Hitler's Eagle's Nest retreat catches fire, police say

A significant fire erupted at Kehlsteinhaus, also known as the Eagle's Nest, situated high above Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, Germany, on Friday evening. The flames could be observed from several kilometers away, prompting an immediate response from authorities. Upon hearing the alarm at around 9pm, firefighters and police set out towards the mountain above Berchtesgaden. Upon arrival, they found the building already ablaze, as reported by Bild.

A spokesperson for the Berchtesgaden police informed Bild that the Kehlsteinhaus was entirely engulfed in flames and that emergency services were engaged in a major operation. Suspicions of arson were also raised by the police. As the situation unfolded, a motorcyclist approached the officers en route to the scene. The officers alerted the fire department, which was trailing behind the motorcyclist.

The emergency teams managed to apprehend the individual, subsequently arresting him. It remains unclear whether the motorcyclist was somehow involved in the fire. The precise cause of the blaze has not been determined, and no injuries have been reported thus far.

Situated at an elevation of 1,834 meters above Berchtesgaden, Kehlsteinhaus is a popular tourist destination in the region. Originally constructed in 1937/38 as a grand teahouse for Adolf Hitler, the building was intended to impress foreign guests and diplomats. Despite being used primarily as a restaurant and exhibition space since the 1950s, Kehlsteinhaus has withstood the test of time, surviving World War II largely intact.

Currently owned by the Free State of Bavaria, the iconic mountaintop retreat continues to attract visitors from around the world.