Is Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest Worth Visiting? Brutally Honest Review + 2025 Info

Updated May 2025: Updated for clarity and better detail, added fresh details on restaurant prices, payment options, and the tragic disappearance of dumplings. Confirmed 2025 ticket prices, hiking and bus info, and elevator access.

 

Is an Eagle’s Nest visit is actually worth it? I say absolutely yes, if you set your expectations straight (and ideally hike up there, but more about that later). Between Nazi history, stunning alpine views, and the odd satisfaction of standing where Hitler once did, it’s a weird but memorable experience. Just don’t expect the building itself to be the highlight—it’s just a stone lodge with a restaurant.

I personally loved my visit, but that was in great part due to the fact that I hiked up to the Eagle’s Nest and visited on a clear day when the views were at their finest.

So, yes, if a mix of epic scenery and WWII history sounds like your thing, you’ll probably find the Eagle’s Nest worth the trip.

Built in 1938 for the Nazi Party and perched at 1,834 meters (6,017 feet), the Eagle’s Nest is one of the most infamous landmarks in beautiful Berchtesgaden.

Still unsure? Here are 5 reasons to go to the Eagle’s Nest—or not, a practical guide on how to visit (by bus or by hiking there + opening times and prices), what you’ll really find when you get there, and my tips on making the most of your trip. 

 

Quick rankings: Eagle’s Nest visit (2025)

• Hike up: 10/10
Great trail, solid challenge, almost empty.

• Scenery/views: 9/10
On a clear day, it’s unforgettable. On a foggy one, it’s probably a white wall of disappointment.

• Historical value: 6/10
Important backstory, but you’ll need to read up in advance. On-site info is minimal but improving (check the terrace panels).

• Restaurant food: 4/10
It’s edible. That’s the nicest thing I can say. No dumplings in 2025. Tragic.

• Beer: 9/10
Cold. Pairs well with the mountain views. No notes.

• Service: 5/10
Ranges from fine to “I hate tourists.” Depends on the server but I have a hunch it’s never amazing.

• Atmosphere: 7/10
Interesting mix of stunning alpine beauty and dark legacy. You’ll feel something for sure—just not sure what.

• Overall experience: 7/10
One of those “glad I did it once” places. But only when the skies are clear.

 

The views from the Eagle’s Nest hike are so good you’ll almost forget you’re actually there to visit a restaurant

 

1. The hike up to Eagle’s Nest is half the experience 

The Eagle’s Nest hiking trail goes from forest path to steep, rocky goat trail pretty quickly

 

The Eagle’s Nest hiking trip is easily the best part of the entire visit and one of the few ways to avoid the tourist crowds—something I’m always grateful for. We set out from the Scharitzkehlstraße 10-12 parking area. The trail climbs about 7.2 km (4.5 miles) with an elevation gain of 900 meters (2,950 feet).  

First, the path winds through peaceful forest, but the last third opens up with rocky switchbacks and exposed sections that actually feel like you're gaining a summit—I wasn’t expecting it to be easy, and I was right. In no way is it just a stroll to a viewpoint. It’s a proper mountain trail (but I’m not meaning to scare you off; it’s fun if you ask me).

Important note: If you hike, you can’t take the brass elevator to the restaurant. I didn’t mind, but it’s a good thing to note so you’re not left feeling robbed of the experience. The elevator is included in the bus ticket and there isn’t a separate ticket you can buy just for the elevator if you’re hiking. All you need to do is walk the extra 10 minutes up the path, no biggie. From what I’ve heard from a trustworthy source (my buddy that visited in 2024), the elevator is nothing spectacular, so you don’t need to be sad if you miss it.  

 

They say 4 hours. I say 2... plus 3 days of calf pain (full map on Alltrails)

 

How long does the hike to Eagle’s Nest take? 

Officially, four hours are recommended for the hike, but we did it in two (and our calves ached for the next three days). I honestly think nobody would take more than 3 hours, and that the dramatic sign at the Documentation Center saying 4 hours is just trying to make you buy tickets for the bus.  

Final verdict on the hike: If you like your views earned and the feeling of accomplishment at an otherwise very touristy attraction, take the hike. The hike is great.

 

Using our own two feet to reach Eagle’s Nest gave us a rush of excitement that no bus and elevator could ever match

 

 

2. You’re really only here for the views (some of the best in Germany!)

Don’t believe me? Look at the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen:

And then take a look at the mountains

 

The views are the (other) main reason an Eagle’s Nest visit is worth it. When the clouds cooperate and the crowds don’t block every corner, you're treated to some of the best panoramas in the German Alps.

I managed to visit on a clear day and saw Watzmann peak, Königssee, and even Salzburg shimmering in the distance. I'm not kidding—you can see up to 200 km (124 mi) far if you’re lucky!

If you hiked up, the payoff is massive—you earn every switchback with increasingly jaw-dropping scenery, especially near the top where the trail opens up. These are the kind of views that hit harder when you’ve actually worked for them.

Took the bus? There’s no shame in that—you’ll still get the classic postcard shots from the summit terrace. But if you have the time (and functioning knees), at least wander a bit along the surrounding paths. That way, you can really appreciate the scenery and not just the beer at the restaurant.

 

The views at Eagle’s Nest are divine

 

Staring out to Königssee, with Watzmann peak on the right and Jenner in the back on the left 

 

These are the main landmarks you can observe from the top: 

• Watzmann 
• Königssee 
• Hochkalter 
• Hoher Göll 
• Jenner 
• Reiteralm 
• Untersberg 
• Salzburg

 

 

Location, location, location

The stunning nature of Berchtesgaden National Park

Eagle’s Nest is located in Berchtesgaden, a national park that will leave your eyes wide open with awe. I thought Germany was pretty boring, nature-wise, but I admit I was wrong. Mountains and valleys, rivers and gorges, so many lakes and waterfalls... Berchtesgaden really shows us the power of nature. 

I thought it was so nice, I have a whole post just about things to do in Berchtesgaden.

 

3. There’s a solid alternative for non-hikers, too: The bus and elevator

The tunnel that leads to the elevator

 

Taking a bus is the only way up to the Eagle’s Nest unless you hike, and this being Germany, you can bet your beer it’s run with typical German efficiency—you’ll get a time slot whether you like it or not. 

 

Driving to Eagle’s Nest is not possible

It’s forbidden to drive your own car past the parking lot by the Dokumentationszentrum (Documentation Center). Everyone, including those who come here as part of a tour, takes the same RVO buses for the 6 km ride up Germany’s steepest road.

 

What the bus ride to Eagle’s Nest is like

Lots of tunnels but only one switchback

 

Taking the bus is the fastest way to make your Eagle’s Nest visit easy and mostly sweat-free. The special Eagle’s Nest bus starts at Busbahnhof Obersalzberg, which is right next to the huge parking lot at the Documentation Center and departs every 25 minutes.  

You can get nice views from the bus, especially if you sit in the front. It’s a comfortable option for people who want to see the views and Hitler’s Nest, but don’t feel like hiking.

Pro tip: You’ll be asked to choose a return time when you buy your bus ticket, so you can’t wait and see until you’re at the top to decide when you’ll be done. You need to plan your pleasure—I say an hour (without lunch) or two (with lunch) is plenty. 

 

The 40-second elevator ride

The brass elevator: the 40-second ride that used to impress everyone except Hitler

 

The bus drops you off by the tunnel to the elevator. First, you’ll walk through a long, chilly tunnel carved straight into the mountain—because when you’re the Nazis, you don’t build boring old stairs.

At the end, there’s a gold-toned brass elevator that takes you the final 124 meters (407 feet) up to the actual Eagle’s Nest building.

The ride only lasts 41 seconds, but it's a strange little moment. The elevator is the original one from 1938, lined in polished brass and leather, and was designed specifically to impress Hitler’s guests. Ironically, Hitler himself supposedly hated it and avoided it whenever possible. 

 

I still prefer hiking and rewarding myself afterward

 

 

4. It’s a historically significant Nazi hangout. That’s... something

The classic view of the Eagle's Nest

 

The strange thing about visiting Hitler’s old digs is that the historical part of your Eagle’s Nest visit is nothing but a footnote. There’s barely any in-depth explanation on-site. It’s certainly not a museum—it’s a restaurant with a cool/strange/despicable origin story, depending on which side of history you’re standing on.

My tip: Luckily, it’s easy to do a real historical deep dive at the Documentation Center Obersalzberg, down near the parking area. That’s where you’ll find a proper museum with exhibitions, documents, and even bunker access. Combine this with your Eagle’s Nest visit if you're serious about history.

For me, as a history buff, the Eagle’s Nest is fascinating. If you’re not quite up to speed, let’s get you caught up: 

Eagle’s Nest was built in 1937 and given to Adolf Hitler as a gift for his 50^th birthday. At least that’s what some sources say, though the official Eagle’s Nest website says that’s not true.

The other option is that it was built just as a power trip by the Nazis, simply because they could. I like mountains, I built a completely unreasonable house on a mountain. Also, put an elevator into the mountain and need a new road to the elevator. That no problem—we are Nazis!

 

Came for the Nazi history, stayed for the views

 

The construction took one year, and the building was finished in 1939. Back in the day, it was a truly unique construction, impressing visitors not only by its incredibly scenic location but also by its valuable furniture, including a marble fireplace given to Hitler by Mussolini.

Fun fact: The Eagle’s Nest also serves as a movie location for Hitler-themed motion pictures.

 

Why Hitler didn’t like the Eagle’s Nest

The Eagle’s Nest was used by the Nazi Party for meetings. However, Hitler wasn’t very enthusiastic about his new toy (aka building). You know why? Because he was afraid of it. Allegedly, he was scared that he would get stuck in the elevator. He was also afraid of heights.

What a great idea to build him a house perched on the edge of a cliff! At least Hitler’s mistress and later wife, Eva Braun, enjoyed it there.  

 

Standing on top of the world, NOT afraid of heights like somebody

 

Is Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest still there?

Obviously, Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest is still there—and somewhat less obviously, it’s largely in its original 1930s form. The stone building, the elevator carved into the mountain, and even Mussolini’s marble fireplace are all still intact.

But don’t expect a museum. It’s now a restaurant (that doesn’t even serve dumplings anymore—more on that disaster below).

That said, there is a multi-panel exhibit on the sun terrace that gives a solid overview of Berchtesgaden’s Nazi-era history and the Eagle’s Nest itself. I do recommend doing your own research and a stop at the Documentation Center before heading up there, so you can appreciate where you are a little more. 

 

5. The Eagle’s Nest Restaurant may be overrated, but it isn’t skippable (updated for 2025)

The interior, view, and the famous fireplace inside the Eagle’s Nest

 

I didn’t eat at the Eagle’s Nest restaurant when I visited—because I was emotionally wrecked by the “no cash, no dumpling” debacle of 2022 (keep reading, you’re almost there). But lucky for you, my close friend just went this year (2025) right when Eagle’s Nest opened, so here’s the freshest, hottest scoop:

First off, they still don’t accept card payments. You make it 1,800 meters above sea level in the middle of Europe in 2025, and you still need to pay with colorful pieces of paper. They obviously haven’t read my rant about not bringing cash.

But wait, there’s more! There are now no dumplings. I kid you not, it’s like they hate me (maybe they did read my rant after all). What was once the one redeeming promise that got me up the trail in record time is gone. Things are going from bad to worse.

 

My Eagle’s Nest visit: no dumplings, no cardf—but the view is free

 

Bavarian party!

 

Is it worth eating at the Eagle’s Nest restaurant?

If you're coming for a gourmet experience, you’re thinking about your Eagle’s Nest visit all wrong. The restaurant itself is in tourist trap territory. The food is fine—you’ll survive, you’ll leave with a full belly, but not with lasting impressions of the food or service.

The beer is cold (bless Germany for that). But you’re really here for the novelty of eating where Hitler once sulked over his fear of elevators.

My friend’s review of the service was also no surprise for me. His server was decent enough, but another staff member had the unmistakable look of someone who’s been asked “is this where Hitler used to eat?” one too many times. You just can’t deny this place is busy no matter how hard (or not) they try. And so they don’t.

If you're hungry, here’s what’s currently on the 2025 menu, with prices:

• 0.5L beer: EUR 6.00
• Schnitzel with potatoes: EUR 21.90
• Sausage with potato salad: EUR 11.90
• Pasta (don’t do it): priced for regret

Bottom line? Eat here for the experience, not the cuisine. Or better yet, don’t. Have a beer, take in the view, and then hike back down for a proper meal in a better restaurant. 

 

See, happy if I´m eating somewhere other than the Eagle´s Nest

 

 

The story of how I didn’t get dumplings at the Eagle’s Nest

 

The dumplings debacle clearly tainted my Eagle’s Nest visit. Long story short, the idea of eating dumplings at the Eagle’s Nest made us almost sprint through the hike to the summit restaurant, credit cards in our pockets, ready to spend some euros on a hearty meal with a view.

You can imagine that it was a disaster of epic proportions when we reached the restaurant, only to learn that they only accept cash. It was like… they took away Christmas!

I managed to rustle up some change for two beers, but we sat there salivating as the next table got served plates full of typical German food. Sigh

 

Final thoughts: So, is the Eagle’s Nest worth visiting?

Yes—barely. You don’t come here for the history (because it’s really just a restaurant now), and you don’t come for the food. You come for the notoriety and the views. And if the weather cooperates, it’s a pretty unforgettable panorama—whether you hiked up or took the comfy bus.

Just know what you’re getting: a former Nazi hangout turned mildly educational restaurant with stunning scenery. Is it essential? No. But it’s weird, fascinating, and high enough to be worth the detour—if you avoid the worst crowds and bring cash.

 

Eagle’s Nest visit: opening hours, prices, and bus and parking details

The Eagle's Nest is only open for tourists between May and October

 

During our visit to the Eagle’s Nest, we picked up a few useful pieces of info: 

Prices 

• Return bus ride, including the elevator: EUR 31.90 (USD 35.75).  

• One-way bus ride, including the elevator: EUR 25 (24.50 US dollars). 

English guided tour: 39.50 Euros (44.50 US dollars). Hours 

• The Eagle's Nest is generally open from May until the end of October (it opened on May 8 in 2025), and can close earlier if the weather is bad.

• The bus rides up daily between 8:55 am and 4 pm. The last bus down leaves at 4:50 pm. 

• The Eagle’s Nest is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed in the winter).

Parking 

• If you want to go by bus, you can leave your car at Parkplatz Obersalzberg by the Documentation Center. 

If you want to hike, park at Scharitzkehlstraße 10-12 Parking where the hike starts.

 

Just look at this trail and the views! I’ll take a little Eagle’s Nest hiking any day

 

Where to stay near the Eagle’s Nest? 

These hotels guarantee you will sleep in comfort before and after your Eagle’s Nest visit.

Pro tip: Booking.com makes it easy and is the only hotel booking platform I personally use. I spill all my hotel booking secrets in another article.  

 

The stylish Almhotel Grünsteinblick

Almhotel Grünsteinblick's stylish interior
 

Almhotel Grünsteinblick is very stylish. It's adults-only, the rooms have nice views of the mountains and breakfast is delicious. The hotel is located near Königssee, which is just several kilometers from the Eagle’s Nest.

 

The modern Alpenresidenz Buchenhöhe

Alpenresidenz Buchenhöhe Hotel

 

More modern than the previous two hotels, Alpenresidenz Buchenhöhe is one of my favorites. It lies in Obersalzberg and offers private parking, a continental breakfast, and great views.

 

The luxurious Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden

The pool at the Kempinski Hotel with a great view of the mountains
 

Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden means luxury. It has an indoor and outdoor pool, wellness and fitness center and a restaurant. But be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it. Also, you have to book your room a lot in advance, as the hotel is usually fully booked.

 

The Alpen-style Hotel Grünberger superior

Enjoy sunbathing on the riverbank at Hotel Grünberger superior
 

Hotel Grünberger superior lies on the riverbank and offers Alpen-style rooms, sauna, and an indoor pool. There is a sunbathing area by the river in front of the hotel, so if you want to get a nice suntan, this is a perfect fit.

 

You might also be interested in reading:

• One Week in Bavaria Itinerary—An Ultimate Guide
• 1 Day in Dresden: A Detailed Itinerary
• Neuschwanstein Castle: 10 Facts You Need to Know Before You Go

 

 

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