A fire that broke out at Hitler’s former retreat, the Kehlsteinhaus, on Friday night has largely destroyed the building, and police have arrested a 33-year-old German citizen in connection with the blaze. The Eagle’s Nest fire, as it is widely known, was reported after a smoke detector triggered an alarm at about 9:15pm, according to police.
A Building Engulfed
When firefighters arrived at the scene around 9:50pm, the building was already completely ablaze. About 200 firefighters from six municipalities were deployed to combat the flames, supported by the Bavarian Red Cross and local mountain rescue services. No injuries have been reported.
The Kehlsteinhaus sits at an altitude of 1,834 metres on the Obersalzberg peak in southern Bavaria, and the challenging location complicated the firefighting effort. Police spokesperson Lisa Maier said crews struggled due to the altitude, and access required heavy breathing apparatus. Strong wind and rain further hampered their work, with the rain turning into the year’s first snow. Firefighters withdrew overnight, and the blaze was still burning at 7am on Saturday. It appeared to be out later that morning, though smoke continued to rise.
The building is unlikely to be saved, a police spokesperson told the newspaper Bild. Access to the retreat was blocked by police, and a news conference was planned for later on Saturday.
Suspect in Custody
The arrested 33-year-old had ties to the area but did not live there. Prosecutors said the suspect showed signs of mental illness and was sent to a psychiatric facility after questioning. Investigators suspect arson, according to German media reports, and the possibility of a political motive is to be examined. Police said nothing indicated that other people were involved.
History and Significance
The Kehlsteinhaus was built between 1937 and 1938 and formally inaugurated by Hitler on his birthday in 1939. It was a Nazi meeting place, though Hitler rarely visited the complex in reality. Since 1952 the building has housed an exhibition and a restaurant. Its website describes it as a monument to the regime’s insanity. It is one of the few undamaged monuments of the Hitler era and is owned by the Bavaria state government.
Access to the building is only possible via a road cut into the mountain, followed by a tunnel and a 124-metre brass lift. The building is a protected structure.
Restoration Pledged
Officials plan to restore the building. Bavaria’s interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, said the ruin would not be left as it is and stressed that the work of remembrance must continue. The restoration is to be planned after discussions with officials, historians and conservators. The full extent of the damage, the cost and a timeline for the work have not yet been established.
As investigators continue their inquiries, the building remains closed and the road to the retreat blocked. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, and the suspect’s identity has not been released.
