Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) - View from the top of the Eagle's Nest, 1834 m.
July 27, 2019
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Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

4.6
·19k reviews·Berchtesgaden, Germany

Hitler's former mountain retreat, now a restaurant offering breathtaking alpine views via a historic elevator.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and fog

CrowdLow
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Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) - View from the top of the Eagle's Nest, 1834 m.
July 27, 2019

Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and fog

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hitler's former mountain retreat, now a restaurant offering breathtaking alpine views via a historic elevator.

4.6
(19k reviews)

"Awesome place to see the views of the mountain range and the village below."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Kehlsteinhaus Ticket Early

Purchase your Kehlsteinhaus ticket online a day in advance to skip lines and guarantee entry.

🚌 Bus Ride Caution

The bus ride up is steep and winding; sit in the middle if you're nervous about heights.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Summit of Kehlstein Mountain

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Bavarian Alps and surrounding valleys. A truly unforgettable sight.

The Golden Elevator

The Golden Elevator

Entrance to Kehlsteinhaus

An iconic brass elevator that ascends 124 meters through solid rock to reach the Eagle's Nest.

Historic Kehlsteinhaus Building

Historic Kehlsteinhaus Building

Summit of Kehlstein Mountain

Explore the architecture and remnants of Hitler's former mountain retreat, now a restaurant and viewpoint.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Secure your Kehlsteinhaus ticket online at least a day before your visit to avoid long queues, especially during peak season. Arriving early is key to experiencing the Eagle's Nest before the crowds descend.

Weather Preparedness

Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, as it can be chilly and windy even in late August. Check forecasts before you go to ensure clear views and a comfortable visit to this historic site.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the crowds and fog
Crowd
Low
When
Late August
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

~ Eagle’s Nest, Germany ~ München nach Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest) Guide 1. Start am Münchner Hauptbahnhof. 2. Zug nach Freilassing nehmen (~1,5 Std.). 3. In den Zug nach Berchtesgaden umsteigen (~40 Min.). 4. Mit Bus 838 zum Dokumentationszentrum fahren. 5. Shuttlebus zum Kehlsteinhaus. Genieße die atemberaubende Aussicht! 🚉🚌🏔️ #eaglesnest #kehlsteinhaus #berchtesgaden #eaglesnest #bayern #berc...
@travelling.lovebirds
31.9K likes • 1.6M views

🎟️ Book Kehlsteinhaus Ticket Early

Purchase your Kehlsteinhaus ticket online a day in advance to skip lines and guarantee entry. Reddit

🚌 Bus Ride Caution

The bus ride up is steep and winding; sit in the middle if you're nervous about heights. Reddit

Eagles Nest! #mountain #explore #explorepage #adventure #trip
@dday_history
17K likes • 361.8K views
Kennt ihr diesen Weg....auf dem Kehlstein....mit Blick auf den hohen Göll....super schön✨️✨️ #berchtesgaden #berge #visit #panorama #Kehlsteinhaus #hohergöll #bayern #bavaria
@bettinasteffen69
17K likes • 467.6K views

🧥 Dress in Layers

It's chilly and windy at the top, even in summer. Pack warm clothing. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic mountain scenery is spectacular. Don't forget your camera!

Then & Now, Things hardly changed at The Eagles Nest. #wwii #ww2 #eaglesnest #theeaglesnest #berchtesgaden #101stairborne #airborne #101st #kehlsteinhaus #bandofbrothers #worldwartwo #worldwar2 #worldwarii
@ww2nl
14.1K likes • 643.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Kehlsteinhaus Ticket Early

Purchase your Kehlsteinhaus ticket online a day in advance to skip lines and guarantee entry. Reddit

🚌 Bus Ride Caution

The bus ride up is steep and winding; sit in the middle if you're nervous about heights. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

It's chilly and windy at the top, even in summer. Pack warm clothing. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic mountain scenery is spectacular. Don't forget your camera!

⏰ Arrive Before 9:30 AM

Crowds build quickly after 9:30 AM, so an early visit is best. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(19k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Eagle's Nest for its absolutely stunning panoramic mountain views, calling it a must-see for the scenery alone. The unique bus and elevator rides add to the memorable experience. While the historical significance is acknowledged, many note that there isn't extensive historical information on-site. Some find the experience can get crowded, emphasizing the need for early visits or advance ticket booking.

"Awesome place to see the views of the mountain range and the village below.
Only has a little bit of the history to read to say how iconic it is.
Overall Great place to visit, definitely a must see if not for the view alone."

Stephen Dyer

"Nice view from Kehlsteinhaus.

Buy ticket online at least a day before and best plan an early visit if not foggy.
After 9:30 it started to get crowdy."

Daniel M

"The bus ride takes about 15 minutes and is really well taken care off. It travels over sharp roads with high cliffs so if you’re afraid of that stay in the middle seats. The elevator ride takes about 2 minutes max, the elevator is really large.

The Eagle’s nest is interesting and the views from up there are really beautiful. Not much history left unfortunately but still very cool to visit"

Margaux Engelsman

What People Like

Spectacular mountain views
Unique bus and elevator ride
Historic location

What People Dislike

Can get very crowded
Limited historical exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The primary way to reach the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is by special bus from the Obersalzberg Documentation Center parking lot. Private vehicles are not allowed to drive directly to the summit. The bus ride is part of the experience, offering scenic views. Reddit

No, private cars cannot drive to the Kehlsteinhaus. You must park at the Obersalzberg Documentation Center and take the dedicated bus service. Kehlsteinhaus parking is available at the base. Reddit

You cannot drive your own vehicle directly to Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Access is restricted to official shuttle buses from Obersalzberg. Reddit

Hitler's Eagle's Nest, also known as Kehlsteinhaus, is located high in the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden, Germany. Reddit

The bus ride from Obersalzberg to the Kehlsteinhaus takes approximately 15 minutes. The elevator ride to the top is about 2 minutes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for the Kehlsteinhaus bus and elevator vary by season and age. It's recommended to check the official website for current pricing and to book your Kehlsteinhaus ticket in advance, especially during peak times. Reddit

You can purchase Kehlsteinhaus tickets online in advance through the official website or at the ticket counter at the Obersalzberg Documentation Center. Booking ahead is highly recommended. Reddit

The Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) typically opens in May and closes in October, weather permitting. Specific opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

You do not need a guided tour to visit the Eagle's Nest. You can purchase a ticket for the bus and elevator and explore independently. However, tours are available if you wish to delve deeper into the history. Reddit

No, the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is typically closed during the winter months due to snow and weather conditions. It usually reopens in May. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic viewpoints at the summit offer incredible photo opportunities. Capture the sweeping vistas of the Alps and the valleys below. The historic Kehlsteinhaus building itself also makes for striking shots. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside the Kehlsteinhaus, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage. The interior, including the famous golden elevator, is a popular subject. Reddit

Yes, visiting in the morning, especially before the crowds arrive, offers softer light and clearer views, making it ideal for photography. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant and a beer garden located within the Kehlsteinhaus, offering refreshments and meals with stunning views. Reddit

The restaurant at Kehlsteinhaus typically serves traditional Bavarian cuisine. You can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the scenery. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Eagle's Nest can be an exciting adventure for families. The bus ride up the mountain is thrilling, and the elevator ride is a unique experience that kids often find fascinating. The expansive views provide plenty of space for children to explore (with supervision, of course). While the historical context is somber, the sheer scale of the landscape and the novelty of the transport can capture young imaginations. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options at the summit can be limited or pricey. Reddit

🚶 History Buffs

For those interested in the history of the Third Reich, the Eagle's Nest offers a tangible connection to that era. While much of the original interior has been altered or removed, the building's location and purpose are significant. Visiting the nearby Obersalzberg Documentation Center before or after your trip to the Kehlsteinhaus provides essential historical context about the entire Nazi complex in the region. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Eagle's Nest

The Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) was a political gift to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday in 1939. Built on the summit of the Kehlstein mountain, it was intended as a prestigious meeting place and retreat, offering unparalleled views. Despite its grandeur, Hitler himself reportedly disliked the altitude and the challenging journey, visiting only a handful of times. The structure survived World War II largely intact, unlike other nearby Nazi-era buildings like the Berghof. Today, it stands as a stark reminder of a dark past, preserved not as a monument, but as a place for reflection and historical understanding. Reddit

Visiting the Kehlsteinhaus Today

Access to the Kehlsteinhaus is managed through a special bus service departing from the Obersalzberg Documentation Center. The scenic bus ride winds up the mountain, offering dramatic cliffside views. Upon arrival, visitors can ascend to the Eagle's Nest via a historic brass elevator, which travels 124 meters through solid rock. Once at the top, you can explore the building, which now houses a restaurant and cafe, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Bavarian Alps. Reddit

It's crucial to plan your visit, especially regarding tickets and timing. Booking your Kehlsteinhaus ticket online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues. Arriving early in the morning, before 9:30 AM, is the best strategy to experience the site with fewer crowds and potentially clearer weather. Remember that mountain weather can change rapidly, so dressing in layers is advisable, even during summer months. Reddit

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