Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

The Kehlsteinhaus, better known as the Eagle's Nest, sits on a rocky ridge high above Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps. Built in the late 1930s for the Nazi party, it is now a mountain restaurant with one of the finest views in Germany, taking in the Königssee, the Watzmann massif and the hills around Salzburg. For many visitors, the mix of alpine scenery, engineering and World War II history makes it a highlight of any trip to southern Bavaria.

Where it is and how to get there

The Eagle's Nest is in the far southeast corner of Germany, close to the Austrian border. Salzburg is only about 30 km away, which makes the Salzburg area the most convenient base for many international travelers. From Munich, plan on roughly two hours by car via the A8 autobahn.

• By train and bus: Take Deutsche Bahn to Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof (usually with a change in Freilassing), then local bus 838 up to Obersalzberg. Regional trains and local buses are generally covered by the Deutschlandticket.
• By car: Drive to the paid Obersalzberg parking lot (Salzbergstraße 45, Berchtesgaden). Private cars are not allowed on the mountain road itself.
• The final stretch: From Obersalzberg, special buses climb the 6.5 km Kehlstein road, blasted into the mountainside with five tunnels. A 124 m tunnel then leads to a brass-lined elevator that rises 124 m straight into the building.

A short history

The house was built in 1937–38 on the initiative of Martin Bormann, with plans by architect Roderich Fick. Construction cost an estimated 30 million Reichsmarks, and twelve workers died building the elevator shaft. Hitler visited only around ten times, according to most estimates. The nickname "Eagle's Nest" goes back to a French diplomat's description in 1938. American and French troops reached the area in May 1945, and the house opened to the public in 1952. Today the profits go to charitable causes in the Berchtesgaden region.

What to see

• The view: From the terrace at 1,834 m you look over the Königssee, Watzmann, Hochkalter and Untersberg, and on clear days far into Austria.
• The elevator: Polished brass and mirrors, a short ride that feels like a time capsule.
• The fireplace hall: A large fireplace anchors the main room, now part of the restaurant.
• The summit trail: A short path above the house leads to a viewpoint with a summit cross.

Tickets and opening hours

The Eagle's Nest is open only in the warmer months, usually from early or mid-May until late October or early November. In 2026 the season ends on November 8, weather permitting. Buses leave every 25 minutes. A round-trip ticket for the bus and elevator costs €34.70 for adults and €17.20 for children aged 6 to 14; kids under 6 ride free. The ticket also includes free same-day admission to the Obersalzberg Documentation Center. Booking online is recommended because bus seats are limited (as of October 2026).

Tours in English and tips

English-language tours are offered by local operator Eagle's Nest Tours, combining the bus ride, a walk around Obersalzberg and a visit to the Documentation Center with its bunker system. Many day tours also run from Salzburg and Munich.

• Take an early bus to avoid midday crowds.
• Check the weather and webcam first, because fog can hide the entire view.
• Allow two to three hours for the trip up and down, or half a day including the Documentation Center.
• Bring a warm layer, even in summer.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if the weather is clear. Few places combine such a dramatic alpine setting with such direct links to 20th-century German history. Low-floor buses take wheelchairs, and the restaurant and parts of the terrace are accessible, though the summit cross is not.

Nearby

• Obersalzberg Documentation Center: essential context on Nazi history, right at the bus terminal.
• Königssee: emerald lake with boat trips to St. Bartholomä.
• Berchtesgaden Salt Mine: underground rides and slides, great on rainy days.
• Berchtesgaden National Park: hiking around the Watzmann.