Roadtrip Germany Day 4: Munich to Kehlstein (Eagles Nest) and on to Salzburg
Departure from Munich
We depart from the H2 Hotel Munich, an ideal base for our explorations of the city. The hotel is centrally located and offers free parking, making it easy to drive out of the city. The extensive breakfast ensures a good start to the day. The H2 Hotel is a comfortable place with modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for both short and long stays.
Stop 1: Kehlstein (Eagles Nest) (Distance: ~120 km, Travel time: ~1.5 hours)
Our first destination of the day is the famous Kehlstein, better known as the “Eagles Nest”. This impressive mountain retreat is situated at an altitude of 1,834 metres and offers breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps and the surrounding landscape.
History of Kehlstein
The Eagles Nest, built in 1937, was a gift from the Nazi Party to Adolf Hitler on the occasion of his 50th birthday. Designed by architects Roderich Fick and the firm of Heinrich Tessenow, it was intended as a luxurious retreat and meeting place for Hitler. The location was chosen for its spectacular views and remoteness, making it ideal for the Nazi leader to retreat from public life. The building itself was built without many problems, with an exceptional engineering feat: a 124-meter tunnel and a lift that went 124 meters up the mountain.
Hitler rarely visited the Eagles Nest, but it has since become a historic landmark that offers insight into the history of World War II and the lives of German leaders. After the war, the building was taken over by the American occupation forces and has since served as a tourist attraction and restaurant. It is one of the few original Nazi architectural structures that is open to visitors.
Visit and explore
After arriving at the base of the Kehlstein (Eagles Nest), we board the special shuttle bus that will take us to the top of the mountain. This bus ride is a special experience in itself. The ride takes about 15 minutes and follows a narrow, sealed road that has only one lane. The road winds through the mountainside and climbs almost 1,000 meters, giving us increasingly impressive views the higher we climb. The road itself is an engineering marvel; it was built in the 1930s with enormous effort and precision so that visitors could be transported safely to the top.
Upon reaching the summit, we disembark and enter a long passageway carved into the mountain. This passageway leads to the original elevator, one of the most impressive feats of engineering of its time. The elevator is a marvel in itself, rising 124 meters through the rock to the top floor of the Eagles Nest. As the elevator opens its doors, we enter the former home of Adolf Hitler, which now serves as a restaurant and lookout point.
The experience above
Although the interior of the house is not particularly striking, the view we
from the Eagles Nest are truly phenomenal. The building is situated in a beautiful location that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We can look out over the breathtaking mountain landscape, where the vast Alps and the picturesque valleys unfold before us. The horizon is dotted with other impressive mountain peaks, which contribute to the majestic atmosphere of the place.
There are several opportunities to hike and explore the area further. There are several hiking trails that lead to viewpoints and offer the chance to experience the mountainous surroundings in all their glory. These hiking trails vary in difficulty and offer magnificent views of the surrounding nature. The fresh mountain air and serene environment make it a perfect place for a quiet and refreshing hike.
The Eagles Nest offers not only a view of a historical monument but also one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Alps, making it an unforgettable destination for every visitor.
Website and Entrance Fee
Website: Eagles Nest
Entrance fee: The cost of the shuttle bus and entrance is approximately €16,- for adults. Please note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
Stop 2: Panorama Strasse
After the enchanting visit to the Eagles Nest we say goodbye to this
impressive place and we get back in our car. Stop 2 takes us over the breathtaking Panorama Strasse, a route that winds through the picturesque mountain landscape of the Alps. As we drive along this panoramic road, we are surrounded by breathtaking views of pristine mountain pastures, deep blue lakes and imposing mountain peaks that tower above the landscape. The air is clear and the fresh mountain breeze makes the ride even more pleasant.
The Panorama Strasse, also known as the Berchtesgaden Panorama Route, offers an unforgettable driving experience with spectacular views of the Bavarian and Austrian mountain landscape. During the ride, you can enjoy views of green alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes and imposing mountain peaks. This route is ideal for a relaxing ride with frequent stops to take photos and admire the nature.
The Panorama Strasse offers new surprises at every turn and every viewpoint. We stop regularly to take in the beauty of nature, take photos and simply enjoy the quiet grandeur of the Alps. The route offers a perfect balance between dramatic views and serene moments, and it feels like we are driving through a living painting, with every change in the landscape adding a new dimension to our journey.
Please note that tolls may be charged for using some mountain roads. Tolls in the Berchtesgaden area typically cost between €5 and €10, depending on the type of vehicle and the specific route you choose. For up-to-date information and toll prices, please visit the Berchtesgaden Tourismus website.
Last stop: Salzburg!
The contrast between the green alpine meadows and the majestic, snow-capped peaks is astonishing. As we continue, the outlines of Salzburg begin to emerge on the horizon. The transition from the vast Alps to the charming city rich in culture and history marks the end of a memorable journey and the beginning of a new journey of discovery.
Salzburg, a charming city known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the famous film The Sound of Music . Salzburg offers a mix of baroque splendor, beautiful mountain landscapes and a rich culture.
Things to see in Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress
The imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, which towers over the city, offers panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding mountains. The fortress is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
Website: Hohensalzburg Fortress
Mozart's Birthplace
This historic building in Getreidegasse is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The museum offers a glimpse into the life of the famous composer.
Website: Mozart's Birthplace
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
This baroque palace with its beautiful gardens is a must-see. The gardens are famous for their ornate design and colorful flowerbeds.
Website: Mirabell Palace
Grained Gasse
This historic shopping street is famous for its charming boutiques and traditional half-timbered houses. It is also home to Mozart's birthplace.
Website: Getreidegasse
Salzburg Cathedral
The imposing Salzburg Cathedral is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and has a rich history.
Website: Salzburg Cathedral
St. Peter's Abbey
This abbey, one of the oldest in the German-speaking world, has an impressive cemetery and a Baroque library.
Website: St. Peter's Abbey
Hellbrunn Palace
Known for its beautiful fountains and parks, Hellbrunn Palace offers a charming experience with an enchanting garden.
Website: Hellbrunn Palace
Salzburg Museum
This museum offers a comprehensive exhibition on the history, art and culture of Salzburg and the surrounding region.
Website: Salzburg Museum
Mozarteum
This music institute is dedicated to the study and performance of Mozart's music and offers regular concerts and lectures.
Website: Mozarteum
Kapuzinerberg
For a great view of the city and the surrounding mountains, hike to the top of Kapuzinerberg. The hike offers serene views and a relaxing experience.
Website: Kapuzinerberg
After a day full of cultural discoveries and breathtaking views, we return to Munich for a final dinner in the city that has welcomed us so well over the past few days. Today is our last day on this journey and we enjoy a delicious meal in a local restaurant, where we end the day in style.
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