Exploring the Ruins of Hitler's Berghof | History Traveler Episode 273

Located in heart of the Obersalzberg of southern Germany was the place that was of utmost importance to Adolf Hitler: the Berghof. It was here that many of the most consequential decisions of the Third Reich were made, which is why it was a primary target for the Allies toward the end of the war. Even though the Berghof was largely destroyed by RAF bombers, there are still remains that can be seen today that give us a glimpse at this nerve center of evil in WWII.
Note: In the video, I say that Eva Braun had a video camera when I meant to say film camera.
DISCLAIMER: The subject matter in this video is for educational purposes only. In no way is any hateful ideology supported by us in any way.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
To book a tour in the Obersalzberg, contact Tom Lewis at [e-mail]
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- Munich Assassins & Walking Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch | History Traveler Episode 265: • Munich Assassins & Wal...
- Was THIS Where the Man With the Funny Mustache Was Radicalized? | History Traveler Episode 264: • Was THIS Where Hitler ...
- Hitler's Prison & The World's Most EVIL Cemetery Plot | History Traveler Episode 266: • Hitler's Prison & The ...
- Dachau: A Light in the Darkness (the cell of Martin Niemöller) | History Traveler Episode 271: • Dachau: A Light in the...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

⭐ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.

[@vidiot57]

Good Job JD..

[@johnmcmickle5685]

That extensive bunker system connected a lot of places. It even connected the Platterhof (the General Walker Hotel until 1996) and all the other houses belonging to NAZI officials.

[@frechstudios3129]

Always enjoy your videos! I don’t know if you’ve addressed it or not but I was curious to know your thought on the series “hunting H*t l3r?” I don’t buy it but sometimes they get you thinking.

[@johnmccree8941]

I've got a good Clint Eastwood/Richard Burton movie called "Where Eagles Dare". Great movie... looks like it could have been shot on location.

[@thomaswyatt1471]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢0😅😅😅😅😅

[@dokken1212]

As a long time lurker who has never commented but watch regularly I just wanted to drop in and say how much I enjoy your content. Love the videography and presentation. Thank you for your work and effort :-)

[@matthewmoneypit1558]

Welcome to the group. Good to have you.

[@dokken1212]

@@matthewmoneypit1558 Thank you Matthew and hope you are well :-)

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Not lurker, fans of great historical content, since The History Channel abandoned true history. It’s a great respectful community JD has here.

[@dokken1212]

@@GhostofSicklesleg thats a much better way of phrasing it 👍. Totally agree with your point about History Channel 👍👍

[@kamikaze2666]

I second this opinion

[@longmowervideo]

I was there a few years ago. It is an eerie feeling to stand there among those trees. The beautiful nature, the birds singing, the tranquility. And, to contemplate the planning that took place on that very spot of the most heinous, evil actions of the 20th century. I had to just close my eyes and say a quiet prayer for humanity. The strangeness of it was overwhelming.

[@christina3521]

You picked up on those who are not at rest from those times.

[@SoCal780]

@@christina3521 I would have to say that I agree with you.

[@ybex828]

Growing up in Poland, living a part of my life in Munich I was walking on the same streets he and his companions did, and I must say, I felt eerie every time...

[@joshmartin1938]

Did you drive there / take a bus / train? Thanks...

[@solvingpolitics3172]

Beautiful reflections!

[@chadmiddleton829]

The passion you have for history is contagious. I am also really impressed by your sense of right and wrong, which speaks highly of your upbringing! Thanks for sharing sights that most of us have never seen.

[@zekesgirl100]

From Normandy through Germany, you have shown me places my father served. Thank you! He never spoke of any of it except to say less then 10% of his company came back.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to share the experiences. Thanks for watching.

[@marketablepresentations7824]

Thanks to your father and his sacrifice for my freedom. Thanks to your fathers compatriots for paying the ultimate price so all the free world can sleep in piece at night.

[@jimblack5153]

My Father served in the Pacific and was the same way. I think a lot of WWII vets were hesitant to tell their children about what they had been through. I, by freak chance, engaged in an e-mail conversation with James Bradley, who wrote 'Flags of our Fathers', because he lived in the next town over from me. His Father was alleged to have been one of the Flag raisers on Iwo Jima, in that famous photo. His kids didn't know about this until he had passed. Interesting story.

[@B727X]

@@marketablepresentations7824yes your freedom to be forced to use shownawns

[@saltydem0n413]

Now we have rampant immigration and men in womens toilets.. Much appreciated...

[@robynw6307]

Part of me wishes the building was still there to see, but a bigger part of me is glad that the forest is taking it back. Great video again JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I hear you.

[@antonioacevedo5200]

The Berghof would have been a nazi shrine if the allies had not obliterated it.

[@RanDomRikM]

It should never have been destroyed.

[@MikaelLV]

It was built by the best German engineers and artists. The building was beautiful, no matter what you think about those who resided there.

[@RanDomRikM]

@@MikaelLV it should never have been destroyed.

[@herenowjal]

It's so wonderful you have the opportunity to visit (and share) these amazing sites. Your videos are so amazing - Your camera work is exceptional - and the topics you share really take your viewers "back in time" to very interesting sites and periods of history. Thanks so much for sharing ...

[@photoman2u]

Thank you so very much for this video. I have a lot of interest in the berghoff in that area in the Eagles Nest which I saw your video recently. You do a great job of this. I love having the old photographs to see how it was back then. One question I've had for years is why the Allies didn't bomb all of those homes and complexes a lot earlier in the war. They might have caught Hitler there himself. Perhaps there was a lot of anti-aircraft batteries or something but it's is puzzling that they did not try to destroy the berghoff and surrounding areas until the war was just about over.

[@GeistView]

As a private in 94 the USO sponsored single solders at the Platerhoff for 4 days. Did lots of exploring, walked around and inside the guest house ruins, went inside the old garage. Did the bunker tour from the platerhoff and from the Turken.

[@tonyk1584]

I visited this area and found the footings for the house in 1970 while serving with the Army in Europe. I did not however have the stills that you embedded in this podcast to help me with my visualizations. Great stuff. I venture to guess that Tom Lewis had not yet been born when I was there. LOL I am soooo old! 76

[@brakel8r]

Im sure you are aware but if not...A youtube channel called Ruiter Productions does some of the best "then and now" of a lot of these locations. If you have not seen them...im sure you will enjoy the historical aspect. As always..thanks for the hard work

[@josephclark4999]

I've seen them all and they are amazing. The fact that you can stand on the EXACT spot he stood is crazy. The place called Mooselanerkopf (my spelling is probably incorrect) has an incredible overlook where he would go. The benches are different but it is at about the same locations. P.S., my nephew is going there this summer. I will show him this video. He already knows the basic layout. He has tickets to the Eagle's Nest.

[@court5231]

Thanks for the info! I just subscribed!

[@TI4438]

Ruiter vids are top notch with great music.

[@WSSALCRWSLOSCOMPADRESXIIIGANG]

Seem em all over and over so long ago i watch one or two every now n then again

[@jujulionesselsa1416]

@Joseph Clark...i was watchinga creator last night and he does these war history's too. And he explored these exact spots. He opened a shutter to a bunker and a siren went off - which was very bizarre.

[@joshua.snyder]

Well done, JD. Sites like these are fascinating, in that they show how fleeting power really is, that tyranny fails, and that change always comes. Let's hope the lesson of such ruins sinks in.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

We should obliterate the CDC’s buildings. Move them to Nebraska.

[@Chiller01]

It’s also a reminder that authoritarianism is a persistent and tempting alternative. The democratic system devised by the founding fathers was a remarkable rebuff of authoritarian government. It has been refined to do away with slavery, give women and the poor the right to vote and restrain the more malignant and monopolistic sides of capitalism when required. We as citizens must be continuously aware of the temptations of authoritarianism and resist those tendencies irrespective of our political leanings.

[@joshua.snyder]

@@Chiller01 Absolutely. Orwell tapped into that danger in his writing, and we are tempted by it constantly.

[@Hansen710]

It a place for nazis in 2023 to worship. I wonder how many from the german online police nazi forum that have also been there. Those people in the german police that was arested this week

[@Hansen710]

@@Chiller01 democratic 🤣 Its a representive democracy (a replacement for democracy) Its as far away from real direct democracy as posible in 2023.. Voting for some random person with random opinions now and then, have nothing to do with democracy in 2023. It is actually the opposite

[@carlenlanser2276]

Even though the actual building was destroyed you did an excellent job showing the location through walking the area & inserting many historical photographs & videos. Great job again JD!

[@Hansen710]

I love even though it is destroyed, the owner stiil though it was worth to keep as a place where people could worship their believes

[@marketablepresentations7824]

​@@Hansen710 what the hell is that supposed to mean. Worship thier beliefs? It's buffoons that have no interest in history and would be doomed to repeat said history.

[@DavidWilliams-gh8vj]

Loving the WWII content. I'm a history nut particularly when it comes to WWII. I became very interested in this time period when I learned that my grandfather was part of the D-Day landings. He was 1 of 5 out of his battalion to survive the landing. He was later wounded by grenade shrapnel in the hedgerows in France and that was the end of the war for him. I would give anything to be able to go to some of those sights.

[@Lecruque]

Respect and gratitude for his effort! Going to normandy in 2 weeks, and gonna visit the cemetery on Omaha where many of his comrades rest…

[@jstephenallington8431]

With everything that has been happening with your channel, I wanted to be sure to watch before anything happens to your video. Love your channel, it's a valuable look into history, it's absolutely wonderful.

[@nonofinn7136]

You have no idea how great it is to tune out of the noise and tune into a new THU video. Thanks again, JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! So glad that you’re enjoying it.

[@sugandhakohli]

I have a very strange obsession with Berchtesgaden and its surrounding area. Berghoff and its giant window glass overlooking the beautiful Alps particularly fascinates me. If I ever visit Germany, Berchtesgaden would definitely be on my "to visit" list. Thanks for making such a detailed video

[@nadirsantos7894]

Creio que as imensas janelas são do ninho das águias e ainda estão lá. A casa atualmente um restaurante.

[@SpaceHCowboy]

Another fine job JD. You should be awarded a Pulizter or grammy for your work. You handle such provocative subjects with tac and professionalism.

[@WhisperSonnet]

What an incredible channel. And you're a great tour guide! So grateful I stumbled upon this!

[@jeffhester1443]

Thank you. That had to be an ominous, ghostly walk through those eerie woods. Such a beautiful place so touched by evil it may remain uninhabited forever. Again thank you for sharing with us JD.

[@darrinsmith1588]

Very cool place to explore. My brother and I were there a few years ago and we actually hiked down through the woods from the Dokumnetation Obersalzberg. As a WWII history buff, it was very surreal to walk on the road in front of the house that is featured in so many historical newsreels. Walking up the road to the Hotel Garni and exploring the underground bunkers is a must if you’re there. Thanks again JD for the excellent narration

[@leelarson107]

I've been to the Berghof ruins many times, and there is still a vast archeological dig waiting to happen. I managed to come away with a stone from the NW corner of the foundation, as well as the drain pipe from the kitchen sink. Those are oddball items, but that's better than everything being obliterated. **And someone should do a video-doc on why there is such a strong and ongoing interest in the Third Reich even in the face of the crises facing us today.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty interesting place.

[@ryleyw3684]

Just curious why is there a bigger interest

[@incog99skd11]

As the bus driver on the way up to the Berghof said, 'we in Germany do not want these places to become touristique." It seems the more the Germans detest WWII tourism, the more power they give to the history.

[@Dont_Tread_on_Me448]

The reason there is a strong and ongoing interest is coz every time there is a crisis people like AH capitalise on it as a stepping stone to their rise to power , unfortunately for us we are heading in the same direction today as it was in 1920s post ww1 , something worse is definitely on the way , or it's already manifesting itself here in the form of authoritarian states like the DPRK or China but a huge war is definitely on the way within the next 20 years

[@a.r.stellmacher8709]

Yes, why are people so fascinated with Hitler and the Third Reich? So many people seem to be drawn to evil.

[@sadiejustin]

It's simply amazing that anyone can just walk up into that space and place themselves into an area where so much happened. I've been there by way of Google Street view, but it doesn't show the escape hatch. Well, at least it didn't last I "travelled". Fascinating episode!

[@AmberPearcy]

Thank you, JD! Always so beautifully done. I’m especially fond of how you musically score your videos. Just perfect!

[@swgeek4310]

Really adds to the video quality

[@nonofinn7136]

I love the little interludes where the camera looks at the forest floor, or the birds… very nice and creative. :)

[@williambradford352]

Extremely well done presentation! Thank you for all of your fine work and dedication to filming historic locations from the WWII period that the majority of people will never have the opportunity to see in person. Your talent enabling you to compare old and new photographic images of various locations is the best I have seen.

[@KatieP219]

I love the way you explain everything. Easy to understand. Thank you for documenting everything the way you do!

[@matthewmoneypit1558]

Very well done JD. Kept pausing and lining up shots. Just amazing.

[@tracymessineo4738]

My family and I enjoy your videos. You are one of the few youtubers that my grandkids (5 yr to 10 yrs) will sit and watch from beginning to end. Great content. Beautiful and eerie place. Glad you didn't slip on the mud.

[@thebelligerentbeaver3344]

It’s crazy that you are standing in a spot where so much history happened. Not good history, but history. Thank you for sharing.

[@jimblack5153]

Correction: Eva Braun was not shooting video in the famous footage at the Berghof. Home video cameras didn't exist back then. This was all shot on a 16mm film camera. Also, there are underground tunnels under the hotel Zum Turken that you can explore, and that lead to the Berghof, but that portion is bricked up, so the tunnels only go so far.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Would love to visit those tunnels.

[@meemurthelemur4811]

Is your correction in the type of camera used to film the footage or are you saying that Eva Braun didn't shoot it?

[@Bowruss]

@@meemurthelemur4811 EB shot no video as video did not exist in the 1940s. She shot her home movies on a film camera.

[@pamelar5868]

I think we got the gist of what he was trying to say even if exact terminology was wrong.

[@joshmartin1938]

@@pamelar5868 Thank you.....

[@janfast4712]

Thanks a lot again. Very well narrated and filmed :)

[@stephenrrose]

Job well done again JD! Thank you for bringing us along!!!! Love the Music, editing, storyline, and all the behind-the-scenes things you do to bring this to us! Thank you for keeping History Alive!

[@oldtanker4860]

That is such a beautiful area I have no doubt that anyone who saw it would fall in love with the view. It is such a pity that it will be forever tainted by the sheer amount of evil perpetrated there. Thanks for the video. Oh and Braun didn't take "video", she took home movies with a movie camera. ;)

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😅👍🏻

[@fredricjulien8738]

Thanks again JD. I didn't think that the Berghof got so destroyed by bombing. In a way, I'm disappointed that people can't see it the way it was before it was destroyed. The nerve center of evil left to only a pile of earth and crumbled concrete walls. To the victor goes the spoils, I guess. Hope you didn't get your boots too muddy. Thanks again for sharing.

[@conditionallyunconditional5691]

I found relics there 22 yrs ago. The only visible part of the berghoff left, was part of the garage. The trees have grown more since then. Thanks for the update.

[@speckledjim_]

What kind of artefacts? If you don't mind me asking

[@sandua51]

They destroyed that and lots of other things during the "renovations" in the late 1990's.

[@browngreen933]

My cousin, stationed in Germany while serving in the US Army in the 1970s, took a brick from the Berghoff.

[@sandua51]

Yup. I have some brick, stone and some nails from there.@@browngreen933

[@alanschusler4691]

I was there in 73 and have a piece of brick from the basement. I understand that a lot was “ destroyed” when they did upgrades in the 90s

[@jacki8655]

I am struck by how quiet and peaceful it seems. It's rather breath-taking

[@andybecker8]

Man every time I tell myself “this is my favorite video he’s done!” Too only see another one and that take #1 lol! This one did it again! This was amazing amazing content (as always) 3 places I am absolutely making it to in my lifetime (God willing) Pearl Harbor ✅ … Normandy and right here where you are! Gotta say thank you to your whole team!! Y’all do such an amazing job!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow, thanks!

[@kevinmcd5578]

@Syd McCreath incorrect. Mother's maiden name is Braun. He pronounces it correctly.

[@marketablepresentations7824]

​@Syd McCreath that's a truly German sir name you have there.

[@user-rw3tt5lm6y]

Как радосно,а освенцем,бухельванд ,и просто расрушения вас не волнуют придурки

[@christina3521]

Kudos mentioning the giant retracting window. Sweet job on splicing in contextual photos/footage.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@omarhamid3638]

Excellent work from one of my favourite channels now! Always such interesting history and explorations. Thanks very much for all your hard work and wishing you all success 👏✌️👍

[@66Bunn]

Thank you for pointing out where the terrace was. I've watched Eva's home movies quite a bit and had always tried to orientate where specific areas of the Berghoff were. I originally thought (very early on) that the terrace was right at the top of the entrance steps. Just because Eva did so much filming of people coming and going, then cut right to the terrace, that it seemed the steps lead to the terrace. Thanks for showing where that stood. I'm been wanting (for most of my life) to visit Europe and do my own WWII site seeing tour and this spot, obviously, is on my list.

[@shauntemplar.26]

I was many of your first subscribers and watched every week, sadly Ukraine happened and I just left for Ukraine and did not fallow your channel a little after your work in Poland Ukrainian refugees until getting back home end of last year. then i just needed to heal ... I just gives me so good feeling to see all your hard work brother paying off. To see how your hard work, playing with your own money has made the channel grow to to well over 400K . When I last watched your channel subs where around 100 subs.. Congrats for the channel growth. Could not happen to better man bro.. now I sit back and catch up and your helping me keep mind focused . Thanks again for everything you do and keep up giving us all amazing content

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. What has happened in Ukraine over the past year has been nothing short of a tragedy. A shame that people over here don't know.

[@shauntemplar.26]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I know. its heart breaking, I pray that no matter what the US does not stop sending what Ukraine needs to fight and other NATO. countries also. I just hope people see the horrors and far right dones not wreck what USA is doing because I tell you. Ukrainians thank US for doing what its doing... So much of Ukraine is just gone, cities, towns ,just ripped from this earth...I mean gone . Its tragic but I saw many of your films ,what you did helping Ukrainians who scared and had to leave with kids. I saw this as I was cross boarder too so many good people, thats was the hard part for me. I know you have roots from around there JD.. stay cool bro. and keep it up.. I'm watching your work right now.. so much to catch up on 👍

[@AM-mw2wu]

Again thanks for the videos. I'd love to travel and visit historic buildings and places. But I don't have the money to. So videos like these make me feel better. Keep filming and uploading them.

[@sheilatruax6172]

I know that this won't be happily received by everyone...but I would have loved it if the building had survived. Looking out over the Bavarian Alps would have been spectacular! I have seen it in my mind's eye for decades. But, we never had enough money to go much of anywhere. I can't even get to the Isle of Skye where part of my grandmother's people are from.

[@AM-mw2wu]

No I agree. The Beghorf should have been kept in tact but the allied bombing destroyed it. There are many historical places from ww2 that have sadly been destroyed during the war or after. Watching videos on KZbin about Germany then and now is fascinating. I'd highly recommend those videos. But having very little or no money to travel is depressing. It's videos like these that help make it better.

[@120badbubba]

Just watched this video tonight. Literally been watching about 10 of your videos per day. Incredible content, locations and presentation! I'm SE of Pittsburgh, near Fort Necessity, Jumonville, Braddocks Grave, etc. I'm not on your knowledge level, but enjoy the WWII content. Then WWI and Civil War. Keep up the great work filming at locations and explaining history.

[@roberthenry9319]

Absolutely marvelous, J.D. As a longtime subscriber, it is so exciting to see you with this massive extension of the content of your work. This is the best Berghof video I have seen. You are remarkable. Always have been. I think I have seen all of your videos from the very start of The History Underground and am excited to see what comes next. Thank you for your work. It is immensely valuable. Perhaps the best indicator of how good an internet video presenter is can be gotten from the quality and content of the comments. Your commentors are exceptionally loyal, well informed and thoughtful. Reading the comments is always a treat on The History Underground. The planning, studying, filming and editing of all of your episodes are extraordinarily complex, thorough and meaningful. Most importantly, the episodes are always comfortable, satisfying and fun for us (your subscribers and viewers). Never lose the hat. It represents your whole approach to teaching. Again, cannot thank you enough. Wish I could have had your work available when I studied history in high school and college. But you weren't born yet. Best always to you and your excellent crew. Robert Henry, M.D.

[@warbirdwf]

JD, what an amazing couple of years you've had traveling the world. Visiting the pacific islands of WWII and now in Europe again checking out other historical locations. Thanks for taking us along.

[@ronopiela1959]

This, like many of your videos, has to be one of my favorites. The details you provide are truly incredible. I will also be visiting Gettysburg this spring after watching your Civil War series. I certainly appreciate the great education

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@mweinbender]

Once again I've watched a few vids over the years about the Berghof but never got a sense of how it was laid out until watching your video. Great watch!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@EvinMA]

I get excited to view new content. Then I get sad when it’s over. I wish they were longer. You need to buy some Wellies for those mucky days.

[@garretvaughn7936]

Always a great way to spend a Sunday morning...cup of tea and the History Underground! Thanks so much!

[@Wreckdiver59]

I've been waiting for this one 👍 I went looking for this in the '90s and there wasn't any signage like there is now, but I believe we found it just based on an old aerial photo. I do remember the retaining wall and a few steps. I have a picture taken in 1945 of my then 19 year old father in law standing in front of the bay window. There was a hand made sign in the window that said "Hitler's Home" and a lot of graffiti on the wall below the window. I've seen pictures of other soldiers standing in the same place (There's one in the 20th AD book I gave you). It was a pretty popular place for soldiers in the area to visit after the war ended.

[@mynameis3568]

This part of Germany/ Austria is so beautiful. We will drive to Oberjoch tomorrow. Thanks for showing one of the places I want to visit.

[@michaelhovey1698]

Your videos are so good it is almost like being there. Perfect for an armchair historian wannabe like me. Love your numerous battlefield tours of all conflicts

[@johnstup4479]

Currently binge watching the entire series and now up to video 177. Love these videos JD. So many places that I will never have the opportunity to visit. So thankful to see these.

[@howardbranscom]

Excellent video. EVERYTHING you do is excellent. The visuals, the narratives.....thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@frenchfan3368]

Wow! What is so ironic about this area is that it is obviously located in some very beautiful scenery that was occupied by some very ugly people and ideology. It just goes to show that you cannot judge a book by its cover. This was a very well done episode that will educate for generations to come!

[@Keller27]

I had a private tour with Tom Lewis in 2019 and enjoyed every second of it. His knowledge of the area is second to none and anyone that gets a chance to visit the area should consider contacting Tom to arrange a tour.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

He really is top notch.

[@TeaVR]

Not sure how I stumbled in this video, but I’m glad I did. Thank you for taking the time to film and upload this 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Hope that you enjoy the rest of the content on the channel. 🙂

[@TeaVR]

@@TheHistoryUnderground already looking through it. Fascinating 👍👍

[@anthonydm2947]

I can’t say enough how much I appreciate your videos. So interesting and informative. Great job!!

[@bjw4859]

Just imagine back in the day the things that happened in this place, it is hard not to be moved, thank you for showing it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty wild.

[@apstrad]

Great video...several years ago, in early spring, I spent 3 days walking those woods in heavy snow...very surrealistic,,,no one was around. Then was fortunate enough to meet an antique dealer in Berchtesgaden who collected very high end 3rd Reich items. He told stories of how the citizens of the city looted the trains that Goering had hidden in tunnels under one of the hotels. At first I did not believe him, then he started pulling things out of a backroom...my jaw hit the ground. He also showed me the guest registry from the hotel where I was staying...again, I was stunned at the signatures that were in the book. He laughed, said that the citizens of Berchtesgaden had the best private collection of art work in the world. Some even had cars and vehicles from the garage under the SS barracks...Then, a couple of years ago, I found a box of photos at my parents house, my fathers cousin had been one of the first G.I's to enter the Berghof, he took lots of photos of the destruction...and several photos of himself sitting amongst the ruins. All the photos have captions written on the back, identifying the various locations of the complex.

[@denflyr]

Great job sir! Was there in September 22. There mainly for the Eagles Nest Tour but I did my “inner JD” thing and researched where the Goring House was and Berghoff. Was able to walk in your same steps. Great content and amazing commentary! Keep up the awesome work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Awesome.

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

Always interesting. Two things struck me: That Hitler was able to see Austria from his patio, and when Himmler and his cohorts were shown in casual clothing on that same patio, looking "ordinary" but knowing what they did seems crazy to me.

[@choossuck7653]

You have been told lies. Research for yourself. Dont just stay with the mainstream. You will be surprised. Unless you are a hateful bigot.

[@vonpfrentsch]

Why does it struck you that AH could see Austria from his patio? Probably a lack of geographic knowledge. We can see the austrian alps even out of Munich.

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

@@vonpfrentsch It was the first country he coveted and took. That he had that view struck me.

[@vonpfrentsch]

@@phyllishershkowitz3806 I still don´t understand. AH was born and raised in Austria. He spent a few years in Vienna, where he tried twice to get admitted at the Art Academy. When the nazis "took" Austria, like you said, that happened at a very different place than the Berghof. Since this part (Tyrol) of Austria is just around the corner, why shouldn´t he be able to see "Austria"?

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

@@vonpfrentsch You are looking at this from a geographical understanding, I am looking at it differently. He was able to see his trophy from his patio. Perhaps it is only my thought and not relatable?

[@joeparvana9549]

Dictator says, "I will control the world". Mother Nature says, "I can wait you out"....well done JD.

[@svenlaenen7945]

Wow! Another great video! My wife and I were there last summer and we also explored the place. We were a bit disappointed because we couldn't visit the tunnels and bunkers. "Zum Türken" looks like it's permenantly closed, the visitor's centre was also closed for renovation... Surely will visit it again in the future.

[@malu2172]

Hotel has been sold I think 2 years ago

[@ThatAdventureLife]

Fantastic job man! Between the research and the filming/editing, you put some serious work into this video. Thank you for the cool history lesson!

[@Gascan26]

Great job. I could see everything you described. Wow. To stand in the exact footsteps of history. To see the same mountains as seen in the background of the films. Just amazing work. Great video today, love the channel.

[@Qigate]

When JD knocked on the metal security door of the escape tunnel, I seriously expected to hear the three knocks in reply.... spooky place it is!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha!

[@joshmartin1938]

me too- or Wer geht dorthin?

[@briankesterson4365]

Your travels and videos are definitely true research projects come to fruition! Well done as always!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@somedayDefect]

This is fantastic! I toured the WWII sites in Munich, Dachau (Most don't know it's a city), Schaffhausen, Nuremberg, Berchtesgaden, and the Obersalzberg back in 2017. We stayed at the Kempinski Hotel while on the Obersalzberg. We didn't have a car. Just the bus and the train and the one time taxi from Berchtesgaden to the Kempinski when we stayed too late walking around. We crawled all around the area on foot and there is so much to see (not to mention the place is just gorgeous!) I hope you got to go up the hill to Goering's house site. We walked into the woods beyond the helicopter landing pad and found some stone steps we believed that walked up the front porch of the home. We didn't tour with Tom Lewis but the owner, Christine, of the tour company he works for. It was a private tour and my God we saw things that most people don't and she kept us from the crowds at the Eagles Nest (Yes we got a private tour of the MAN engine generator room). You certainly walked me back in memory lane with these videos. You could fill days and days of video just of the sites on the Obersalzberg. Thank you and well done mate! Subscribed!

[@judybridges4199]

Thank you for sharing. I am making plans to go very soon.

[@America-First2024]

Thank you for lining up photos with the location of where you are standing. I didn’t know that the hotel was so close and being used basically as an overwatch. 👍🏻

[@UncaDave]

“Video camera” is more a term from our age. Eva had film camera the type of which you might make home movies. I think the German film company Agfa (might just be the name of the film) pioneered color film, thus the reason they are in color. Also remember she knew something about film as she was Heinrich Hoffman’s assistant before she met Hitler. Hoffman was Hitler’s personal photographer of all of his photographs. He preserved and hid the negatives of them and in the 1960’s best I remember, he sold the whole lot to Life magazine. Somewhere in their negative warehouse, sits the whole pile. They showed some of them in an issue of that time but not much else has been printed. I hope that they are stored properly as they definitely are a view, tragic as it is, on the sad history of that time.

[@kgb4187]

Video: a recording of an image or of moving images. No need to be so pedantic.

[@g.private9101]

​@Nah these are film images, not video. It's important to make the distinction

[@kgb4187]

@@g.private9101 Nah, it's KZbin. You don't even use proper punctuation on here because you know it's not important.

[@leahjones9626]

@@kgb4187 stop policing people so much! They’re just trying to share facts. Could be valuable to someone OTHER than you! You’re wasting so much energy doing this, and you’re becoming the annoying one.

[@kgb4187]

@@leahjones9626 Calm down ma'am, they're presenting "facts" in a shitty way that invalidates the information as they are untrustworthy.

[@judefrazier4727]

Thank you so very much, I thoroughly have enjoyed your videos of Hitler’s historic places. My Dad was at Bletchley park north of London during the war working as a cryptographer, sent at the request of Churchill with 12 others to help break the Nazi code on the ULTRA MACHINE, Enigma, with Alan Touring. He passed when I was 18 before I knew of his contribution. He’s my hero. I’m fascinated with seeing what was happening where you have been filming. The beauty of the place and nature taking back the land and bringing back the peace and beauty. Knowing what was going on there, and the chilling history of those places. Every little stone, and area that witnessed it there that still remains. The worn bricks and hidden pieces of the past. Thank you so very much for showing us every bit, every hole and pic, my hair stood on end seeing some of it never forget.

[@markleach116]

Another great educational video JD! So sorry that KZbin has decided to harass you!

[@billharshaw4739]

Drop everything! It's History Underground time!

[@dragonpullman23]

Considering how close this Berghof was to the border with Austria, it really gives you a sense of why the Von Trapps (the family depicted in the Sound of Music) needed to escape Austria when they did.

[@charliefass]

Well done video. I toured the Obersalzberg area back in June of 2012 and found it most interesting. For me, after studying WWIi for decades it was great to actually visit the sites where history was made. I appreciated your detailed explanation of where the Berghof building foundation was and showing the evidence. I didn't get that much detail when I was there. Thanks for sharing this.

[@johnburt22]

I would love to go there one day. That’s land of my people. My Dad was stationed there 1956 - 1963 and I have photos and 8mm movies of him, my brother and my Mom touring Berchtesgaden and the surrounding area. Thanks for posting!

[@FLjcollins]

I miss living in Germany- Bavaria is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely.

[@1psychofan]

This is awesome! JD you did so great on this! I love the archival footage and photos placed just right….artfully done!! Great work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Patriot-American]

I'll probably never get to visit these sites in person so I really appreciate the in depth videos you are doing of these locations. Excellent videography and narration. Very much appreciated ...

[@j.m.1524]

I was stationed in Nuremburg at Merrell Brks from 86-89. I visited that area on several occasions. At that time the garage was partially still there but almost completely filled in. We stayed in the General Walker Hotel ($25.00 per night btw) which back then was the Platterhof. Remnants of Hermann Goring's house were visible as well but Bormann's house was completely gone. I must have spent many days overall on the Obersalzberg my 3 yrs in Germany. I ended up with many pieces of tile from each location and many other trinkets I found with a metal detector. Zum Turken Hotel for the record had the best schnitzel in Germany imo, lol.

[@palerider964]

It's a darn shame those buildings were destroyed. They should've been preserved for posterity.

[@lollypop2413]

I wouldnt want to be near it....breathing the same air he breathed.

[@piercedriver1]

I love history and love your very informative videos. Thanks for teaching history, it should never be forgotten.

[@westrig180]

I've now watched your Eagles Nest video and part of this one ( playing as I write this) and I gotta say you are one of the best video travel hosts out there. Succinct, well spoken and no fluff. You point out many interesting facts and sights while keeping the whole video vibe engaging. Keep up the good work ! btw Good friends about 30 yrs ago visited this region and told me many stories and took a ton of photos . They were really blown away by the area and its history. Its sad in one way that these structures were destroyed as I believe their architecture and sheer beauty of the interiors were a sight to see. But I understand the sentiment at the time to erase Hitler and anything associated with him.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@mikemontgomery2654]

I’ve been to all the sites you’ve been making videos about in your recent trip to Germany. You’ve definitely accessed more than I was able to, in some of them anyway. Thank you for showing the world what these places look like. I try to convince people to see for themselves but, people are gonna people.

[@marketablepresentations7824]

I might be tempted to visit these sites if I had the funds to do so. You are blessed to be able to do so.

[@mikemontgomery2654]

@@marketablepresentations7824 well, I was at the time. I saved and the world was a cheaper place. There weren’t any crazies trying to shame me for getting on an airplane.

[@jenniferwannemacher8627]

As far as the tunnels go, we stayed at the General Walker (platterhof) in the late 80's and you could take a tour of the bunker under there at that time.

[@mrDCunningham]

I have always thought those film clips were taken at the eagle's nest. I don't always comment but I thumbs up and watch everything you post. Great series. Thank you JD 👍🏼😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Common misconception. I’ll show some Eagle’s Nest footage when I get up there.

[@Pak-pq6me]

Awesome stuff. Thank you for keeping history alive while so many are trying to erase it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@benvanboom8907]

I am 61 years of age, when I was 14 years old I was already interested in the history of WWII and visited Obersalzberg. At that time (1975) the garage of The Berghof was still present as also the basement remains of Görings house and the SS Barack’s. Several decades later I discovered that they demolished that too. Thanks for this video!

[@ED-ti5tc]

Very interesting video. Something I have never seen or heard of before. That would be awesome to be able to go in that tunnel. Beautiful scenery from the window. I tell folks about your channel here and really hope they check it out. Best history channel I've ever found. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope to get into those tunnels sometime in the future.

[@MrFrans1983]

I am now a subscriber. The places you explore are fascinating. Keep em coming!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you!

[@lildee2626]

I really enjoyed this video. Now, when I see these areas in videos on tv, I can picture it clearly according to the way you presented it JD. Thank you!

[@newman977]

I am always so impressed by how well-researched, edited and presented these videos are. The understanding and respect shown are also without reproach. JD, thank you to you and your team for your efforts.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@jeanineking7311]

Thanks for this video and clearing up the Eagle’s Nest/Berghof question. So beautiful! Those people did not deserve to be there.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@joenickell6323]

Yes they did deserve to be there.

[@amauicelticconnectionandot2674]

great job...rare pics...good background...even the music is kind of spooky.

[@dcore64]

What a beautiful place! That creep had so much that he didn't deserve. Thank you for this video. Well done! Your comment about Ava acquiring a video camera made me go and learn that they were in fact around in 1940, though probably extremely heavy and connected to huge cables. Blew my mind. Wondering though if she didn't just have an old Bell and Howell or something? Thanks again! Fascinating story.

[@australiantruckspotting8883]

This is without doubt THE best video on the Berghoff site that there is. A visit to this location is still right at the top of my bucket list.

[@marybeck7594]

Great video, never a dull moment in Germany, our family goes back to the visigoths. Looking up the hills reminds you of califonia homes.

[@douglund6945]

I hope you eventually made it to the Documentation Center (Dokumentationzentrum) on the Obersalzburg. One of the greatest museums I've ever visited which helps explain how Hitler conned the German people. Lots of interesting items plus access to the bunker system on the mountain. Also, across the street from the driveway to the Berghof is a hill with the remains of a machine gun emplacement and a path to where Borman's house stood. The SS Kaserne was in this same area. I apologize if you're highlighting those sites in a future video but if you don't you need to make a return trip.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It was closed for renovations.

[@douglund6945]

@@TheHistoryUnderground What a shame. At least that gives you an excuse to go back again.

[@stephenschneider5644]

Great video!!!!!!! I was in Saltzburg and the surrounding area back in 2017 but did not get to actually see where the Berghof was located exactly. Thank you for such a detailed tour of the grounds! Fascinating history!

[@liquidmetal6768]

Awesome video. I've always been fascinated by history, especially World War II. The whole Obersalzberg region is steeped in history from this time. The Berghof is no exception, and with the variety of photos and videos available of this structure, it really isn't too hard to picture what it looked like from your footage.