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The Spoils of War at Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest
In 1945, near the end of World War II, there were two prizes yet to be captured by the Allied Forces. One was Berlin, which was controlled almost entirely by the Soviet Union; the other was Berchtesgaden, home to Adolf Hitler’s famous mountain lodge, Eagle’s Nest.
Many of Hitler’s plans to take over the world were made in Berchtesgaden. He was first inspired by the area near the Austrian border in the 1920s. Newly released from prison, he checked into a hut in the Bavarian town to finish writing his manifesto, Mein Kampf.
Eagle’s Nest was a 50th birthday gift to Hitler from his architect, Martin Bormann. It was intended to be a refuge of last resort should Hitler need it. During World War II, the mountain retreat atop an alpine peak was used exclusively by members of the Nazi party for government meetings and lavish parties.
Near the end of the war, every Allied Unit in the area, whether American or French, wanted to capture the prestige objective. Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division was first to arrive at the crown jewel of Hitler’s evil empire. The scene is depicted in HBO’s Band of Brothers.
10,000 bottles of the world’s finest liquor, wine and champagne, helped Easy Company mark the day the war in Europe came to an end. — Narrator, Band of Brothers
There’s still evidence of the war booty taken by the Allieds at Eagle’s Nest — much of the fireplace gifted Hitler by Mussolini has been chipped away — the spoils of war.
The Journey to Eagle’s Nest
You can’t drive up to Eagle’s Nest. The mountain road is too dangerous for regular vehicles. Constructed in 1938–1939, the road required 3,000 laborers working around the clock for thirteen months. Twelve men lost their lives during construction.
Hitler didn’t like traveling up the mountain because he was scared of heights and thought the mountain road too dangerous. Consequently, he only visited Eagle’s Nest 14 times between 1938–1945.
Today, you can hike trails up the mountain to Eagle’s Nest. Just follow signs that say Kehlsteinhaus (teahouse in German). Be prepared for a steep climb that will take 2–3 hours. Or you can buy a bus ticket — buses are outfitted with special…
