Look again.  The Kehlsteinhaus (Eagles Nest) sits above the quaint Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden, in the Bavarian Alps.   From the resort below, on the shores of Konigssee, it looks like a peaceful mountain getaway.

It is.   fullsizeoutput_27ef

fullsizeoutput_27ee From its patio, there are unobstructed views of the alps.  And while it was a place of socializing and relaxing getaways,  it boasted wealth, power and control, as it was a home away from home for the Hitler Regime.

To get up to the Eagles Nest you must take a bus from the Obersalzberg Documentation Center.  The breathtaking ride drops you at a tunnel, and the ground floor to the Nest.   It is eerie to think, what if these walls could talk?    German history is obviously prevalent and American history is flourishing as it is responsible for the outcome of WWII. To think we can walk in the steps that tell the story brings the history to life.

From the tunnel a luxurious, brass elevator takes you the remaining 400 feet.  fullsizeoutput_27ea

The day we visited was miserable. We were hoping  for the famous views, but  most people, including me, complained about the weather.  Sadly, it seemed the view was more important than the history.  Human nature, I guess.

I remember thinking when allied troops arrived the weather was the last thing on their mind.  To them…it was time to go home.

Interesting enough…when the sun poked through the clouds for a moment, all I could think of was…fullsizeoutput_27f012120107_10206293070344012_7613413196971938324_o

Shout out to Easy Company for earning this beautiful view.”

DSC_0094 The death of too many brought us here, but here we are.  Grateful for those who walked these steps before me.

While still brimming with history, the Eagles Nest is now a charming German restaurant and beer garden.

War brings out the worst and the best in people. Wars do not make men great, but they do bring out the greatness in good men. War is romantic only to those who are far away from the sounds and turmoil of battle. For those of us who served in Easy Company, and for those who served their country in other theaters, we came back as better men and women as a result of being in combat, and most would do it again if called upon.                           Dick Winters, Easy Company

 

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