The Kehlsteinhaus (also known as Eagle's Nest) is a chalet-style structure erected on a subpeak of the Hoher Göll known as the Kehlstein. It was built as an extension of the Obersalzberg complex (formerly Hitler's home and southern headquarters) erected in the mountains above Berchtesgaden. Commissioned by Reichsleiter Martin Bormann for Hitler, it was formal presented to the Nazi leader on his 50th birthday on April 20, 1939. The road leading from Obersalzberg to the Eagle's Nest parking lot is considered to be a feat of engineering. It remained unscathed from the bombing of the Allied Forces during WWII, and since 1952 it has been open to the public as a mountain top restaurant with a spectacular view and is accessed only by special mountain buses from Obersalzberg.
The last 124m up to the Kehlsteinhaus are reached by an elevator bored straight down through the mountain and linked via a tunnel through the granite below. The inside of the large elevator car is surfaced with polished brass, Venetian mirrors and green leather (the elevator is still used daily). The main reception room is dominated by a fireplace of red Italian marble, presented by Mussolini, which was damaged by Allied soldiers chipping off pieces to take home as souvenirs. Much of the furniture was designed by Paul László. Although the site is on the same mountain as the Berghof, Hitler rarely visited the property.
About the stamp
The stamp is part of a common issue Romania - Germany, Biertan Fortified Church - UNESCO World Heritage Site, about which I wrote here.
References
Kehlsteinhaus - Wikipedia
Kehlsteinhaus - Das Kehlsteinhaus, Historical Overview and Guide
sender: Cătălin Frolov
sent from Berchtesgaden (Bavaria / Germany), on 31.08.2012
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