Eagle's+Nest

The Kehlsteinhaus or Eagle’s Nest is a structure that is on a sub peak of the HoherGoll known as the Kehlstein. It was built as an extension of the Obersalzberg complex placed in the mountains above Berchtesgaden. The Kehlsteinhaus was intended as a 50th birthday present for Adolf Hitler to serve as a retreat, and a place for him to entertain visiting dignitaries, although Hitler only visited the place about ten times in total. The Kehlsteinhaus was commissioned by Martin Bormann , with construction proceeding over a 13-month period. It was completed in the summer of 1938, prior to its formal presentation to Hitler on his 50th birthday on April 20, 1939. It is situated on a ridge at the top of the Kehlstein mountain 1,834 m, reached by a 6.5 km long and 4 m wide. A road that big would cost about 225 million dollars today. It includes five tunnels but only one hairpin turn and climbs 800 m. The last 124 m up to the Kehlsteinhaus are reached by an elevator bored straight down through the mountain and connected with a tunnel through the granite below that is 124 m long. The elevator is still used daily. Construction of the mountain elevator system led to the death of twelve construction workers. The main reception room has a huge fireplace of red Italian marble, presented by Mussolini, which was damaged by Allied soldiers chipping off pieces to take home as souvenirs. Much of the furniture was designed by Paul Laszlo. US forces captured the outpost in the spring of 1945. It served as an American military command post until 1960 when it was returned to the Bavarian government. Today it is a tourist attraction and restaurant.