Berchtesgaden, Germany

  We woke up early in Berwang Austria and made our way down to Berchtesgaden Germany.  It is the little tip of Germany that dips into Austria.  It is surrounded by Austria on three sides. It is known for Salt mining, The Eagle’s Nest, and its proximity to Salzburg Austria.  It has been called “the cradle of the Third Reich” since Hitler loved this area and spent a long time in Obersalzburg nearby, “acquiring” land from the locals and building compounds in which he could execute his liberal ideas from.   After dropping off our van filled to the brim with sleeping bags, food, clothes, blankets, sweatshirts and coats at the HINTERBRAND LODGE where were staying for the week, we made our way the 7 kilometers back to visit Eagle’s Nest, since it was such a clear day.  We were so excited to get started seeing the area since this particular vacation had been on the calendar for a full year and the anticipation was too great!!!  The Hinterbrand lodge is located in the mountains above the city of Berchtesgaden on one of the most beautiful hillsides in the area. 

The Hinterbrand Lodge:

Hitler’s Eagles Nest:
Hitler had this mountain retreat built high up in the mountain as well as 80 other buildings around the area becoming a compound in which he could plan and execute his ideas for ruling Germany and neighboring Austria who he and his followers insisted were “German at heart”.  A visiting diplomat to the Mountain Top Chalet, humorously called it “Eagle’s Nest” and the nick name stuck.  All of the 80 buildings were destroyed by Ally forces in the 1940’s to distinguish any leftovers for future Neo Nazi followers.  However Eagle’s Nest was left in tack and is now a restaurant and tourist magnet.  A museum and documentation center have been built below at the bottom of the hill where you catch the buses to take you up the mountain to get on an elevator that then takes you to the top!   A system of bunkers exsists below the documentation center where the Nazi leaders hid during their last stand down. 
Really, the only true remain from Hitler’s regime would be the fireplace in the restaurant.  Now it is a platform to view the beautifully amazing area we know as modern Berchtesgaden.  You can see nearby Salzburg Austria, Lake Konigsee, and miles and miles of the Alps.  It is truly amazing.  
   
With rocks to climb and explore our kids made themselves comfortable right away!