Hitler’s Alpine lodge torched in suspected arson attack

The structure, built for Hitler in 1938, sits at an elevation of more than 1,800 meters near the town of Berchtesgaden.

By Gila Isaacson, JFeed

A major fire broke out at the Eagle’s Nest, the historic Alpine lodge built for Adolf Hitler, in the Bavarian Alps of southern Germany.

Firefighters battled the blaze as it spread through the structure, contending with strong winds that hampered extinguishing efforts.

German police arrested a 33-year-old German citizen on suspicion of setting the fire.

According to authorities, the suspect displayed signs of mental disturbance and was transferred to a psychiatric facility.

Investigators have not ruled out a political motive for the arson, given the site’s historical associations. The suspect was observed descending the mountain on a motorcycle.

The structure, built for Hitler in 1938, sits at an elevation of more than 1,800 meters near the town of Berchtesgaden.

Since 1952 it has operated as a seasonal restaurant and tourist site, including an exhibit on its historical past.

Hitler rarely visited the location, preferring to stay at his nearby residence, which was destroyed after World War II.

Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann added that authorities do not intend to leave the building in ruins.

“We will not leave a ruin standing there. I think we can find a sensible solution,” he said, adding: “It is important that we continue the work of commemoration and remembrance.”