297. Reichs Chancellery with Watzmann and Hochkalter.

The Reich Chancellery was constructed in 1936 under the supervision of Alois Degano, the architect responsible for both the Berghof and Göring’s house on the Obersalzberg. Both Hitler and Martin Bormann considered it a good idea to have a building of such status in the area performing dual diplomatic and governmental roles. The interior was in keeping with the status of the building using the finest quality materials throughout. A large bunker beneath the Chancellery provided both shelter and ample storage space for essential supplies.

While Wilhelm Keitel and Alfred Jodl had houses close to the Chancellery, further buildings within the complex provided accommodation for staff and security personnel. These buildings survived the war undamaged. After the Second World War the complex was taken over and used by the occupying US forces for administration and accommodation of employees. The former Reich Chancellery is situated in the suburb of Stanggaß. It stands at the end of Urbanweg off Staatsstraße, approximately fifty minutes on foot from the centre of Berchtesgaden itself. The building has recently been converted into private apartments. The conversion work has been carried out sympathetically, with virtually no alterations to the exterior. While the large eagle above the main doorway has been retained, the wreath held in its claws no longer displays the swastika.