Germany's Eagle's Nest Day Trip

The world-famous Eagle's Nest (Eagle’s Nest/Kehlsteinhaus) is located near Berchtesgaden, on the summit of Kehlstein Mountain in Obersalzberg, at an altitude of 1,834 meters. It was built in 1938 by Martin Bormann, one of Hitler's subordinates, as a villa and presented to Hitler as a gift for his 50th birthday. Perhaps due to its high altitude, thin air, and unstable weather, Hitler rarely visited this villa. Since it was not a significant military site, it escaped Allied bombing and has survived to this day, becoming a renowned tourist attraction in Berchtesgaden. Most travelers to this area only visit the Eagle's Nest (in 2025, the bus service operates from May 8 to October 31; during winter, roads may freeze, and buses are unavailable, so be sure to check the winter closure dates). Near the bus station, there is a Documentation Center focused on Nazi history, which is highly informative and worth visiting if you have extra time. If you are not joining a guided tour, the Eagle's Nest itinerary is straightforward. You can stroll around the mountain summit, overlooking the majestic scenery of the German Alps and the rolling peaks of Salzburg, Austria, as well as the idyllic landscapes below. You can also dine at the restaurant and immerse yourself in the surroundings. Getting to the Eagle's Nest from Berchtesgaden is simple. First, head to the parking lot at the base of the mountain, then take a shuttle bus up the mountain. From there, walk through a 124-meter-long tunnel and take a 124-meter-high elevator to the summit. For the return trip, bus reservations are required. Adventurous hikers can choose a suitable return bus time based on their preferences.