Into the Tunnels Beneath Hitler's Mountain | History Traveler Episode 321

We're back in Berchtesgaden with Matthew Leitch, who played Floyd Talbert in Band of Brothers, to check out a few things that we missed on our first trip including some of the hidden tunnels beneath the Obersalzberg. Much to see!
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...
For more on We Happy Few 506, go here: www.wehappyfew506.com
To book a tour on the Obersalzberg with Tom Lewis, email 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.originusacom and jockofuel.com!!!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
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- Myth & Reality at Verdun's Trench of Bayonets | History Traveler Episode 314: • Myth & Reality at Verd...
- Documenting Death: Verdun's Military Museum | History Traveler Episode 308: • Documenting Death: Ver...
- The Sacred Way of Verdun | History Traveler Episode 307: • The Sacred Way of Verd...
- The German Dead of Verdun | History Traveler Episode 306: • The German Dead of Ver...

[@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

[@glynhornback9768]

I watched the episode when you were at the entrance to one of the tunnels. You knocked on the door what would you have done if someone or something had knocked back??? 😂😂

[@justinweaver8107]

Merry Christmas buddy

[@jimcoop5663]

Thank You. As a retired military I appreciate your work.

[@mischievous1765]

I wished they hadn’t destroyed these places. I get they didn’t want people to idolize Hitlers memories. But I think having these places still would have been more of a learning experience. The money they could have made could have been donated to the Jewish community or something like that. I would have loved to see this and the Berlin bunkers. I in no way Idolize Hitler or the Nazis but from a learning standpoint think being able to visit and see them would have been so amazing.

[@AmiraSmyrna]

Totally agree

[@randomunicorn1578]

I just thought the exact same thing 😊

[@liannedube2219]

Agree👍🏻

[@jude999]

Those who destroy history are replicating the actions of the people they are destorying.

[@edindoffer687]

I understand that seeing the building could be used for historic reasons. Having all of Hitler’s creations destroyed also crushed his artistic ambitions. This is also a reason why his artwork is in Washington DC, never to see the light of day.

[@martsol262]

You, sir, have a great path in life, and I appreciate your passion for WWII historical expeditions.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@lamoroma]

Shame the lower tunnels are all now sealed. Urban explorers would relish a visit. Most are now underwater I hear, but would be amazing to get them pumped out, made safe and opened. I hear they are vast.

[@markb.7642]

It never ceases to amaze my by how much from WWII is still standing, please bring us more.

[@mikemercer5808]

Thank you JD! I wish I could travel to these historical places, but that's what makes this channel special.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@mariom2424]

They envy what the Germans accomplished in just 12 years.

[@ED-ti5tc]

I love history but for some reason, i have a special love for WW2. The way you present the info in your videos, make it that much more interesting. Thanks for your hard work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@hmcvalesano]

😊😊😊

[@sumofme1]

My grandfather was in the Korean War and when he got home from the war he flipped out and said the nazis are here in America he held his family at knifepoint he tried to get them to move to Canada; they put my grandfather in a V.A. hospital that's where he died. R.I. P. Grandfather 😢 I'm sorry I never had a chance to know you as my family never said anything until a few years ago and I'm 55yrs old now. And considering what's going on now my grandfather was right

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Thanks JD. I'm glad our greatest generation took care of the Thousand year Reich. I appreciate the history lesson/vignette.

[@haywoodyoudome]

The Greatest Generation may have taken care of it in Europe but Operation Paperclip brought it to America.

[@MB-vu3ow]

I shudder to think what that generation, which includes my WWII veteran father, would feel about the current situation in America. I was spared their sacrifice and am very sick at heart.

[@CheekRunner]

@@MB-vu3owyou know exactly what they would think

[@robynm6869]

We visited this area in 1975. I was 11 years old and we came as part of a tour organized by the Canadian military base my dad served at. There were many buildings still standing that have now been leveled. We did take photos of the site of the Berghof, and the Eagle’s Nest in the distance. I found the tunnels eerie and dank. There were bags of solidified cement left lying around as if the workers fled in a hurry. I hope to visit again in 2025!

[@ojay2001]

Don't expect too much. The Berghof is completely gone, except the supporting wall towards the hill. Also, Hotel Zum Türken seems to be closed and so is the entrance to the bunker.

[@HistorySavior1941]

Awesome episode! You take people places that they may never get to visit. This episode emphasizes the importance of history education in this platform. Thanks for taking us on the adventure!

[@stephenrrose]

Great Job JD! Love the History, the Artifacts, The Filming, The editing, the Music, the interviews! Thank you for keeping History Alive! Truly the Greatest Generation to take down Evil!!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@aaronberg5638]

Thanks JD! How awesome it is to be able to see such an important part of History that needs to be remembered.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@AmiraSmyrna]

Thank you for another brilliant upload. You help those of us who cant afford to go to these places but really want to! At least we get to live vicariously through you and enjoy them. Keep it up!

[@thomasweatherford5125]

Thanks JD! Great stuff as expected - I hope to one day convince my wife that this is a beneficial stop for her when we tour Europe, not just for her history obsessed husband lol

[@LawtonDigital]

Berchtesgaden has skiing, and the little town is beautiful

[@wendylcam]

Thank you for these videos! I was in Berchtesgaden years ago but never made it to all of these sites you are showing! My Dad fought in the Pacific in WW2 and never really followed much of the war in Europe, but recently I rewatched Band of Brothers again after so many years. It was so good I binged watched it again the next day! I know that’s crazy but I wanted to really not miss a thing! Your videos have really brought it all to life! So again, much thanks!👏👏

[@robmoore108]

We were there just a week before. Based on JD's recommendation, we had Tom Lewis guide us around the area. He was great! A very informative tour.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Tom is the man.

[@csaint6780]

Thanx JD for this Incredible and fascinating part of History! I can't get enough of your videos!! Take Care and greetings from Canada!

[@dansalmi7332]

You make some amazing videos! Your content has motivated me to take a few trips these past two years. My daughter and I had a Tom guided Obersalzberg tour this past October. He certainly knows his stuff. Thanks for everything you do!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@psychmike1717]

Fascinating. Always enjoy your journal in this area.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@naseanamoodie384]

Thank you for sharing history with us. I hope in due time more of the tunnels will be open for us to see.

[@anthonydm2947]

Absolutely great video. So informative, I didn’t know any of this. And of course, anything with the Band of Brothers I love.. thank you!!

[@joshmartin1938]

Another JD masterpiece. Thanks. Hope to see it in person next Spring...

[@APT420]

This is a seriously underrated KZbin channel. Great content!

[@ricksmith4874]

Fantastic video as always JD. Can't wait for part 2. Thanks for all of the hard work that you put into every video.

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

Thanks for showing the documentation centre. It definitely looks like it's worth a visit.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, I thought that they did a good job with it.

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

@@TheHistoryUnderground It was just a brief look for us on the video but I liked the scope of subjects covered.

[@bobbyl6972]

Another great video JD. Appreciate you taking us along!

[@angelabird4794]

i wish you taught history in my school, it slides off your tongue so simply xx

[@gavinforrest3116]

Wow fantastic video JD, so interesting to finally see the underground tunnels after so long.

[@EngineeringUSA]

One of my dreams is to visit not only Obersalzberg, but the eagles nest and many other WW2 historical sites. I plan on visiting Obersalzberg and the EN in a few years, but since I can't at this time, I want to say thank you for videoing your adventures to these places and giving more in depth view/perspective than what others have shown before.

[@GY1]

I visited the Berghof before 6 years, what a magical spot full of power and history. Best regards from 🇩🇪

[@nothof60]

Very interesting. Moved to Alaska in 2002 and I lost a lot of my wanderlust. These videos are making me want to travel to the Obersalzburg.

[@Hairnicks]

Brilliant half hour in your company, love these amazing explorations.

[@Wreckdiver59]

The documentation center was opened in late 1999 and I think I was there sometime in 2000. They didn't have tunnels open then, although you could look down one that was barred off. Almost everything was only in German. It has come a long way since then. I guess it's time to go back. Thanks for a look at it now 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely! I was impressed.

[@johnlivella9732]

Appreciate your dedication to bringing all of this history to our fingertips!

[@Zilchner]

I agree!

[@lucaschaudhry9161]

We had to put this on the TV in our bedroom, this is just too cool.

[@rufiorufioo]

Those tunnels are amazing. Thanks for documenting that. I've been waiting to see some of those!

[@thomashudgins996]

Glad to see you are feeling better JD! Great episode!

[@cyndiebill6631]

The tunnels are cool but that place is still creepy. It’s still interesting and even more so now that they allow you to see what the tunnel system was like. Great video as always. Thank you.👍😁

[@miepmiepzoefzoef]

From (almost) all the bunker tunnels are movies on youtube, search for BEGAFILM. There was another part open, but it is now closed for some years. Due to a legal battle between the buyers of Hotel Zum Turken and the Bavarian government.

[@tc-ww8ui]

Great to see Matt Leitch again. Looking forward to the next video on this subject. Onwards and most definitely upwards.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

More to come!

[@Dude0000]

He kept calling the car he drove a BMW, when is quite obviously was a Mercedes. Or is it me?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@Dude0000 - Sometimes people think one thing and say another. 🙂

[@Dude0000]

@@TheHistoryUnderground such bigoted behavior, like all German cars look the same☹️

[@Dude0000]

@@TheHistoryUnderground like all German cars look the same☹️

[@Captkman]

You're really stepping it up with your interpretations of old concrete. I like.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😂👍🏻

[@Deus-Too]

This was truly amazing! I continue to look forward with great anticipation to further episodes.. extremely well done! Whenever I hear anyone complain about the lack of anything worthwhile on the Internet, I always mentioned “ The History Underground”.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@robertdacquisto6871]

Very cool video! Absolutely love videos about the Berghof, and this one is a long one! Great video as always!

[@mendo35]

Great stuff. I now use this channel as my bucket list for sites to visit.

[@iamfr00tl00ps]

JD, please pass our thanks to Tom if you have a chance. He was very enjoyable to listen to.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jenifergorman1223]

How very interesting and exciting to see those tunnels! I’m not sure that’s the right word but wow! What an opportunity!!

[@DerFuhrer76]

This was on my bucket list before I knew of the museum and tunnels. Hope to visit Obersalzburg one day…

[@jfpalha]

Great experience to have attended this tour. So much learned with good bunch of new friends. Amazing video, JD. All the best! 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@calvinnichols3607]

Very cool. We were back there in March '23 and the museum wasn't open yet. Pretty cool to watch this video just over a week old. My wife and I went through the tunnels through the Zum Turken back in '97, '98. WOW. Amazing!!!!!

[@matthewardison2541]

What a cool tour! Thank you for sharing it, JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure!

[@AlbertoGarcia-yy9cm]

Incredible video JD. Went there in summer 2021, and the documentation center was still being built, but learnt a lot nonetheless and had an amazing time. The views are stunning.

[@Chris-Nico]

Thanks JD! Your first video of the Berghoff was great but this one is greater! Fascinating 🧐

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@munk469]

I want to thank you for taking the time and expense to make this video and share it with those of us that will never have the opportunity to actually view these historic places. Awesome adventure not only for us. But I’m sure for you as well. Thank you. Best of luck with all of your future endeavors.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I really do appreciate you saying that. Thank you. It's a lot of work and a lot of money, but hopefully the channel is doing some good.

[@tessaleroux7725]

Thanks for your video. Have been to the tunnels and been to Berghoff about six times. Love it. So glad you showed where the fireplace had been by showing the white rock. Now I know could I not figure it out. Hope you have an awesome festive season. Safe travels

[@patyc.2709]

Another great video!!! Thank you so much!!

[@patfrank6481]

Fascinating video, JD! The underground "city"/tunnels were unbelievable! I can't even imagine how long it took to build those things! Loved the museum tour and the explanation of where Hitler's house once stood. Your videos have taught me so much about WW2! Thank you for sharing this history with us! I can't travel so I appreciate all you do for us! All the best in the New Year!

[@randomunicorn1578]

JD, you do a wonderful job on these videos. I have always been fascinated with WW2 and your explanations bring it to life. So much so, I find myself in tears at times. I recommended you to a history teacher friend. She watched a few of your videos and was very impressed. I wish I could tag along on your journeys,lol. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@stephencroft6481]

Thank you for this it certainly brought a tear to my eye .

[@MoCrush]

Great Videos, love all your content.. Your eye for spotting things too.. Thanks!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@serget2168]

Between JD & Tino Lost Battlefield, I really wish this was what history was teaching us .My son Rocco's history teacher does use clips in class and I think that's amazing of him I introduces both channels to him and ever since it's the conversation between us Thanks JD I appreciate you and the crue who helps you by the way

[@PremierYachtFLL]

Excellent video as always. I really enjoy your content and how you present it. I feel like I’m right there standing along side you. I had no idea of the museum there. I guess I will put it on my list for another trip to Berchtesgaden.

[@vitogiaccone9218]

Bumped into Tom Lewis on 5th Dec 23, infront of the Zum Türken, friendly, knowledgeable guy 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yes! That was awesome. Hope that you’re doing well.

[@terryeustice5399]

The tunnels were quite complex. Enjoyed your tour returning back the Burkoff . Thank you JD and Erik bringing the photo from The Band of brothers. And the story about Hitlers car. I always thought they were Mercedes not BMW’s . Interesting none the less. Stay safe and well. ❤️💯👍👊

[@SysterEuropa]

JD, very impressive work. Please keep it coming!

[@jeffstull2534]

When I was stationed in Germany from 1976-1978 I took a trip to Berchtesgarten and stayed in the Hotel General Walker with my friends. We went skiing up on Rossfelt and walked around town. I have several pics of the Hotel, Rossfelt and downtown from that trip in '77. You could see the Eagles Nest up on the mountain from the Hotel but we never went up to it.

[@stephaniedavis8059]

This is so cool, from a history standpoint, to see! Thank you.

[@frankmarullo228]

This is a AWESOME video JD. ! I love for a lack of better words , before and after videos like this . THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrEaglesfan40]

That was a great series you and Eric did on that fantastic series you guys brought a lot of Relics

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍

[@lappin6482]

Awesome story from Matt 😂.....incredible tosee these tunnels! 😮Thank JD

[@samvantol]

it's a shame it got demolished. It would have been a great memorial museum

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, I’m not a big fan of destroying anything.

[@samvantol]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Me neither. I guess it's the hatred in the heat of the moment...

[@trevorwilliamgrindrod3999]

I have been waiting for this since you last filmed here, such a fascinating location. Keen up the great work JD 💯💯💯

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@itsamaggooful]

Happy to see your feeling better! 🤘

[@HendrikNL]

It was great fun but odd standing at those places where the mustacheman once stood. Was there together with you during this tour (very tall dutch fellow). The guide was great!

[@ahartify]

I travelled to Saltzurg in the early 1990s for the music but wish I had taken a tour of the Eagle's Nest as well!

[@bradbalderson8172]

You know I'm loving that your back in WWII country, anxiously awaiting the next video JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@coreyclark7472]

Great stuff. Thanks for your work.

[@rodgerwaters8292]

This was not open when I was there, gotta revisit it is such a beautiful area.

[@paultweedie4559]

Another brilliant video. Please keep doing what you're doing.

[@docem3537]

Amazing! Love this channel, thanks Sr for share all that kind of knowledge. Hope one day visit that interesting place in Oberszalsberg. Greetings from Cuba.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@duanelawrence78]

Amazing J.D. God bless you brother!!✌️🇺🇲

[@kawharm]

So cool! Thanks for sharing this JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You bet!

[@wildcolonialman]

Fabulous effort as always. Excellent.

[@charlottereed8060]

Hi, JD!!! I am one of your biggest fans!!! Hope all is well with you!! 🙏🏻♥️🤟🏻

[@westonbrewster8344]

I was there about a month and a half ago…. My 4th trip there and still never gets old

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty interesting place.

[@tarahcole7784]

Glad you caught the opening of the DC! We arrived about a month too early and the new building was still closed to the public. If you get a chance to check out the Jugend and theaterhalle area, I recommend it.

[@LarcR]

It's disappointing that the actual Berghof bunker and tunnels aren't open.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@christopherblevins1968]

OK, that was awesome! I'd love to visit that area.

[@joshua.snyder]

Oh, Mark Felton will be jealous of this one. He was here recently and couldn't go that deep.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@leedesigner1977]

'...a portal to hell' is exactly what that shaft looks like. Cheers JD! Lee UK

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😅👍🏻

[@sasha642]

Thanks JD "Lest we forget" very important,

[@57Banjoman]

So interesting! Thank you! I bet the guy running the excavator that dug up the bomb had to change his shorts-wow!

[@Treetopflyer777]

God I can’t get enough of your WW2/ BoB content Love it.

[@MrEaglesfan40]

Great video JD that was very interesting seeing the tunnels very cool Thank you sir

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BIGPINKMAN]

Respect to All the Warriors from WW2..... God Bless

[@bmcg5296]

Wow JD what a fantastic part of preserved history. The damage on the ground and tunnel roof likely caused by a satchel charge to open the floor or destroy the area that failed. There are extensive exploration videos of all the areas of the tunnels done many years ago. Most is inaccessible due to flooding where a boat is needed to traverse to the largest hall within the complex. Its vastness in size is only guessed to what it was to be for. As documented records don’t exist, or exist but not to be seen what was it for.

[@CaptLoomis]

Love it JD! History Underground literally going underground 😂

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😂👍🏻

[@charlottereed8060]

Hi, JD!! Great to see you again!!! Love your videos!!!! Say hi to Eric for me!! He is a favorite of mine, along with you, of course!! ❤️

[@greggriffin1]

Always great vids, never miss them, thank you

[@Cozly07]

Sorry I slept in history class all the time. This is so much more interesting. Class of 2018!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@scottklocke891]

I slept in history class cause my independent reading covered and exceeded textbook

[@trishamorriston3737]

WOW. Interesting facts that was uncovered. FYI JD, the beer mug is a beer stine 15:26

[@Rebelmediainc]

Another great one JD! Always interesting and inspiring.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks again!