Eagle’s Nest Germany (Kehlsteinhaus)

Eagle’s Nest, Germany (Kehlsteinhaus)

Eagle’s Nest, Germany (Kehlsteinhaus)

One of the most memorable moments in all my travels was a visit to Eagle’s Nest Germany. It is also known as das Kehlsteinhaus and is in Berchtesgaden, Germany. I refer to it as Hitler’s Lair since it was commissioned in 1937 as a 50th birthday present for Adolf Hitler (ready in 1938). However, Hitler visited only a handful of times since he was fearful of heights. To reach Eagle’s Nest, you must take a very narrow and windy road to the summit. Therefore, iIt is not for the faint of heart. Check out this short video that shows the road and other views from Eagle’s Nest.

I did not enjoy taking a bus on that road. It is a very narrow road where you can see alllllll the way down. I was on window facing out on the way up but made sure I switched it up for the ride down. I don’t normally have a fear of heights but being able to look down was a bit scary! Oh and it is NOT a one-way road. The Germans coordinate the trips up and down so the buses pass each other on the two lane areas. Yes those Germans are efficient! 🙂

Schwalbenesttunnel, Kehlsteinstraße
Photo credit: http://www.kehlsteinhaus.com/the-road.html

I took a day tour from Munich. Half way on the tour, we stopped for lunch. This was my view as we had a tasty German lunch! It was truly a beautiful day in Germany and a brief view of Austria.

Eagle’s Nest, Germany (Kehlsteinhaus)

Before our lunch was completed, the clouds parted and this became our view next. Nothing better than enjoying a German meal and beer with this view!

Eagle’s Nest, Germany

After a crazy drive along a narrow road and several tunnels for 6.5 kilometres, you arrive at the top. Take the elevator to the top (120 metres) and this is the view. WOW! Here is a map of the route.  Once you reached the top of Eagle’s Nest Germany, it was worth the nerve-wracking drive. You take an elevator through a tunnel in the rocks. The panoramic views are incredible.

Eagle’s Nest Germany – Plus a view of Konigssee Lake in the background

6017 ft or 1834 m high !

Eagle’s Nest Germany with a view of Salzburg, Austria underneath the clouds

Tips for Visiting Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

• Visit between May to October; it closes the rest of the year
• Wear a warm sweater as it gets a bit cool and windy at the top
• You cannot drive to Eagle’s Nest yourself. Either sign up for a tour from Munich or Salzburg to cover the whole trip or drive/take train to the parking lot at the base of the mountain (Obersalzberg museum area) where you can catch the bus to the summit. Click here for more info!
• You may also walk from the bus start area to the top. However, it probably takes two hours and you must stay on the designated footpaths
• You do not need to reserve it advance, nevertheless it gets pretty busy so come early
• Sit, enjoy and take in the beauty!

A trip to Germany (or Austria) is not complete without taking a day to visit Eagle’s Nest. Yes stop by Oktoberfest but Eagle’s Nest Germany is a close trip. Have you travelled there yet?