eagle's Nest. In case of bad weather, the salt mine can be visited alternatively. Click here for booking.
