"The Kehlsteinhaus also known as the Eagle's Nest, is a chalet-style building which when built was an extension of the Obersalzberg complex built by the Nazis in the German Alps near Berchtesgaden. The Kehlsteinhaus was an official 50th birthday present for Adolf Hitler. Nicknamed Eagle's Nest by a French diplomat, it was meant to be a retreat for Hitler and a place for him to entertain visiting dignitaries."
Ever since watching Band of Brothers, I really really wanted to visit Eagle's Nest. For some reason, I didn't book any accomodation in Berchtesgaden at all. It's a resort town in the German Alps and all the hotels are quite pricey (to me anyway >.<); to make matters worse, I was there during Oktoberfest, Munich and nearby regions all ran out of rooms. Anyway, instead of staying in Berchtesgaden and bankrupting myself , I hopped across the border and stayed in Salzburg, Austria. This was one of those things that made the trip memorable. I never planned visiting Austria, and I happened to be there during a world cycle race. that, of course, is another story, back to topic. I went on this WWII tour in the region, where we visited all those Nazis high command's old residences. Back in the old days, this was the second capital of the Third Reich, after Berlin. It was there where they planned the attacks to various nations. Of course, the tour stopped by what was used to be Hitler's residence, Berghof. The opulent house was completely destroyed by the Allies after the war, and dense trees were planted to cover any trace of the place. And then we visited the underground tunnels. These were not just bomb shelters. These tunnels have everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. Bunk beds, hospitals, machine gun turrets, power generator, communication headquarters, and ammo/food storage spaces. What is even more amazing that the gigantic scope is that people are still discovering hidden tunnels now. At the end, we went to the top of Eagle's nest. The view was magnificent where one can see Bavaria on one side and Salzburg, Austria on the other side. Hitler was born in Austria, this place must be very special for him. Overall the tour is err, dry. The guide was reciting information. I bet a tape recorder does a better job than her recitation. But I guess it's still worth it. On a side note, the WWII walking tour in Munich is infinitely better.
behind the tree is where Berghof lied. Not a trace remained
entrance to the underground tunnels
the tour guide. soon to be replaced by a tape recorder.
underground tunnel
map of the tunnels. New tunnels are still discovered to this day!
other than taunting, French's other war contribution against the Nazis, which happened to be graffiti
the tunnels were built in the later part of the war, and it was still rock solid
bunk beds now disappeared
amazing view on the way the eagle's nest
the famous Königssee lake in the distant
apparently Nazis was so rich that they dig a tunnel and built an elevators inside, so the Führer doesn't have to take one step to get to the mountaintop
Hitler would have been pissed off had he is alive to see his old command centre now selling ice cream and beer
that is elevator entrance
inside the tunnel, where it is very narrow so the limo has to drive in, backout, and then back in to await the Nazis leaders
someone forgot to bring his personal album when he left this world
the elevator, during its glorious days
Hitler's 1,000 year Reich plan is apparently in shambles
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