Bavaria to rebuild mountain retreat after fire destroys structure

A fire destroyed most of the Kehlsteinhaus on Friday night, and the Bavarian state government plans to rebuild the structure. The building, known internationally as the Eagle's Nest, sits atop the Obersalzberg peak in southern Germany. It was once the private mountain retreat of Adolf Hitler.

Police reported the fire at 9:15 p.m. when a smoke detector triggered an alarm. Firefighters arrived at the remote site around 9:50 p.m. to find the building completely on fire. Approximately 200 firefighters from six municipalities, along with the Bavarian Red Cross and mountain rescue services, responded to the scene. No injuries were reported, and crews found no one inside.

The rescue operation was complicated by the site's elevation of 1,834 meters. Strong winds, rain, and the first snow of the year hampered efforts, forcing firefighters to withdraw overnight. The blaze was still active at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday but appeared to be extinguished later in the morning. Smoke continued to rise from the damaged structure.

Police arrested a 33-year-old German citizen as a suspect. Prosecutors stated the man has ties to the local area but does not live there. He showed signs of mental illness and was sent to a psychiatric facility after questioning. Investigators are examining a political motive, though no other individuals are believed to be involved. A police spokesperson said the house is unlikely to be saved due to the extent of the damage.

The Kehlsteinhaus was built between 1937 and 1938 and opened by Hitler in 1939. It remained one of the few undamaged monuments from the Nazi era after World War II. Since 1952, the site has operated as a restaurant and hosts an exhibition by the Institute for Contemporary History. Visitors access the building via a tunnel and a 124-meter lift built into the rock.

Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed the state will restore the building. He said officials would hold discussions with local leaders, historians, and conservators before beginning work. Herrmann stated the goal is to continue the work of remembrance and that the site will not be left as a ruin.