A fire broke out at the Kehlsteinhaus, a historic mountain retreat built for Adolf Hitler, in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, on Friday evening.
Flames engulfed the building, known as the "Eagle’s Nest," and were visible for kilometers, according to local reports. Emergency services arrived at 21:52 to find the structure fully ablaze, with no one inside. The blaze triggered a large-scale firefighting operation, complicated by the building’s remote location at 1,834 meters above sea level.
Police suspect arson and have arrested a motorcyclist near the scene, a spokesperson told *Bild* . The suspect was detained as firefighters worked to control the blaze, which required heavy protective gear due to the intensity of the fire, according to police . Authorities have not confirmed injuries, as the building was empty when the fire began.
The Kehlsteinhaus, constructed in 1938 as a gift to Hitler, served as a Nazi representation building but was rarely used by him due to his fear of heights. Since 1952, it has operated as a mountain inn and museum, with an exhibition on its Nazi-era history . The site, part of the former Obersalzberg restricted area, is now owned by the state of Bavaria.
Firefighters faced significant challenges due to the altitude and access difficulties, with around 150 personnel deployed. The building’s future remains uncertain, as officials have not yet determined whether it can be saved . Investigations into the cause are ongoing, led by the criminal police in Traunstein.
