Eagle's Nest: A View from the Top of the World

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-duhr-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee geht es een-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh hah-teh gehr-neh dee shpahy-zuh-kahr-teh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-se kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh merkh-teh bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [gey-en zee vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee iyn-en ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh mikh fehr-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krahngk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh merkh-teh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel koh-stet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [keu-nen zee den prise zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [eyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [keu-nen zee meer dahs tsay-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kommt dehr nekhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh ...)]

Eagle's Nest, known as Kehlsteinhaus in German, was originally constructed in 1938 as a gift for Adolf Hitler's 50th birthday from the Nazi Party. Perched atop the Kehlstein Mountain, it was intended to serve as a retreat and a place for diplomatic meetings. The structure, built under the direction of Martin Bormann, showcases extraordinary engineering feats, including a tunnel bored 124 meters through the mountain and an elevator shaft rising 124 meters vertically.

During World War II, Eagle's Nest was seldom used by Hitler himself, who reportedly had a fear of heights. However, it became a symbol of Nazi power and an important part of the Berghof complex, which included Hitler's primary residence. The area was heavily fortified and served as a strategic location for the Nazis. It survived the war relatively unscathed and was captured by Allied forces in May 1945.

After World War II, Eagle's Nest faced potential destruction due to its association with the Nazi regime. However, it was spared and eventually handed over to the state of Bavaria. In the 1950s, it was transformed into a mountain inn and restaurant, open to the public. This period marked the beginning of its transition from a symbol of tyranny to a tourist attraction.

Today, Eagle's Nest is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and serves as a poignant historical site. The restaurant inside provides a unique dining experience with a historical backdrop, and guided tours offer in-depth insights into the site's past. The blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes Eagle's Nest a unique and compelling destination.

Eagle's Nest is a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of its time. The mountain road leading to the site, the tunnel, and the brass-lined elevator are all considered extraordinary achievements. The building itself is constructed from granite and features a terrace that offers breathtaking views. Despite its dark history, the craftsmanship and design of Eagle's Nest continue to impress visitors.

Eagle's Nest has left a lasting impact on popular culture and history. It has been featured in numerous documentaries, books, and films, often as a symbol of Nazi Germany. Its transformation into a tourist site serves as a reminder of the past while promoting education and reflection. The site's cultural significance extends beyond Germany, contributing to global historical discourse.

Eagle's Nest, also known as Kehlsteinhaus, is located in the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden, Germany. The nearest major city is Munich, which is approximately 150 kilometers away. From Munich, you can take a train to Berchtesgaden, which takes around 2.5 hours. From Berchtesgaden, buses or organized tours can take you to the Eagle's Nest Documentation Center. To reach the actual Eagle's Nest, you will need to take a special mountain bus from the Documentation Center, as private vehicles are not allowed on the steep mountain road.

Public transportation is efficient and reliable. The Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) operates frequent trains to Berchtesgaden from major cities. Local buses connect Berchtesgaden with nearby attractions. Special mountain buses operate from the Eagle's Nest Documentation Center to the Eagle's Nest itself. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Renting a car provides flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the wider Berchtesgaden area.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in rural areas. ATMs are readily available in Berchtesgaden. It is a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Eagle's Nest and the surrounding areas are generally very safe for tourists. Standard safety precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas after dark. Always stay on marked paths and trails, especially when hiking in the mountains. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire, and medical help. There are medical facilities in Berchtesgaden, and most staff speak English. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected events. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as weather can change quickly in the mountains. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in more formal settings. Religion: Respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Be punctual, as trains and buses run on strict schedules. Offer your seat to elderly passengers. Eating & Drinking: Try local Bavarian dishes and beer. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common. Greetings: A firm handshake is the standard greeting. When meeting someone for the first time, a polite 'Guten Tag' (Good Day) is appropriate.

To experience Eagle's Nest like a local, consider visiting the Documentation Center to learn about the site's historical context. Take time to explore the surrounding Berchtesgaden National Park, which offers stunning natural beauty and hiking trails. Try local specialties such as Weisswurst (white sausage) and pretzels. Engage with locals at traditional beer gardens and markets. Guided tours can offer deeper insights into the area's history and culture.

Eagle's Nest is generally open from mid-May to October, depending on weather conditions. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is pleasant, and the mountain views are clear. Early morning visits can help you avoid crowds. Winter visits are not possible as the roads are closed due to snow.