Description
High above Berchtesgaden, the Kehlstein House stands at an elevation of 1,834 meters – a place offering panoramic views, extraordinary architecture, and historical significance. Once a Nazi-era representative building, it is now a mountain inn and memorial site. It is one of the most impressive destinations in Bavaria, blending history with an unforgettable mountain experience.
The Kehlstein House is one of the most famous attractions in the Berchtesgadener Land. Perched on a rocky spur of the Kehlstein mountain, it offers a unique 360-degree view of the Alps – with vistas extending to the Watzmann, Untersberg, and across to Salzburg. In addition to its impressive location, its history is also significant: The house was built in 1938 and served as a place for representation during the Nazi era.
The Eagle's Nest can be reached in two ways during the summer season: firstly, conveniently by special buses from the Obersalzberg, and secondly on foot via well-maintained hiking trails. Both options lead along scenic routes to the bus turnaround platform below the historic building. From there, you can easily reach the Eagle's Nest either on foot or by taking the original elevator.
Whether by bus or on foot: Once at the top, visitors are greeted by a historically significant site featuring impressive architecture, a sun terrace with panoramic views, and a restaurant. On the terrace, a small exhibition provides insights into the history of the house and the Obersalzberg through photos and informational panels. For those wanting to delve deeper into the history, an English-language tour is available – including a ride and educational journey through Obersalzberg, a visit to the Documentation Center Obersalzberg, and access to the bunker system.
Historical Information
The Kehlsteinhaus was built in 1937/38 at an altitude of 1,834 meters and was part of the so-called "Führersperrgebiet" (Leader's Restricted Area) on Obersalzberg, the second most important power center of the Nazi dictatorship after Berlin. Originally planned as a representative tea house for diplomatic receptions, it played a minor role in the political daily life of the regime. Adolf Hitler himself visited the house only a few times, while his entourage used it more frequently for private gatherings.
After World War II, the Kehlsteinhaus became a significant place of remembrance. Since the 1950s, it has been operated as a mountain inn. Today, an exhibition on the sun terrace informs visitors about the house’s history through historical photographs and informational panels, detailing its origins, use, and transformation – from its role in National Socialism to its current significance as a memorial and tourist destination.
How to get there
The Eagle's Nest is located above Berchtesgaden in the far south of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border. To get there by car, take the A8 highway (Munich-Salzburg) and continue on the B20 towards Berchtesgaden. From there, the Salzbergstraße leads up to the parking lot at Obersalzberg, the central starting point for a visit to the Eagle's Nest. If you are traveling by public transport, take bus no. 838 from Berchtesgaden train station to the “Dokumentation Obersalzberg” stop.
Ascent or ascent - the way to the Eagle's Nest
From Obersalzberg, visitors can only take the Eagle's Nest buses of the RVO (line 849) via the high mountain road, which is closed to private transport, up to the bus turnaround below the Eagle's Nest. From there, a tunnel leads through the mountain directly to the original elevator, which takes you up the last 124 meters of altitude in just a few seconds. An online reservation for the bus ride is recommended, especially in the high season.
Alternatively, the Eagle's Nest can also be reached on foot. The most popular route starts at Ofnerboden on the Roßfeld-Panoramastraße. The ascent is on a closed, asphalted road with numerous hairpin bends and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The route from the parking lot at the Obersalzberg documentation is somewhat more challenging (approx. 3 hours walking time). Both variants lead to the bus turnaround platform, from where you walk the last 15 to 20 minutes on a serpentine path with great views to the Eagle's Nest. At the summit, the Kehlstein circular trail invites you to take a short but impressive detour - with a view of the rocky landscape of the Hoher Göll.
The Kehlsteinhaus is partially accessible: wheelchair-friendly buses, a paved tunnel, and barrier-free access to the restaurant and terrace make the visit easier. It is recommended to have an accompanying person, as some areas, such as the large fireplace hall, are only partially accessible.