Private tour in Berchtesgaden David H

Half-day Eagle's Nest & Hitler's Mountain Tour

5.0

(1) review

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Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
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1

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Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

David H.

5.0

Guide rating

3

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1 hrs

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Though I was born in New York, NY, I moved to Paris at the age of five and have spent most of my life in Europe, the last 38 years in Berchtesgaden, Germany, at the foot of Hitler's so-called Eagle's Nest. In 1986 I began working as a tour guide in Berchtesgaden, Germany, and have been offering history-intensive tours of "Hitler's Mountain" since 1990. When I am not giving tours of the Eagle's Nest or travel destinations throughout Europe, I can be found hiking in the mountains with my wife. Cooking and music are my main hobbies. As the author of three books I know that history and storytelling go hand-in-hand. Having delivered innumerable educational tours to adults, as well as students of all ages, I know that each visit to Hitler's Mountain has to be delivered in a thoughtful and meaningful way. It's not just about what happened here but it's "how and why" that is essential in grasping the historic significance of the Eagle's Nest and the neighboring sites of interest further down the mountain. I am an impassioned speaker because the topic of the Third Reich is both captivating and, as many visitors say, important to be aware of in our times. I tailor each tour to fill your needs and I strive to address your particular interests. I can range my tours from classic visits to more adventuresome programs that reveal sites that usually remain hidden from the average visitor. The Eagle's Nest and related sites tours can range from 4 to 8 hours depending on your level of interest and your schedule. My initial training in the 1980s for the history of the Eagle's Nest and Adolf Hitler's former HQs further down the mountain was provided by the US Armed Forces Recreation Center. I am also accredited by the German Institute for Contemporary History and I am the author of the following books: 1. The peer-reviewed work "Exposing the Reich: How Hitler Captivated and Corrupted the German People" is the result of years of research revealing numerous new insights and perspectives regarding Hitler's dictatorship and the devastating period of the Third Reich. 2. "Your Complete Guide to Berchtesgaden" in which I relate the interesting history and attractions of this well-known region and, above all, the major importance of Hitler's HQs on the Obersalzberg / Kehlstein mountain. 3. "We Rubies Four" is an historical biography. There are no restrictions to where I can guide. However the Obersalzberg Documentation Center prefers visitors to use the audio guides that are provided to each visitor.

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Overview of your Berchtesgaden tour

I would be delighted to offer you a half-day private educational tour that emphasizes the historical significance of the whole mountain, not just Hitler's - now world-famous - Eagle's Nest teahouse. As a historian who has carried out extensive research on Adolf Hitler's long-time relationship with this mountain, I will tell you the story of how Obersalzberg, the area a little further down the mountain from the Eagle's Nest, became the cradle of the Nazi party and served as a stage on which world history was enacted. You will discover that many of the dictator's ideas and decisions that led to WWII and to the Holocaust can be traced back to this very idyllic mountainside. Join me for a history-intensive three-part historical tour that includes the construction and use of the Eagle's Nest, a driving tour to discover many original buildings at Hitler's one-time political and military HQs, and a visit to the historically significant site of the "Fuehrer's" former residence (now a ruin).

Your Berchtesgaden tour itinerary

- At our meeting point we'll embark on a short driving tour of Hitler's former HQs at Obersalzberg, during which time I'll narrate the story of how the future leader of the Reich chose this mountain some 15 years before he became Germany's chancellor. - We shall visit the location of Hitler's former home and seat of power. Though now a ruin, with the use of photographs, I shall reconstruct the estate and explain what key roles it played in international politics and Hitler's warmongering. - We then board the mountain bus for a thrilling drive, ascending a cliff-side road towards the Eagle's Nest. We walk through a short tunnel to board the brass-lined elevator up into the building where I explain the construction and history of this iconic structure. Debunking some common myths about the Eagle's Nest, I'll reveal the true reasons for its construction. - After a little free time for a refreshment, we take the return bus to our starting point, leaving you - hopefully - with an unforgettable experience.

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minibus

For the driving tour of Hitler's former HQs compound I drive an air-conditioned 8-passenger Ford minibus. Access to the Eagle's Nest on the mountaintop is with a specially designed public bus, followed by a ride in the original brass-lined elevator. The Eagle's Nest round-trip mountain bus and elevator tickets are NOT INCLUDED in the tour guiding price. I'll book these for you ahead of time but you'll need to pay for them when we reach the departure point.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Other: The guiding as well as the driving tour at Obersalzberg are included
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. The round-trip bus fare to the Eagle's Nest is EUR 31.90 per person and must be paid directly at the bus company's ticket office. I shall personally take you to the ticket office to purchase and book the round trip for the departure times corresponding to our tour. Please DO NOT purchase the tickets online prior to meeting me: the times will not correspond to our schedule and program!
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: The Eagle's Nest bus plus elevator tickets cost EUR 31.90 per person roundtrip
Meeting location

Berchtesgaden, Bayern, 83471, Germany

The tour starts on the top floor of the restaurant Berggasthof Obersalzberg located at Salzbergstrasse 43 at Obersalzberg some four kilometers outside of Berchtesgaden, Germany. The sign on the door says Eagle's Nest Historical Tours.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Tour reference number
1309607
Languages
English
French
German
Activity level
Minimal
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Berchtesgaden

1 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Berchtesgaden best suited for?

This private tour in Berchtesgaden is ideal for history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in World War II and the Nazi era. It's perfect for travellers who want to gain a deeper understanding of Adolf Hitler's relationship with the Obersalzberg mountain and the historical significance of the Eagle's Nest. With David H., a historian, as your guide, you'll receive an educational and insightful experience.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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