We started the day with a light breakfast and a chorus of “Happy Birthday”. We boarded the bus for the Eagles Nest and started with another chorus of “Happy Birthday”. The bus ride to Kehlsteinhaus was beautiful but took close to 2 hours before we arrived.
Driving towards Kehlsteinhaus (Eagles Nest)
The hills are alive with the Sound of Music
The crew assembling below the Eagles Nest.
I did not realize that the Eagles Nest was not Hitler’s primary residence when in Austria. He actually lived below the Eagle’s Nest at the Obersalzberg region.
Hitler first started coming to this area of Austria in May 1923. Initially he rented a house in this area and then eventually built a home on the lower portion of the mountain. Berghof , Hitler’s home became the second seat of power because many influential members of his party lived here as well. Hitler was able to purchase the estate with sales from his book Mein Kamph. Hitler greeted many world leaders at this location including Neville Chamberlain and Benito Mussolini.
Berghof was bombed by the RAF in 1945. Looted by Allied troops when they reached the area. The remaining portions of the house were demolished in 1952. The is an extensive bunker system below the building. America retained control of the Obersalzberg site until 1995 when it was returned to Austria
This Inn was built in 1911 and served as a guard barracks for Hitler’s security’s the brick building is a guard post you would need to pass in order to travel down to Berghof.
The retaining wall from the original construction. I am standing approximately where the terrace was before it was demolished.
Our guide breaking down the history of the Berghof.
The view from Berghof
Another shot of the view from Berghof.
After leaving Berghof we passed a small pond which was completely unsuitable for swimming. I was however surround on 3 sides. Read the plaque at the bottoms this seems to be a common theme in this region of Europe.
Read the plaque.
The Eagles Nest is at the top of the mountain in the middle.
We then took a bus up to the Kehlsteinhaus.
Just below the Eagles Nest.
View looking back toward Salzburg from the Eagles Nest .
From this area we enter the original marble tunnel created for Hilter. The stone was brought in from another mountain and Italian stone workers were brought in to finish and place the stone on sight.
This guy in the tunnel.
Looking back down the tunnel to the outside. Hilter walked this same tunnel with guest to the Eagles Nest.
You take an elevator up the final 400ish ft.
This is the original elevator carriage. The mechanisms for moving the elevator have been modernized. Again Hitler and guest rode in this same space with the beautiful highly reflective brass.
Once you get to the top the original structure is just like it was when completed in 1938.
One of the rooms
The same room
Eva Braun’s preferred room
Once outside you encounter these amazing views of the Austrian and German Alps
Looking for directions
Do you see the Bavarian mountain lake.
What a view
Looking back at the Eagles Nest.
I decide to take the walking trail down from the top to the parking lot it continued to offer stunning views.
Mountain flowers
Heading down the trail.
Lastly I got this photo with the birthday girl…..
I could not be more proud of this 18 year old legend. Traveling with her for this birthday has been incredibly meaningful. She make her dad proud everyday with how she treats people from her friends to strangers on the street. I love her energy, her curiosity and her sense of adventure. I hope she had as much fun on her birthday as I did. Go Hawkeyes!!!
After leaving this place we gathered ourselves and our thoughts, boarded the bus and headed for Salzburg.
Sulzberg, Austria is everything you want in a European town. Salzburg has beautiful castles, broque style buildings, the Sound of Music, Mozart and monks who have brewed beer for centuries. Our exploration of the cities was unguided so I will not have a lot of commentary on the structures you see.
Lots of narrow winding roads and little squares
The fortress at the top of the hill dominates the skyline.
Mozart’s birthplace
Fountains
In one of the plazas
These are the gardens where the children hop up the steps in the Sound of Music. The garden and the fortress in the back oooh my.
Looking back at old Salzburg from the river
The monastery build in 1790 and expanded in 1950.
Bavarian beer in stone mugs as the Lord intended
Cool
Not so cool. I was walking by this building, two men jumped out and ask if I could come in and model, perhaps strike a few looks that match the figurines. Was unsure if the was a childhood flashback or someone trying to sex traffic a middle man. I simple ran away as fast as I could.
One last shot of Sulzberg as a fled.
This is a town that deserves more of your time because there is great history here, great art, great architecture, great food, great recreation and great beer. I hope a return visit is not far off
Back in the bus and back to Münich for a late dinner and a good nights sleep. Tomorrow, we are of to Nurenberg.
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