We are visiting Berchtesgaden today. But first, shopping.

🇩🇪 Surprise Purchase: Ken Buys Lederhosen

Doing ALL the last minute shopping this morning. Ken is somewhat relieved bc I already own most of the Bavarian stuff. Most, but not all.

In a surprise plot twist: Ken bought lederhosen. The full ensemble. He looks super Bavarian. Opa would be so pleased.

👟 So. Much. Walking.

Have done so much walking this trip. Feels like we’ve walked across all of Austria. Even my comfy shoes aren’t comfy anymore.

❄️ Change of Plans: Eagles Nest Closed

We were supposed to go see Hitler’s Eagles Nest today, but it’s not open until next week because of the amount of snow still up there. So, another pivot. Ended up taking a private history tour of Obersalzberg with a British historian named Tom Lewis, who lives in Berchtesgaden, and specializes in Nazi history.

Tom knows ALL THE THINGS.

The ghosts of the Third Reich are everywhere when visiting Berchtesgaden – if you know where to look. And Tom knows where to look.

We got to see the Nazi bubble “neighborhood”, where Hitler and all of his closest staff (and their families) lived, worked, and played. Bit creepy, tbh.

Contrary to popular belief, the Eagles Nest was not Hitler’s home, or where the big decisions were made. Hitler only went to the Eagles Nest 14 times.

Big decisions were made at Hitler’s home, Berghof. We stood on what was once Hitler’s patio. The Fuhrer had quite a view. The whole thing was chilling and surreal. There’s nothing left of the place except the foundation of the back wall of the house. The Allies bombed the scheiße out of it in April of 1945.

The site of Hitler’s home is unmarked and overgrown. You’d never know it had ever been there. Grateful for Tom and his extensive knowledge.

🧱 Exploring the Nazi Bunker System in Berchtesgaden

Walked through parts of the Nazi bunker system. The red door in the pic is the entrance to the bunker of the SS Command Center. The tunnel and bunker system in Berchtesgaden is extensive. The bunkers were (for lack of a better word) nicer than I thought they would be.

Visiting Berchtesgaden was a home run. If you ever find yourself in Berchtesgaden, do yourself an immense favor and give Tom a call. Take his tour. He is an incredible source of knowledge. You can thank me later.

P.S. Cannot give the German/Austrian buses a positive review. Bus was late leaving because the driver needed to get out and smoke a cigarette.

Perfect end to our trip: drinking schnaps with our waiter after dinner tonight!

Prost!

Travel date: May 6, 2024