Kehlsteinhaus destroyed in arson attack near Berchtesgaden

The historic Kehlsteinhaus, located at Obersalzberg near Berchtesgaden, was almost completely destroyed by fire on a Saturday night. The building, which was originally constructed in the 1930s as part of a complex used by the Nazi regime and later operated as a mountain inn, suffered damages estimated in the millions.

Authorities have arrested a 33-year-old man from Berlin in connection with the arson. The suspect, who has connections to the region, reportedly confessed to a different crime involving serious bodily harm from 2013 prior to the fire. Due to his mental health status, he has been placed in a closed psychiatric facility while investigators verify his statements.

Firefighting efforts involved up to 200 personnel battling extreme weather conditions, including snow and wind, at an altitude of over 1,800 meters. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann announced that the state of Bavaria, which owns the property, intends to rebuild the historic structure.