The Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest) on Obersalzberg Mountain

News

The Kehlsteinhaus has been destroyed by a fire and is therefore closed. The documentation center Obersalzberg is regularly open.

The Kehlsteinhaus, also known as "Eagle’s Nest", is a building on the Obersalzberg in Berchtesgaden, Germany. Located in the Alps, it was originally built as a representation building of the National Socialists. Today, the architecturally unique building houses a mountain restaurant with panoramic views.

The Kehlsteinhaus Then and Now

The Kehlsteinhaus was built under National Socialist leadership and completed in 1938. During World War II, the building was used for representation purposes and to host state guests. Unscathed by Allied bombings, the building has been preserved in its original form to this day. Since 1960, the Kehlsteinhaus has been home to a mountain restaurant with an overwhelming 360° panoramic view of the Berchtesgaden Alps, including the Königssee, Watzmann, and Hoher Göll.
Closer insights into the history of the Obersalzberg and the Nazi dictatorship can be gained by visiting the Documentation Obersalzberg near the Kehlstein bus departure point.

A Drive of a Special Kind

The road from the Obersalzberg to the Kehlstein parking lot is unique in the world: With just one bend, 800 meters of elevation are overcome. Since 1952, the Kehlstein Road has been closed to individual traffic, and the ascent is made by special electric buses from the departure point to the Kehlstein parking lot. From there, a 124-meter-long tunnel leads through the rock massif to an elevator lined with mirrors and brass, which takes visitors into the interior of the Kehlsteinhaus in just 41 seconds.