WWII History Buff Tours
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?
Discover the reasons for which Hitler spent over one-fourth of his time in power at Obersalzberg. 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 called the “Eagle’s Nest”. Last but not least, they undertook the eleventh-hour, albeit ambitious, construction of a fortress of rock: a 6km (4 mile) tunnel system hewn out of the depths of “Hitler’s mountain”.
The tour can be booked for up to 8 hours, depending on the number of sites you choose to include. This private and in-depth 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 memorable incursion into world history we explore your personal choice of buildings, sites and topics connected with the former headquarters in Berchtesgaden. Each historically rich tour is customized 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
- “Mein Kampf” 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) (seen from a distance)
- Albert Speer’s Home (Speer’s family spent their holidays here) (seen from a distance)
- Goering’s Adjutancy (located near Goering’s former home)
- Hitler’s VIP guesthouse and Party HQs (rebuilt, now houses part the Documentation Center)
- Dietrich Eckhart Lodge (former home of Hitler’s “esoteric mentor”, head of the Thule Society)
- Site of Hitler’s Home and HQs (little 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’)
- Military Barracks (extensive barracks for the general security of the region)
- Reichsbahn workers’ vacation center where much of Göring’s art collection was exhibited in ‘45
- 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.)
- Berghof Staff’s Last HQs (at Hintersee, also site where one of Hitler’s car 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)
Price
Parties of 1 – 6 participants: 330 € total per party for up to 4 hours and 80 € per additional hour. Prices include the services of an accredited driver/guide and a comfortable vehicle.
Note: The price does not include the eagles nest mountain bus fare 30.80 € p/p). This fare is payed by tour participants directly at the ticket offices on the day of the tour.
