My last hiking day on this trip was two weeks ago in Bulgaria so it was time to plan another one to keep the legs fit. The German and Austrian Alps are filled with walking trails but I set my sights on hiking to Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle‘s Nest) near Berchtesgaden, Germany. Crazy idea?!?
Kehlsteinhaus, Germany
The Kehlsteinhaus (also known as Eagle‘s Nest and Hitler‘s Holiday House) sits at an altitude of 1834m and has been a restaurant and open for tourists since 1952. It hasn‘t been bombed or destroyed so is therefore mostly still in its original form and shape. Quite surreal being there to be honest. The hike was not easy but doable and I waited for a sunny day so it was perfect.
Base in Radstadt, Austria
So while waiting for the perfect weather day I had a few days spare. I decided to settle in a little Austrian town called Radstadt amid the Alps. It has been a while since I stayed at one place for four nights but this was the best place to do it. The accommodation Sauschneidhof is beautiful, peaceful and I had an amazing balcony view from my room. The hosts were great. Also how can you say no to fresh eggs every morning?
Zell am See, Austria
My base location was great and from here I could do all my day trips. Most I mentioned in my previous post. In addition, and trying to rest my legs before the hike, I went to a small town Zell am See. The town was pretty and I thought walking around the lake might be a good exercise alternative. Haven’t done that since Lake Bled, Slovenia. This was a 11.1 km round trip and took two hours. No hills so perfect before the hike!
Hiking to Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle‘s Nest)
The day arrived, the sky was blue, and so I took off early morning and drove to Berchtesgaden in Germany. There is not too much information online about the hike to Kehlsteinhaus, everybody seems to take the bus. Fair enough, but I don‘t mind a challenge and a little pain and the walk to the top definitely makes the view more rewarding.
As a starting point I decided to park my car near Obersalzberg and the Toll Booth for The German Alpen Route (I drove it a few months ago and it was stunning). Otherwise I would have to pay a fee to drive to the Ofnerboden car park, and I didn‘t find it necessary. Parking where I did probably added only 30min to my walk.
From there the signage was pretty clear and I made my way uphill towards Kehlsteinhaus. The sign said 4 hours but I did it in under 2 hours. I would be lying if I said it was easy, it was uphill nonstop, but I powered through. Step after step. The view from the top was spectacular!
The Top
Given that there weren‘t many people walking the trail I was a little bit surprised to see all the people at the Kehlsteinhaus bus parking spot near the tunnel lift (going to the final top). I guess the bus is a popular option and it is definitely a tourist attraction.
It was very crowded at the summit and for me that detracts from the experience a little bit. Small tip: If you feel like you want to do at least a little bit of walking I would recommend to avoid the tunnel lift and walk the little zig zag side walk (up or down depending on how you feel). Less crowds and waiting time but more of the view!
From the summit the view is stunning! Especially out to the Königssee. The solo musician playing accordion under the Gipfelkreuz (summit cross) is the perfect Bavarian welcome after the big hike! He certainly seemed to have fun!
I didn’t stay too long up there though. After a quick sandwich and some photos I left the crowds and walked back down to the car. It took me just over an hour and I was a happy girl!
Great achievement for the day! I was certainly looking forward to a quiet afternoon back at my base in Sauschneidhof, Radstadt, Austria. Until the next hike!
AFTERWORD: From a hike to Trolltunga in Norway to an almost 300km hike through France, I love being outdoors. Find the latest under my Activities and feel free to follow my current cycling trip through Europe. Happy Hiking!
