Inside Hitler's Eagle's Nest - Then & Now 

Never thought I'd get to correct something in one of these videos. As a blacksmith I can almost guarantee that the fireplace doors are not wrought iron, but cast iron. Wrought iron being a type of iron that seized production around 1900. Before the 1700 all European iron produced was wrought iron, but when modern steel production methods were invented in the 1700 hundreds, it diminished in use gradually, and seized completely around 1900. Today wrought iron is a a very sought after type of iron by blacksmiths for it's malleability and unique wood grain type structure, which can result in beautiful lines in the iron, of which pattern welded steel (called damascus by people who don't care about history) derives part of its popularity from (The other being Wootz steel, or "crucible steel" that was made in Pakistan/India and imported to Europe through Damascus through the middle ages (Thus the name of the modern imitation)) . The wood grain structure of wrought iron comes from the way it was produced - also the reason for its name "wrought iron". Wrought iron was produced by compressing a bloom of semi molten iron at high heat (But never quite smelted, as furnaces couldn't reach high enough temperatures), cutting, folding, and forge welding it back together in order to push out slag and create a more homogeneous iron. It was very labour intensive and expensive to produce. The invention of more powerful furnaces in the 1700, allowed for the iron to melt completely, simplifying the production process as slag separates easily from molten iron. Japanese steel and wrought iron was layered many more times than European equivalents, not because it make it stronger than alternatives, but because Japanese ore was of such poor quality that it was the only way to make it functional - It needed much more work done to it to get it to a comparable standard. And thus comes the myth of legendary katana steel. It's simply because Japan has some of the worst ore in the world and a proud conservative historically (And some bad American made "documentaries"). Cast iron on the other hand came to popularity during the industrial revolution when casting steel and iron became widespread. Cast iron having a higher carbon content lowers it's melting point, making it cheaper to cast than regular steel. Cast iron having 2-3% carbon content and steels having between 0.4 and 1.2% carbon. Mild steel having less than 0.3% carbon content means it can not harden, yet it is still much harder to work than wrought iron, which contains almost no carbon at all (Also called "pure iron" for that reason, even though it's very impure) Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Kehlsteinhaus with some WWII veterans in 2004. It looks exactly the same. One interesting fact that we were told about was that the large ornate polished brass lift is powered by a WWII submarine engine adopted for use at this house. It was still in operation when we visited. This place is truly worth the visit. History abounds..

Hope you feel better Mark. I went here in the 80s and again in the 90s while stationed in Germany. The scenery is amazingly beautiful. Perhaps that's why I choose Truckee in the Sierras😊

It is never lost on me how "men of the common people" absolutely love and require luxury. Sidebar...a case of the lurgy? I hope that it's not similar to what my grandma called "the creeping no good". As always, great episode Dr. Felton, well done. Cheers from the States.

I found visiting the Eagle’s Nest really interesting. You can view the model farm location that they were going to deploy after the war from there. Also, I was told that the elevator was actually a double decker so that they could bring up supplies. A must visit if you are traveling in the area!!

I was up there one summer with my father, a WW2 vet who hadn't been back to Europe since the war. It's interesting to see and the area is beautiful. My mother was in the Red Cross and met my father in London during the Blitz. When the war ended they volunteered to stay and were based in Paris where my father was responsible for finding the bodies of the missing airmen shot down in Europe. He had the logs of the surviving flight crews to go by and he ran teams indigenous to each area. Amazingly, hey found almost all of them. They also found some death camps. He had shocking pictures.

Thanks for a nice brief overview of the Eagles Nest! I just visited there October 16, 2023 and really enjoyed it!

My uncle was a U.S. Army Ranger Pathfinder with the 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment that parachuted into France 11 hours ahead of H-Hour on D-Day. They actually landed over seven miles off course at Ste Mere Eglise and just six miles inland from Utah Beach. In the dark, the scattered soldiers couldn't find their own company. My uncle ran across a General, his adjutant, a sergeant and another GI private like himself. The General proclaimed, "well boys, the war starts right here for us." They met up with other troops that mounted the battle to take the critical town of Ste Mere Eglise. Fighting their way across France, the 506th reassembled to jump during Operation Market-Garden in Holland to seize key bridges. From there, they marched back towards Paris where they expected to be relieved for 2 weeks with R&R in London. They had no winter clothes, no ammunition supplies, and very little food or other supplies. They were diverted to Bastogne to cut off a vital road objective that the Germans wanted for their advance to Antwerp. He remembered being trapped at Bastogne as being the “toughest, coldest, wettest, hungriest, and the meanest battle of them all”. His unit crossed the Rhine River and eventually captured Hitler‛s “Eagle‛s Nest. He drank Hitler's liquor at the Eagle's nest on V-E Day. He was able to obtain some of Hitler‛s personal stationery and used it to write a letter back home to my grandparents. My cousin has the original letter framed and it sits on his office credenza at his home. The 506th “liberated” Goering’s wine cellar as well as the stack of bottles from other Nazi notables. My uncle was in the area until about the end of July before being moved out. He mustered out of the Army in December 1945.

This is a place im desperate to visit, as my great uncle, Richard Winters, was here at the end of the war

I love the sarcastic humour in putting a beer hall on the place - contrary to stereotypes, Germans really do have a sense of humour 😂❤

Thank you for bringing back the memory of visiting the Eagle's Nest. It was a fascinating visit and not to be missed when in the area.

I will be returning to Kelsteinhaus in the fall of next year and quite look forward to hiking it from the base. Though it is eerie to visit from a historical standpoint, one cannot argue the absolute beauty and wonder of such building.

I was there. Fascinating object and view of the mountains.

Fascinating! As an aside, a child of Brits, Lergy is a term not heard in 50 years! Keep it up, Dr. Felton!

I remember when I went to Paris a few (20) years ago, I worked out where Hilter stood in the famous picture of him with the Eiffel tower behind him. It was a really odd feeling - to think that one of history's most infamous people had stood there, 60 years or so before, was very strange. I can therefore imagine how strange it must have felt touring that house today.

I was able to visit Kehlsteinhaus in 1999 while serving in Europe. I'm glad they tried to preserve history. It was nice to see it on a sunny day since it was neblig and eerie when I was there, although I remember being allowed in the kitchen area for some reason (probably accidental).

My grandfather was in the 101st Airborne Division during WW2 & participated in several battles including the Battle of Bulge, he was actually at Hitlers Eagles Nest back in 1945 - He passed away on August 4th, 2016 - (One month & 23 Days shy of his 91st Birthday).

I always really enjoy these informative windows into bits of history I never really knew a lot about, always a relaxing and interesting experience. Thank you Mark for your consistently fascinating videos, hope you feel better soon!

Thank you. I was at Kehlstein in 2022, but your straight ahead elaboration on the details is most informative and welcomed.

My understanding has been that Mussolini simply gifted the raw marble to be used in the building, and the fireplace was constructed on site by craftsmen.

"The Eagle's Nest was a surprise birthday present for Hitler built with Nazi Party money. A mountaintop stone retreat 8,000 feet up accessible by a gold-plated elevator. It was one of the crown jewels of his empire... And the man was afraid of heights..." -Major Dick Winters, Band of Brothers

Thank you for your excellent and well documented work once again. It is always difficult to stay objective and true when referring to historical events. Congrats

My European tour in 2011 was going to the Eagles nest, but it snowed the day before we were scheduled to go there, and they shut down the mountain and I was not able to see it. I can see that I really missed a great view. Thank You Mark for taking me there.

Thanks for all your hard work Mark❤

Hey Mark im a former member of the Canadian army. Canadas contribution to wars is often overlooked. I was wondering if you could do a video about the medak pocket. Where Canadian troops were outnumbered and held back the serbs in 9 - 17 September 1993. This is a story that was fallen through the cracks of history and needs to be told. Thank you

Mark absolutely love your videos. Its like having history class in my living room 😊. Hope your voice gets well soon 🙏👍. Frank from Tennessee.

Fantastic video as always, it was great to see the historical compare and contrast. I would've never seen the Eagle's nest otherwise.

Sorry to hear about the lurgy. Hope you get better. Thank you for still making these. I appreciate your efforts.

Excellent video, as always! I'm planning a trip next year (May-June) to visit all these historical places at Berchtesgaden (The Berghof, Eagle Nest, the new museum and tunnels, etc.). These videos are an excellent source of information to be prepared and know what to see, understanding the story and details behind these places and areas. Thank you for the time spent creating this content!

I'd love to visit this place someday! Its so wonderful that famous buildings like this still exist and can be visited and enjoyed by history lovers!

Great video! I don't blame the G.I.'s for taking souvenirs, they went through the gates of hell to reach the end of WW2. Thank you for your work!

If you wonder how U.S.Army troops managed to ship those candelabras home, one possible explanation is that Officers’ belongs labeled “personal effects” are not searched. Also, high ranking officers could have simply decided they would look good in regimental headquarters.

He had a gorgeous view! Eagles Nest was a fitting name.

I rarely comment, but this is another superb video. I thank you for your prolific output on really interesting subjects that are always well presented and attention holding. It's a place I would like to see in reality. That, and the Hotel Zum Türken !

Dr. Felton, you are unrivaled. The videos and content are Always top marks. So very fascinating to be able to experience some of these places in real life. Cheers!

My buddies and I walked all the way from Berchtesgaden to the top of Eagle's nest just to find out that there was still snow and we couldn't get all the way to the top. The view was still impeccable.

Thanks for this Mark, I was hoping there would be a follow up to the first video. Very well done as usual.

One of my husband's uncles brought back three chunks of the red marble from the fireplace.

I visited the Eagles nest in 1990 when I was stationed in Germany with the Canadian Armed Forces during the latter part of the cold war. There was no restaurant and it was pretty much an open exhibit at that time. Thank yoiu for a great video that gets me up-to-date.

I visited in 1972 age 10- I’ve never forgotten the brass lift. The day we went, the mountain was covered in mist obscuring the views. A fascinating place and great to see it again.

The view from the terrace is truly amazing.

Holly crap ! I just gave the first thumbs up. Dr Felton videos are always quick to receive lots of thumbs up. Love these videos , they are top shelf .

I visited Eagle's Nest in the mid 90's, I don't remember the restaurant or bar being there at the time but, oh my goodness, the view was amazing! The fireplace is gorgeous, we were told it was a gift from Mussolini, made from Italian red marble. Eagle's Nest is definitely worth a visit if you get the opportunity.

My dad visited the Eagles Nest just after liberation. He said it was very fancy and that Hitler didn't spare any expense. He also said it was pretty much torn apart after his visit.

Unbelievable! I wanted to thank @MarkFeltonProductions for inspiring me to pursue this field. Like my father, you have guided me with studies and information that I'm one step closer to obtaining my doctorate in European History.

Fascinating, as always Mark! BTW: "Stolen by US GIs" seems a bit harsh, my dad who served in the ETO in WW2 preferred the term "liberated". 😇

Si Mark Felton sube un video, entonces va a ser un buen día.

Love coming back from the pub after work and seeing a Mark Felton upload

To some, who have taken up arms and answered a call to defend what the believe is right, after the hostilities have ended you reflect on everything you experienced. For some, buildings like this became a focal point to vent their emotions. Taking a piece of property that was your enemy's is a act of trying to take compensation for what you feel you have lost in the battles. It is something soldiers have done throughout time and has nothing to do with them lacking discipline. Sure, it's easy to simplify it and call it stealing, looting or theft. But to a lot of those soldiers it was retribution as well. As others mentioned, I was also told by AFRC staff that many pieces of furniture in the former Platerhoff/Gen. Walker were from up there. Likewise the diesel submarine engine that was up there had a "twin" that was in the bunkers below the Platerhoff/Gen. Walker. I had the opportunity to view both in the late early 90's.

Mark Felton's disdain for the Americans who fought in WWII is clearly evident in this history lesson. Thanks Mark.

I love the recreation of H's main house in the movie "Valkyrie", with Tom Cruise.

Simply stunning! it's certainly on my bucket list! Feel better Mark!

I've been there. It was one mf my most memorable visits in Germany. Brought back memories. Thanks.

Thank you for the newest history lesson Professor Felton. Merry Christmas 🎄 & Happy New Year 🎆🎊

Sorry to hear you have the Lurgy hope your better soon. Many thanks for your excellent and informative video on the Eagles Nest. Much appreciated.

I'd like to thank you for your time and effort involved to make these wonderful, historical videos.... Absolutely fascinating. Cheers, from upstate New York.

Our Unit had a four day retreat there after Desert Storm!! Was a Blast!! Went there again on a wedding Aniversary!!!

We visited the Eagles Nest in May, and wow, it was amazing

Man that’d be so cool to be standing in history like that. I am VERY thankful for all the USGI’s fighting for souvenirs bringing them home to the US for me and my friends to collect! 😂😂

2:37 Hey Mark, Great work as always! I have a question. So is that area all a modern addition? Because that area looks very different in Eva Brauns film reels. I went to the Eagles nest a few months ago. Absolutely beautiful!

I know an uncle who had a piece of Mussolini's mantle you showed us and now I know where it came from. I remember it looking like a chunk of Mom's marble table. It's funny because Mom's table was made in Italy.

Your timing is impeccable Mr Felton.

The days when Mark Felton uploads are always good days

Fun Fact: Mark took all the photos and videos. Past and Present.

My wife and I visited here several times in the late 1980s while we were both soldiers with the US Army; we have many pictures from those visits. We stayed at what was called the General Walker Hotel, former lodging for visiting dignitaries, in Obersalzberg, from where our excursions to the tea house initiated. The SS motor pool and bus garage was visible nearby. While Dr. Felton uses the words "modern" and "now" (used in the title) with little clarification of exactly when he is referring to, I can attest to the fact that the "glazed in" terrace was not enclosed in 1986...access to it was restricted only during inclement weather. Also, there were trails that some people would use to hike up to and down from the Kehlsteinhaus from the hotel; we never opted to do so. The staff informed us that Hitler was claustrophobic and that the polished brass (mirror-like) panels lining the elevator walls made it seem much bigger to ease his unrest at being so enclosed. I am told the General Walker hotel is no longer there, nor is the SS garage. But while staying there, we took the tour through the underground tunnels that connected the hotel, the Berghof, Bormann's house, and Goering's house. A secret descending stairway in the basement of the hotel led to the tunnels. There were offices, sleeping quarters, and even a large generator powered by a U-boat engine.

My family and I visited the Eagles Nest in June of this year. To have pre-visited a Mark Felton video location is an exciting first for me!

Thank you very much Mr. Mark for today's video❤

When I was stationed in West Germany there were other venues I prioritized.... basically, everything else!

I visited this for the first time in September. Great experience. Thank you for posting

I was there in 1963...I was stationed in Berlin in MI SPO outfit. I have been in most countries in Europe but nothing as beautiful as the Eagles Nest.

I would love to visit it but I'm terrified of hights. Thank goodness for Dr. Felton and his videos. lol

Sometimes I wonder who were the biggest looters........

Surprised to see eagles nest, Hitler house. Even after 90+ years this building is really very good condition. Instead of destroying people kept the house in good condition, including the furniture. Thanks to Mark Felton for sharing this wonderful article.

Dr. Felton, another one of your fantastic videos. Thank you for posting. It allows us all to better understand and appreciate history. Cheers from Texas.

I've often wondered what the modern German citizen thinks of the area turning into a tourist attraction

Thank you for sharing 🎅🤶🎄❄️🦌

The view/site is amazing! If you are a WW2 enthousiast this is the one to go to!!

Great tour, Mark! When we were there much of the EN was closed to the public, including the restaurant and balcony

Sir, please take care of your health, both the world and myself need your historical information especially in these days. Thanks for the information you continuously put out for us and hopefully, the younger generation which seems to not realize the threats out there if we fail to learn from history.👍👍

that would be an ideal place for some cold beers in summer

Thank you Mark for not adding the tedious music which was used in your video of 5 years ago on the bunker photos. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your journey; I only wish I could visit the Eagle's Nest one day.

We need Battle of the Bulge videos for anniversary

It parallels Albert Khan who was Jewish designing a good majority of Henry Fords Factories.

I checked and those furnishings and furniture may have not left the area, as that material was used in the "General Walker Hotel" used by the US Military along with Speer's studio until 1996. Apparently, the hotel was razed but not after the locals stole the furnishings!

My dad served with USAREUR in the 1970s and we came to Berchtesgaden for a AFRC vacation and I was lucky to see the General Walker hotel, the tunnels, the foundations of Hitler's house and the Eagle's Nest as a kid. I returned to Germany thirty years later and revisited Berchtesgaden but a lot had been torn down by then, though I went up to the Eagle's Nest again, now with my wife. I also visited the old American housing area (wonder if it is still there?) and thought that Berchtesgaden must have been a great posting for a US service family.

I think using the word “stolen” in regards to US troops “collecting” items is a bit harsh. Yes, technically they were stolen, but it was a different time. What those soldiers had been through, we can’t imagine. So, stealing some things from a home for a madman, is part of the price paid.

I sadly get the impression this is now just a massive tourist attraction. Like so many historic attractions, when there are so many tourists and likely souvenir shops, it's impossible to silently try to envision and feel the true history. Always a shame !!

I’m a simple man..I see mark Felton uploaded and I happily oblige.

Another Felton jewel. Thank you for the time you spend to create these videos. I have a question, what is the reason for the square ceiling features? I see this often in German archival films.

Dr Felton I like how you said “stolen by the GI’s and not taken lol you are real ❤

Mark Felton I hope your voice comes back soon.

"to prevent the entire interior of the building being carried back to the US by GI's" had me on the floor. 🤣🤣🤣

The view is absolutely stunning! I've been to Germany 3 times but have never visited - maybe if I make it a fourth sometime, this should be on my list of places to visit!

The US Soldiers didn't steal those items, they liberated them. Many thanks for posting, Dr. Felton.

Nice but I think I'll stay away from all those tourists

Very well done video, Dr. Felton. Hope you are feeling better. Cheers from a fellow history buff across the Pond in the States!

Well there must be a lot of really nice souvenirs adorning houses here in the US! 🛋️ Our mailman from when I was younger, Jitz Lovgren, and his unit made it to the Eagle's Nest, and perhaps some pieces from the place wound up at his home, but whoever made off with the massive table must have been well connected to have sent that back to the states! 🖼️😊

How much did these American forces steal from the eagle's nest?

I always wonder when US soldiers were taking items and souvenirs, how did they securely get them back home? Was the US knowingly just sending cargo of looted goods on ships & planes back to the states? Or did they look the other way? Were instead, the soldiers ALLOWED to take a certain amount of items to send back home? ... anyone know how that worked?