German suspect arrested for arson during Hitler retreat as building nearly destroyed

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

In Germany, a man was arrested on suspicion of arson this week after allegedly setting fire to a mountain retreat built for Adolf Hitler.

The fire broke out on Friday evening at the Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps, and firefighters battled the flames despite strong winds.

The suspect, 33, is a German citizen who showed signs of mental illness and was taken to a psychiatric facility, authorities said.

World-famous Catholic shrine burned, ‘DEVIL IN A SKIRT’ scrawled on VIRGIN MARY STATUE

The Eagle's Nest building burns in the Bavarian Alps.

The Eagle’s Nest, built for Adolf Hitler in the Bavarian Alps, burns early Saturday. (Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden via AP)

But they do not rule out a political motivation for the arson because of its notorious history.

He was seen riding his motorcycle down the mountain.

The Kehlsteinhaus, as it is known in Germany, sits more than 6,000 feet above sea level and is accessible by elevator during the day for tourists.

The building has served as a seasonal restaurant and tourist attraction since 1952 and features an exhibit on its history.

Massive fire destroys 400-year-old food market, leaving historic landmark in ruins

The Eagle's Nest building burns in the Bavarian Alps.

In Germany, a man was arrested on suspicion of arson this week after allegedly setting fire to a mountain retreat built for Adolf Hitler. (Bavarian Red Cross via AP)

Hitler rarely used retirement.

He actually frequented his Berghof residence, located in the same district, which exploded after the war.

“We are not going to leave any ruins there,” Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann told journalists at the Eagle’s Nest. “I think we can find a reasonable solution.”

Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle's Nest, stands on a mountainside near Berchtesgaden, Germany.

This 2007 photo shows the Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle’s Nest, built for Adolf Hitler in 1938 near Berchtesgaden, Germany. (Geir Moulson/AP Photo, file)

He added: “It is important that we continue to do the work of memory.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

No injuries were reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Gn world

Scroll to Top