European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 11, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                0 Ermany offers Art impressive View of the Valley below. Hitler s Sanctuary now draws visitors from around the world by Kevin Dougherty staff writer curiosity brought Yuval Shoshani to the Peak of Keh Stcin Mountain. While some israelis would t even consider stepping foot in Germany Shoshani had no misgivings about touring Adolf Hitler s Scenic Mountain Retreat a teahouse More commonly known As the Eagle s nest. You can feel the atmosphere Here Shoshani said. You can feel what was going  the Eagle s nest overlooks Obe Salzberg a bavarian town located near Berchtesgaden. The area was frequented by the nazi elite who often visited the area for rest relaxation and sometimes revelry. Hitler Hermann Goring and Martin Bormann whose idea it was to build the Eagle s nest had Homes in the area. Germany s nazi Era is very special to us said Shoshani a mechanical Engineer working in Haifa Israel. It s horrifying yes but nonetheless it s very special to  Bormann chose this 6,017-foot Peak for its glorious Vista a sort of throne from which Hitler could look out Over his aryan nation. From Kelstein visitors Are treated to a panoramic View of nearby Konig see to Salzburg Austria. The Granite and Sandstone House was officially Given to Hitler in 1939 by the National socialist German workers party As a present for his 50th birthday. It is believed that Bormann had the House built to further Cement his relationship with Hitler who of course knew about the House. Some historians say Hitler s interest in the project waned As time went on. While modest in size the House itself featured an. Expansive Terrace a Large conference room a Kitchen equipped with electrical appliances and a massive fireplace of red Marble and Bronze tiles donated to the cause by italian dictator Benito Mussolini. There were no bedrooms. At the end of the curvaceous Mountain Road winding up Kelstein the Hitler curiosity de Jodi Weissberg and Yuval Shoshani to visit Hitler s Retreat faithful entered the House one of two ways a Footpath or an elevator. Tough Choice. The elevator which is still in use is built into the Mountain. It is situated at the end of a 409-foot, Stone lined Tunnel that starts from the parking lot. Visitors wait for the elevator in a dome shaped Marble foyer. Tunnel builders drilled horizontally into the Mountain and then went straight up into the Peak to create the elevator Shaft. The elevator Cabin is 95 percent brass. Because Hitler suffered from Claustrophobia planners installed venetian mirrors and Green leather seats in the elevator to help relax the Boss. Hitler once commented that the lift s engine located in the House s attic could easily attract lightning. That furnished him with yet another reason to avoid the Eagle s nest which he never returned to once he unleashed world War ii on humanity. Perhaps even More impressive than the House and elevator is the Road leading up to it. About four Miles Long the Road May Likely rate As among the most hair raising treks you will Ever make in a vehicle. Roadwork which involved Clearing Trees and blasting away Stone was started in several places along the proposed Road to give workers a Chance to finish the project so Ripe mjg Tine november i of 1993