U.S. Soldiers of WWII in BERCHTESGADEN (and What They Brought Back) | American Artifact Episode 70

If you've watched Band of Brothers, then you are familiar with Berchtesgaden. But it wasn't just Easy Company who entered this town at the end of the war. There were many troops who came through this place and some of them came back with some interesting souvenirs. We're on location seeing some of the historic sites in Berchtesgaden with The Gettysburg Museum of History and some of the artifacts that they have that are associated with this place are something else. Check it out!
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...
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!
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- War Souvenirs From Hitler's Berghof!!! | American Artifact Episode 66: • War Souvenirs From Hit...
- The Heart of Hitler's Third Reich & What U.S. Soldiers Took From It | American Artifact Episode 61: • The Heart of Hitler's ...
- Was THIS Where the Man With the Funny Mustache Was Radicalized? | History Traveler Episode 264: • Was THIS Where Hitler ...

[@mikeplumb112]

By far the best history channel on KZbin!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@trickyuk386]

Totally agree 100%

[@bill_nye_the_russianspy_9642]

Thats questionable but still a really great channel!

[@jacobbrown9114]

​@@bill_nye_the_russianspy_9642 questionable??? Not even close. The way the tie the story together with real artifacts and photos is amazing. You really can grasp the reality behind these episodes

[@warsandmilitaria]

Agreed, Mark Felton and History Underground are unparalleled.

[@stephenrrose]

JD, You and Erik do such a great job! Thank you for Keeping History Alive!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@dodgermartin4895]

I walked those streets a few yrs ago. I spent most of my time in a cemetery where many Germans killed in the war were buried. I was impressed by the mural artwork throughout southern Bavaria.

[@davidwillis4839]

Erik needs a larger building to display all of the amazing items. He has a jaw dropping collection.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Should be doing that within the next year or so.

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

From the spiders to almost being hit to the music, this video took a lot of unexpected turns. I love the channel and I always look forward to new videos and learning more about history. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

JD, I don't blame you for bailing out of that bomb shelter full of spiders, the damn things creep me out as well! As you put it so well, an "Indiana Jones moment!" Interesting seeing that state flag, that's one you don't see all that often. Fun video, thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

I just remembered! Years back I was in the woods target shooting with a .36 cal "cap n' ball" revolver. The target was stapled to an old abandoned wooden cabinet. After reloading I was checking the target and wondered if anything was in the cabinet. I opened the door and there was a BIG Black Widow spider! No mistaking it, the red hourglass marking was the brightest, purest shade of red I've ever seen. So I shot it! When the black powder smoke cleared it was "gone with the wind!" Good riddance!

[@rodgerwaters8292]

I used that train station a few times and never had an idea about the remnants. I met a Band of Brothers tour group at the elevator to the Eagles Nest & had a great chat. At a hairpin bend on the drive up is a statue of Our Lady (don't blink) dedicated to those who went over the edge and 'officially', 10 people died in the construction of the road. it is an amazing experience & close to Munich and Salzburg.

[@jeffparker3334]

You guys have one of the best history channels on KZbin. I have been a history fanatic since elementary school. The music, artifacts, pictures and dialogue are outstanding. I lived at Hahn AFB, near Frankfurt, from ‘68-‘73. We were blessed to get to travel extensively while we were there. It always seemed that the German people were not willing to talk much about WW2. They all knew of the atrocities and just wanted to let it just go away. They barely even spoke of it in their schools. I guess I can understand that. I’m about to become a subscriber. Thank you for the job y’all do.

[@theTony2times]

I could hear how uncomfortable you were once you started seeing all of those spiders hahaha . Love your channel brother! 💪🏻

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! I appreciate it

[@bobbaker8263]

I was stationed in Landstuhl during my time in the Army. We were a medical unit attached to the 2nd General Hospital. Wounded , injured would be treated here & then transferred to Ramstein AFB to be sent to the states. I’ve been where you are showing. A lot of history & beautiful countryside. Excellent. ❤

[@Hairnicks]

Fabulous as usual, at 66 and the son of a D Day Gold Beach UK vetran, you teach me new stuff with every documentary, such excellent content. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow, thanks

[@timf2279]

Great series JD. I appreciate all the hard work. That really is a huge flag. Great condition and kept its color. I liked that they kept the mural as well.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! And yes, I'm glad that they kept the memorial as well.

[@harryfaber]

Inside the railway station, there are murals depicting rural life, all sanitised but otherwise as they were 'then'. I had a cup of coffee in the station cafe, the girl who served me was fairly tall and slender, blonde with blue eyes. The coffee was good but it all seemed a bit too surreal for me. If you have no idea of the history, the town and surrounding countryside is stunningly beautiful, but I couldn't get rid of the feeling that it had a very dark history.

[@davidwillis4839]

@@harryfaber Was there late September right before JD & Erik. Beautiful area. I enjoyed my Sunday morning coffee as I watched people on their way to church dressed in their Bavarian attire. So cool!

[@harryfaber]

@@davidwillis4839 Germany is beautiful, as is France. Well worth many visits.

[@davidwillis4839]

@@harryfaber I most certainly agree. Chamonix and Normandy are among my favorites.

[@a.u.2035]

JD, I have to say that the comparisons of then and now are outstanding in every way - including Eric's display of the flag. Well done and thanks so much for what y'all do!

[@briandorobiala5439]

I can't help myself watching your videos. You are not only teaching me about the world's history but you are also teaching my 7 year old son because he also wants to learn history of the world. Thanks and keep the videos coming please

[@JJherne]

Just wanted to add that not only is the history presented fascinating as usual but the video, editing and setting to appropriate music is also really appreciated in all your videos. Slow tracking shots, pans, edits, music all help to set the scene and make the YT upload all the better. Thank you to whoever does that.

[@lmc108]

Over the "Eingang" sign, you are absolutely right. There is a wreath around the circle and when you pull back, you can see the vague outline of the eagle in the stucco above it.

[@dawndickson2156]

Fantastic series. Enjoying the lesser known facts. Such as a tunnel under the train station. The artifacts are amazing to see. Thank you Erik and JD. Please keep the information coming!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@ScottBryant-wi7gb]

Again, thanks so much for this series. One day this spring I plan on going to Gettysburg to see the museum.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Heck of a place. Much to see there.

[@ScottBryant-wi7gb]

@@TheHistoryUnderground My parents are in the SCV, and have visited several times. I am a WW2 buff so now it's my turn to visit. And I have turned them on to your civil war series.

[@alvashoemaker8536]

Your enthusiasm is …infectious; THE RESULT…? LOTS of HISTORY MAJORS…! 😃😃👍🏼👍🏼‼️👣

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! That would be awesome.

[@mikenixon2401]

Thank you for showing what was as what it is today. My hope is it brings more appreciation of history to others. Perhaps why I'm concerned today. Another fine report. Keep traveling.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@johnn9363]

You do a great job, the long slow pans are great and you are really down to earth, don't change a think

[@LilMermaid28]

I have fell in love with your channel over the past couple of week. History has always been interesting to me. Thank you for all your work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it! Thank you.

[@LilMermaid28]

@@TheHistoryUnderground my pleasure

[@ryancooper2826]

I bet it was difficult to leave Berchtesgaden and the Obersalzberg area. That's a beautiful place and its rich in history. Y'all are doing an outstanding job teaching and showing that history! I bet it was a beautiful place even after it was heavily bombarded. I agree with an earlier comment that this is the best history channel on KZbin!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely. I could have spent another week there.

[@stefanvogel8255]

​@@TheHistoryUnderground yes Berchtesgaden ist beautiful.. Rossfeld Panorama Straße, Königssee and Bergwerk. Greetings from germany

[@pauldouglas3084]

Really interesting what us soilders brought back from halft the war can't wait for the next video mate can't wait ❤️

[@lisamunson3610]

It's always striking to me to see these amazing artifacts with such vibrant color. Most of the footage we see is in black and white so it's easy to forget that just like today the world was full of vibrant colors then as now. Love this channel and the artifacts series. Keep up the good work

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so. Thanks!

[@MrEaglesfan40]

Wow that flag was huge, dont think that would have gone over well if you had brought that out great video as always JD thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Yeah, that one was better left at the museum.

[@michaelgalea5148]

Thank You JD for another great video. I learn so much from watching your videos. Keep up the great work and stay safe on your journeys.

[@darkoflight4938]

Just an absolute awesome video... again. The tunnel and cave systems in Berchtesgaden would get Batman envious. There´s footage in YT if one searches, about some that they sort of "rediscover" and walk about. Areas that where closed off for ages. Most are of course closed off to the public today but they are still there. Interesting stuff. Fun fact! The maker of that naziflag "Fahnenrichter" in Cologne is still in business! Although their assortment of flags has changed "somewhat"... One can imagine back in the day at Berchtesgaden, when everybody was a big Hitler fan with great emphasis and then the war ended and suddenly nobody was a nazi. Today I guess, there is some conflicted feelings about some the most horrible stuff in history associated to their country. An interesting topic that as well. Keep up the good work guy´s!!!!

[@coupecruiser]

I lived in a small village called Ramsau for 20 years until recently which is 9km away from Berchtesgaden. I have to say it is the most beautiful place I have ever lived and the local Berchtesgadeners are wonderful people but sensitive to their history and how it is presented although it attracts high numbers of tourists for historical reasons, winter sports, wellness and so on. The Bahnhof is also the main bus station and to this day is a prominent part of the town for many people. On my drive to work I would often stop at the station’s cafe in the mornings to pick up coffee and croissants. Thank you for filling in some interesting historical facts that for me were missing. I know for a fact that when the allies bombed the Eagle’s Nest and hitler’s residence, the children at the time were told that it was a special fireworks display. (There had been an agreement amongst most of the parents to do this). My former partner’s father watched the ‘display’ from Ramsau which had a direct and clear view, and told me many stories of how American servicemen befriended them giving them chocolate and cigarettes.

[@Ronaldl2350]

Between the spiders and the German drivers. It's pretty treacherous over there. Thanks for another great video JD.

[@alvashoemaker8536]

🤣🤣😂😃😉😂🤣😃; the piano background’s BERY…PLEASANT…👍🏼👍🏼😃

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Dangerous work that we're doing here lol

[@scornell66]

Looks like an amazing place...thanks for sharing all this historical information. I particularly enjoy the places you capture in present day; then show older films of what the area looked like back in another time era....kind of like a then and now perspective. Well done!!!!

[@chuckb9867]

Once again the awesome video is way too short I was getting totally into it when did suddenly ended I wonder if that bomb shelter used to go deeper and has been sealed off I like the photos and home movie corresponding to the location my buddies restore WWII jeeps in each Jeep tells a story I hope there's plenty more videos to come

[@GridDownSurvival]

I am a history buff.. I know about most of the facts in your videos.. but you provide a tour and awesome visuals that go above and beyond.. that's why I am on it whenever I get your notifications

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!

[@GridDownSurvival]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I appreciate the tours of what it looks like now.. you taking it from black and white to full color.. you make it current and real.. and the visual quality of your videos are just as good as any TV channels work.. top shelf

[@Nighthawk1966]

Great video JD ! Love that flag too. Very very cool !!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍

[@kayokowalski8590]

This is amazing, even the previous episode, exploring those lesser known sites. Being there and switching between artefacts is great.

[@dimwitt461]

Haven’t had any JD comic relief such as hitting your head for awhile, it was nice to see you squeal like a little girl because of the spiders. 😂😂 Actually made me bust out laughing! Thanks for what you do for history and for lightening the day with your JD’isms.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha!

[@TwoFourCharlie007]

I’m over there in 2 months, can’t wait to look for all of these things you’ve highlighted, superb channel, keep up the fabulous work

[@gavinforrest3116]

Absolutely amazing videos, thank you guy's for great work and the detail you provide in all your videos.

[@robertwomack6015]

As usual..beautifully done. Thank you very much. I look forward to your future trips 👍

[@57Banjoman]

The picture of the wall with the swastika gave me chills-these are so well done-thank you, guys!

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

JD you have the best history channel on KZbin! Your videos are so well done, I have seen them ALL, some more then once. Thank you for keeping history alive!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow, thank you!

[@luskimo1]

amazing what was brought back and kept by ordinary people...they truly were the greatest generation..looking forward to the next videos of both series

[@jamalbayati5822]

You sir take us in a beautiful, rich back-journey Thank you .. The vintage scene of American troops in the street reminded me of them in the streets of Baghdad back in 2003

[@williammathews3022]

Awesome video! Glad you didn't get clipped by those reckless drivers!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Me too!

[@mickvk]

Terrific feature. Good story, script, editing, and length.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@cafewa100]

No one covers historical sites as you. With the videos and factual narratives you share I’m constantly watching your vids. Thank you for sharing. PS. Stay safe out there buddy.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great video, as always.

[@Michaelnathaniel1]

Artifacts makes your videos uniq. Please keep up this segment.

[@robertrosano1964]

I can’t wait for summer to come visit Gettysburg museum and of course the battlefield. Only less than a hundred miles from you guys and I’m 67 years old and still haven’t been there

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Heck of a place.

[@lesliewoinarowicz7018]

Thank you for all of your work. It is so educational and thought provoking.

[@camdodge9891]

Awesome video great series I’m loving it thank you JD and keep it up JD

[@ED-ti5tc]

Appreciate what y'all are doing. Love the channel!

[@sonofhawaii4227]

Hahahaha!!! Brother, you got me literally laughing out loud! With you sticking your head into a dark hole in a mountain, death spider infestations, and almost being pummeled by a BMW, thank the Lord that you made it outta there without hurting yourself. Absolutely love it!!! Aloha 🤙🏼

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Putting everything on the line for this one. lol

[@sonofhawaii4227]

@@TheHistoryUnderground it’s always an action packed, historical comedy with you!

[@johnberryhill8106]

I have never seen Berchtesgaden in the Summer.....I only visited there in the winter months. Looks Beautiful!

[@curtisg.8671]

Your arrangements of photography and historical documents are so on point and interesting to say the least J.D. I know the work isn’t easy but much appreciated to us viewers.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@mr.tall-man1573]

Cool to see those houses still there in the background of the post office. I love the then/now photos. You can clearly see the house with the arch and the one next to it in the old photo and behind Erik.

[@Chiller01]

Massive war trophy he brought back. The “then and now” photos/videos seem to make a connection for me.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that I was able to include that archival footage.

[@tundranomad]

How did I miss this episode!? Great presentation as always!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@jsurf1]

Great channel! Thank you for sharing man! 🤙🏽

[@crazygrandmamama6224]

Love it Erik.. You are doing great things my friend!

[@stevemergy6087]

Love these videos! Great work!

[@ratlips4363]

I was stationed in B'gaden in the winter of 71/72 as a ski patrol at the Arm Forces Recreation Center's Ski Area. Unlike many of the G.I.'s that came through the area, we were well received as we performed rescues no matter who or where the problem was. I lived in a rented house three turns downhill from the ski area, just under Hitler's Eagles Nest. On the hillsides there were many "caves" that contained nazi artifacts that were known by locals. They would bring out things to trade/sell in the early days. I still have my "trophy" from when I was there

[@watkinsrgv]

Thats so cool. What an amazing historical piece to have.

[@rfletch62]

Great vid, JD! You're our guide to the true History!

[@justinweaver8107]

Amazing video as always sir. Thank u

[@rickysullivan5844]

I was always a history buff type person but this channel really has taught me more than I could ever think thanks man keep it up I love your channel

[@lindastump981]

Love your video very much informative! Thank you !!

[@TribeTaz]

You & Erik are the best. I keep sharing your videos for others to see

[@martinedwards4522]

photography lines up perfectly!.. thank you

[@ocinocitv4506]

I live in berchtesgaden and its just “cool” to see the remainings, you can actually see a lot of old things from the past you just have to know where to go

[@joshrabatin]

What an appreciative and highly respectful ideal to be able to do one's dream occupation whilst also reminding countless people of how fragile life is through documenting fragility/history in it's purest form! I salute You good Sir!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! This isn't my real job though. I just don't sleep much lol

[@joshrabatin]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Ok, historical hobby then 😅 I must inquire if You have ever visited Colditz Castle near Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz? Colditz is a Renaissance castle located in Germany’s Saxony state. During WWII the castle was converted and used as a high security prisoner-of-war camp for officers who were particularly dangerous or were regarded as escape risks. The German’s believed the castle’s location on a rocky outcrop above the River Mulde made it an excellent spot for a high security prison, however Colditz POW camp had one of the highest records of successful escape attempts during WWII. P.s. thank You again! also I have realized the older one gets the more one realizes there is never enough hours of sleep 😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@joshrabatin - Haven’t been to Colditz yet but it’s on my list.

[@Hofmeister77]

Just discovered This Channel and boy is it great and informative. Keep up the good Work guys. Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@OldFrontLine]

Another great video! Many people ignore that area around the station good to see it featured!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much! I was glad that we were able to show some of it.

[@jondoe399]

Great job fellas, thank you.

[@jamesholbrook7785]

Excellent video guys. WW2 and the Civil War have always been my favorite wars to research. Thank you for allowing me to go with y’all. I watched band of brothers and some of it looks very familiar.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! So glad that you enjoyed it.

[@warsandmilitaria]

JD you the man! Erik too! Great video, I love American Artifact! Hopefully someday my collection comes within even a fraction of Erik's. Keep up the great work!

[@cyndiebill6631]

Thank you for the look at the local wildlife (spiders) they were not happy at all with being woken up. What a beautiful little town. So glad it wasn’t destroyed by the bombing raids. Great video as always😁👍

[@rileymorgan9084]

Thank you for Al your doing. Don't let people forget. We need someone to do this about Vietnam.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Would love to get to Vietnam at some point.

[@sarge6870]

How I love this channel!! Always great content!!

[@bluescatreimer]

I always enjoy these videos, they are so interesting.

[@marybooker341]

Thank God you didn't get hit ! Love watching your videos keep bringing them !

[@larryburwell8550]

Interesting history. Thanks for posting

[@burtcocain2]

Another great video……love this channel..👌🏻👌🏻

[@ericanderson2400]

Many years ago, I was staying at the Reinfels castle and took a hike down the hill. I found a hole that led into on of the lower, long since abandoned, battlements. I made it about 25m inside the dark hallway before I noticed the golf ball sized egg sacks hanging from the roof and the swarms of spiders looking similar to what your video showed. Brought back fond memories. 😂

[@Treetopflyer777]

Yet again- another AWESOME video!! I absolutely love your WW2 content

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that.

[@TheDeceptionFiles]

Cool music and love the content dude - outstanding work!!

[@sparkplug5481]

Great stuff…thank you!

[@lizzapaolia959]

WOW that flag looks like new. Thanks for sharing this fantastic video 👌🙏

[@randallkerns2127]

Just a great video!!!!

[@Liz-cmc313]

This series is phenomenal. You definitely need to be compensated handsomely. ❤️

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I appreciate that. Hopefully people are enjoying the content and sharing it with others. That's compensation enough for me.

[@kennethtaylor8822]

We were just there yesterday and had something to eat there. Never knew about this area. We stayed at the hotel across the street from there . Awesome

[@matthewardison2541]

I'm right there with you on the spider apprehension, JD.

[@47fireguy16]

I am thinking that if one of those spiders had dropped down on you, you would have made a new door, by yourself, in seconds.

[@thesternword]

You seriously make amazing content mate!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@_the_dude_abides_]

I ❤️ this channel, can't wait for you to hit 1 million subscribers JD!

[@Infinitegrowth-zt1mh]

Super cool as always

[@obizzil]

JD, when you incorporated that video with the painting Really drove it home! Great job another great video 🇺🇸

[@Navet63]

Hey JD. Thank you for all of your efforts in bringing a "not so good" part of our world's history. Great job! I do, however, find it kind of confusing trying to distinguish the differences between the "American Artifact, and "History Traveler" videos since they both currently cover the 3rd Reich. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the content of both. Again, thanks for all your hard work.

[@sscinamon]

Thanks again for a great video

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad to share the experiences.

[@tcarroll3954]

This 101st Abn. Vietnam vet thanks you for all your great work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻 🇺🇸