The impressive edifice with its meter thick walls is situated atop the Kehlstein mountain offering guests a breathtaking view over the Berchtesgaden area.
The theatrical aspects of the project are already encountered with the 124 m (406 ft) marble-like stone tunnel that leads to a splendid brass elevator. In only 41 seconds, the lift travels another 124 meters into the Eagle´s Nest building itself.
The History
The Eagle´s Nest was designed as a birthday present for Adolf Hitler´s 50th birthday by Martin Bormann on behalf of the NSDAP (Nazi Party). Hitler in fact seldom visited the Eagle´s Nest. The allied bombing of World War II did not damage the Eagle´s Nest and thanks to the intervention of former Governor Jacob, the Eagle´s Nest was spared being blown up after the war.
Today the Eagle´s Nest remains in its original state. In 1960, on the occasion of the 150th celebration of Berchtesgaden´s incorporation into Bavaria, the Bavarian government relinquished its control of the building to a trust that ensures that the proceeds are used for charitable purposes.