Millions of people have heard of Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest” in Berchtesgaden. But how many are aware of the magnitude of the Third Reich’s takeover and development of the Berchtesgaden area? How many grasp the political, military and historical importance of the region that Hitler termed his “chosen homeland” and described as the “source of his inspiration”, his “secret capital” and the place where, according to him, his “greatest decisions” were made?

First came the takeover and transformation of Obersalzberg into an extensive Alpine Headquarters, housing hundreds of employees and leaders of the Reich. Then came the HQ’s expansion into Berchtesgaden’s valleys with over sixty additional buildings. Then came the daring construction of a mountaintop folly, a teahouse later termed the “Eagle’s Nest”. Last but not least, they undertook the desperate, albeit ambitious, construction of a fortress of rock: a 6km (4 mile) tunnel system hewn out of the depths of “Hitler’s mountain”. Discover the reasons for which Hitler spent over one-third of his time in power at Obersalzberg.

This full-day tour gives you the full - and little known - picture of the so-called “Alpine Fortress” in Berchtesgaden, the place that the Allies so eagerly wanted to capture, along with Hitler himself, if possible.

On this full-day incursion into world history we explore your personal choice of buildings, sites and topics connected with the former headquarters in Berchtesgaden. In fact, there are too many known sights, as well as secret sites, to visit in one day. For this reason, each historically rich tour is tailor-made to cater to the interests of the client.

CHOICE OF SIGHTS:

• Eagle’s Nest (mountaintop diplomatic tea house, considered to be an engineering feat)
• Former Obersalzberg HQ’s (30-some existing structures plus sites of destroyed buildings)
• Platterhof Bunker Complex (a good example of the underground fortified system)
• RSD-HQs Tunnel (a study in the defenses under Hotel Zum Tuerken leading to Hitler’s private bunker)
• Mein Kamp Hut (foundations of the Kampfhäusl, supposedly where the book was written)
• Model Farm of the 3rd Reich (the Gutshof was to be duplicated throughout Eastern Europe)
• Albert Speer’s Studio (many significant architectural projects were developed here)
• Albert Speer’s Home (Speer’s family spent their holidays here)
• Goering’s Adjutancy (located near Goering’s home)
• Hitler’s VIP guesthouse and Party HQs (rebuilt, now houses the Documentation Center)
• Documentation Center at Obersalzberg (objective and in-depth coverage of the 3rd Reich)
• Dietrich Eckhart Lodge former home of Hitler's "esoteric mentor", head of the Thule Society
• Site of Hitler’s Home and HQs (nothing remains of the ‘Berghof’ but the site)
• Site of Mooslahnerkopf Teahouse (Hitler’s favorite destination for a ritual afternoon walk)
• Site of Goering’s House (no building remains)
• Site of Bormann’s Home (no building remains)
• Site of Platterhof (only the theater remains of what one could term the ‘cradle of the Reich’)
• Scharitzkehlalm (major workers camp and base during the Eagle’s Nest’s construction)
• Military Barracks (extensive barracks for the general security of the region)
• Nazi Hospital (abandoned hospital named after Hitler’s mentor, Dietrich Eckhart)
• Eckhart’s Grave (key figure in the formative years of the growing party)
• Berchtesgaden’s Palace (site of town’s surrender to the Allies, later military tribunal)
• Hitler Youth Center (a former Hitlerjugend center buildings still stand)
• Adolf Hitler Youth Hostel (still a youth hostel today, it was originally named after A.H.)
• Heinrich Himmler’s Home (former base for the SS leader and his mistress)
• Fritz Todt’s Home (Minister of Armament, General Inspector of Road Construction)
• Berghof Staff’s Last HQs (at Hintersee, also site where one of Hitler’s cars was discovered)
• Train Station (typical example of a 3rd Reich public building, includes original features)
• Hitler Girls’ Sports School (unfinished BDM complex, now housing retirement home)
• Nazi Party Hotels (several hotels built by, or used by the party for their elite)

PRICE:
1 – 4 participants: EUR 400 / group
5 – 8 participants: EUR 500 / group
(Pricing includes full-day transportation in air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide service. Not included are applicable admission fees, as well as the mountain bus to Eagle’s Nest).

FURTHER AFIELD:
In-depth tours on the same theme are available for Munich, Nuremberg, Vienna and the former concentration camp of Dachau. “Band of Brothers” commemoration tours of the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium are also offered. The forts of the Maginot Line along the French-German border make for a fascinating highlight on tours that combine WWI and WWII sites as well.  

SLIDE SHOW:

A slide show of Third Reich buildings and personalities at Oberzberg. Eagle's Nest Historical Tours can offer guests a fascinating glimpse of life at the Obersalzberg and the surrounding areas by way of a slide show evening. The presentation covers not only most of the buildings erected by the Nazis in the area but also presents the leading personalities of the regime in and around the area. With live in-depth commentary on each image, the evening also affords an opportunity to ask questions throughout. Guests should allow a minimum of 2.5 hours for this private and exclusive event. Prices on request.