Saturday 2nd November 2019
What an amazing day.
We left Hallstatt early and headed on a very scenic drive to Berchtesgaden and then headed up to the Eagle’s Nest which was built as a 50th birthday present to Adolf Hitler. This historic survivor of the Third Reich (wasn’t bombed during the war, so looks the same as it did in 1945) can only be reached by taking a special bus (or a strenuous 3 hour walk – not allowed for me this time) to an elevator shaft set deep in the mountain. When the weather cooperates – which it did, the panorama is incredible. Right at eye level with the Alps, looking over both Germany and Austria, the jagged mountains march away in all directions. On a clear day, you can see Salzburg. We enjoyed a fantastic time up at Hitler’s holiday home, amazing views, good food and great company.

You can’t drive up to Eagle’s Nest. The mountain road is too dangerous for regular vehicles. Constructed in 1938-1939, the road required 3,000 labourers working around the clock for thirteen months. Twelve men lost their lives during construction. Hitler didn’t like traveling up the mountain because he was scared of heights and thought the mountain road too dangerous. Consequently, he only visited Eagle’s Nest 14 times between 1938-1945.

We then headed down to Königsee which is quite beautiful but unfortunately we didn’t have time to take the boat to St Bartholomew Church, but we managed a little walk around the town.

We then took the most scenic drive along the Alpine Way, up and down through the mountains and farmlands to our home for tonight at Reit im Winkl (Rip Van Winkle is Lisa’s name for it, she must be related to DB hehehe!).

We then went for an early Italian dinner (5pm) at a lovely restaurant with an accordianist dressed in traditional clothes. It was very nice music and beautiful food.