Libby Wooddell, daughter of Rachel Wooddell of Greenbank, wrote a letter to her mother detailing a visit to Hitler's Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden, Germany. The letter describes a picturesque drive through the Alps to Hitler's mountain retreat.
Wooddell's journey began in Salzburg, Austria. The group decided to drive to the Eagle's Nest despite having limited time. The scenic drive included a stop to fix a flat tire. The waiting area for visitors was bustling with activity, with a 30-40 vehicle convoy and many sightseers.
Reaching the Eagle's Nest required a steep, winding climb, the steepest Wooddell had ever encountered. The summit was 3,000 feet above the starting point and featured breathtaking views. The road leading to the retreat had tunnels cut through solid rock and offered a magnificent panoramic view.
The Eagle's Nest itself was an octagonal-shaped grey stone building. Access was gained via an elevator that ascended halfway up the mountain. Hitler and his guards would exit the elevator and walk the remaining 400 feet to the building.
The interior of the building featured a large conference room, a dining room, and a living room, all elegantly furnished. A striking detail was a large fireplace in the living room, built by the British.
Wooddell's letter also mentioned the presence of 60,000 prisoners working on the road leading to the retreat. This detail highlights the forced labor utilized by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Overall, the article presents a unique first-hand account of a visit to a historically significant location associated with a pivotal figure of the 20th century. The letter captures the beauty of the Alps, the grandeur of the Eagle's Nest, and provides a glimpse into the realities of wartime Germany.
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