Suspect Arrested After Fire Engulfs Hitler's Eagle's Nest Retreat
Historic Bavarian mountain guest home, a popular tourist site, found ablaze with no injuries reported as investigation begins.
Callum Smith
A suspect has been arrested after Adolf Hitler's mountain guest home, the Eagle's Nest, was set on fire.
Firefighters and police faced a grueling ascent up Kehlstein mountain to reach the site. The difficult terrain severely hindered their efforts; Lisa Maier confirmed the building was only accessible with "heavy breathing apparatus."
Police confirmed a 33-year-old male suspect was taken into temporary custody in connection with the incident. A criminal investigation is now underway to determine the suspect's connection to the fire, authorities claim.
The building was only accessible with heavy breathing apparatus.
Investigators suspect arson caused the devastating blaze. Authorities arrested a motorcyclist encountered en route to the scene.
The Kehlsteinhaus, completed by the Nazis in 1938, served as a guest house for Nazi officials. The dictator and his entourage used it during World War Two, yet it survived the war undamaged.
Since 1952, the building has hosted an exhibition and a restaurant, becoming a popular tourist destination. Located on the peak of Obersalzberg at an altitude of 1,834 meters (6,000 feet), an elevator from a winding mountain road provides access.
Work to extinguish the fire continued into Saturday morning. Local media reported the site had been "largely destroyed."