Kehlsteinhaus, or 'Eagles Nest' was commissioned by Martin Bormann, with construction proceeding over a 13-month period prior to its formal presentation to Hitler as a 50th birthday gift in 1939. It is situated on a ridge at the top of the Kehlstein mountain (1834 m), reached by a spectacular 6.5 km (3.9 mile) road that cost 30 million Reichsmark to build (about 150 million euros in 2007, adjusted for inflation). The last 124 metres up to the Kehlsteinhaus are reached by an elevator bored straight down through the mountain and linked through a long granite tunnel below. The elevator is still used daily. Construction of the mountain elevator system cost the lives of 12 construction workers. The main reception room is dominated by a fireplace of red Italian marble, presented by Mussolini. Much of the furniture was designed by Paul Laszlo.

Nicknamed Eagle's Nest by a French diplomat, Kehlsteinhaus was meant to be a retreat for Hitler and a place for him to entertain visiting dignitaries.