Hiking to Hitler’s House
If you’re a dictator with grandiose plans to dominate the world, it makes sense that you’d build a stunning home on top of a mountain with spectacular views over Berchtesgaden, in the heart of Bavaria two hours south of Munich.
So this is Hitler’s famous Eagle’s Nest. You take a bus up winding mountain roads, then ride an elevator 400 feet straight up through the inside of the mountain to get to it. But please don’t do that.
Casey and I decided to hike the entire way, from the bottom to the little yellow circle.
At first it was a nice gradual incline of 30 degrees. Then it got steep, about 65-70 degrees. The trail marker said it would take four hours up. We did it in two. The best part? We only saw 10 people the whole way up. And the flowers along the way were just beautiful.
I was skeptical about going because I hate tourist traps. But the views were spectacular as it is sandwiched in between two mountain chains with a lake and brilliant green hills below.
Then there is the historical part. Here is Hitler sitting in this sun room, where we stood today.
The views from the dining room and everywhere are stunning.
Again you walk where Hitlers was. Weird.
Then it was time to hike back down. Gotta give the Germans credit. To this day, 70 years later, you hear regular Germans apologizing and wanting people to know they dislike war and are sorry. We never heard or saw any of the same sentiment from the Russians.
On the way down, we saw German soldiers. Was kinda weird thinking their grandparents fought ours all those years ago.
Afterwards we stopped at one of the happiest places in the world for me. This little Bavarian beer garden where we’ve seen the same waiters for years now. And get the same schnitzel and fries every time.
Last week, I changed my hotel reservation to this little place outside of town and saved $200! It’s been in the family four generations.
Mom, our room has a little flower box and overlooks a little patio. Which is the only place you can get internet and where in writing this at midnight.
Goodnight from one of the most charming places on the planet. Love you all!
Kirk
