Your excursion destination in Berchtesgaden
The Kehlsteinhaus, also called the 'Eagle's Nest', was built in 1938 and is one of the most elaborate projects from the Nazi era. Evidence of this is still evident today in the 124m-high Kehlsteinlift, whose interior is completely mirrored and clad in brass.
From up here, you have a unique view of the surrounding mountains and, in addition to the peaks of Hohen Göll, Watzmann, Jenner, Hochkalter, Reiteralm, and Untersberg, you can also see Lake Königssee—and on a really clear day, even Salzburg! You'll also learn more about the historical background of this building from the Nazi era.
P.S. Throughout the war, the building was spared from bombing and has thus been preserved in its original form to this day.
How do you get to the Kehlsteinhaus?
You can hike from the Obersalzberg parking lot to the Kehlsteinhaus. The Kehlsteinhaus hike takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. It depends on how many pictures you take along the way. :) You can easily return from the Kehlsteinhaus to the Obersalzberg by bus.
Another option is to hike from the Ofnerboden car park (1150 m above sea level) on the Roßfeldhöhenringstraße via the Dalsenwinkelstraße (easy hike, approx. 2 hours) – you can even do this route by mountain bike.
Of course, you can also choose the easier option and take the bus to the Kehlsteinhaus. The bus ride only takes 20 minutes. The bus stop for the trip to the Kehlstein is right next to the documentation center. From the bus turnaround, you can either climb several stone steps to the Eagle's Nest or take the Kehlsteinlift – an elevator that takes you 124 meters up into the mountain. The journey takes 41 seconds. The tunnel that then leads to the Kehlstein elevator is also 124 meters long.
Admission including the ride and elevator costs €28 for adults and €14.50 for children (6-14 years).
Since the Kehlsteinstraße is only accessible by special buses on the Kehlstein line, the Kehlsteinhaus cannot be reached by car.
You can visit the Kehlsteinhaus from the beginning of May to the end of October (weather permitting), daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
Why a visit to the Kehlsteinhaus is worthwhile:
A visit to this famous building in Berchtesgaden is recommended not only for its historical background. The Kehlsteinstraße, which leads from the Obersalzberg to the Kehlstein parking lot, is considered one of the most unique high mountain roads in the world.
In the Kehlsteinhaus Restaurant, you can enjoy delicious specialties while taking in the spectacular panorama – be sure to try the chocolate duo cake during your visit!
Since the Kehlsteinhaus has been preserved almost in its original form, it is used as a mountain restaurant and a historical memorial site. To appreciate the extent of the Nazi dictatorship in Berchtesgaden, a visit to the Obersalzberg Documentation Center is also recommended.