Fire Engulfs Hitler's 'Eagle's Nest' Mountain Retreat in Bavaria

Around 200 firefighters battled flames at the historic Kehlsteinhaus on Friday. Police have detained a suspect.

BERCHTESGADEN, Germany — Fire broke out Friday at the Kehlsteinhaus, the mountain guest house known as Hitler's 'Eagle's Nest,' drawing around 200 firefighters and emergency personnel to the Bavarian Alps.

German police said they detained a suspect close to the scene and are investigating whether that person was connected to the fire. There was no immediate word on a possible motive.

The building, perched high above Berchtesgaden in southern Bavaria, was built in 1938 as a guest house for Nazi officials and their guests. It is separate from Hitler's nearby summer residence, the Berghof.

After the war, the Kehlsteinhaus was classified as a historical monument recalling the Nazi period. It is now owned by the state of Bavaria and operates as a restaurant and tourist destination, drawing visitors to its spectacular Alpine setting.

Firefighters and emergency staff worked at the site through Friday as flames consumed parts of the historic structure. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.

Police said the investigation into the cause is ongoing.