I'm always amazed at how you are able to find these long forgotten Nazi era buildings and historic sites. Your channel never fails to teach me something new
There are lots of WWII buildings in use. The US Army moved into many of them without modification! Obersaltzberg was a major US Military as Recreation Centers . Try going to the former SS Officer school in Bad Tolz. The locals will probably know it as "Flint Caserne" when the US Army used it for NCO training during the Cold War.
True story: my 'oldest' friend who died in December last year aged 97 was a lady who served in the Expeditionary Forces Institutes at the end of the war, she married a warrant officer and they remained in Germany for a number of years afterwards. One day while chatting with her she said reach in that drawer behind you there, that piece of marble. While holding it in my hand she said 'My husband was in Berlin around the time the New Reich Chancellery (mentioned at the start of this video) was blown up, and he took that piece as a souvenir.' It was an amazing feeling to be holding a piece of history directly connected to Hitler and WWII. A year or two later she asked me if there was anything I would want as she knew she was in her last years. I said I would love to have that piece of marble and she happily gave it to me, it is a treasured possession of mine. It has the pinkish red colour with slight white streaks that you see in colour photos of the building and although it hasn't been scientifically tested I've no doubt that it is the real thing, her mind was very clear and sharp even until her death. Great video about the other Reich Chancellery in Bavaria! Thank you Mark!
Same here. I've seen a piece of it in a glass display cabinet in a government department office block in Darwin Australia, no doubt picked up as a souvenir by someone who later donated it. I think a lot of this stuff is spread around the world, maybe all of it disappeared as pick ups. 😃 Mark, maybe do a show on where the big pieces went ?
I too miss when the History Channel used to air, of all things, History! With that being said, I will have to say that, even then, the History Channel never had history content of the quality that Dr. Felton produces! Ya'll Take Care and be safe, John
@@JohnDoe-pv2iu I agree! The History Channel, while it certainly was much better than it is today, I don't recall it producing or putting out content that is up to the level of quality in terms of presentation, research, and information, as to match Mark Felton's content that he so graciously shares with us here on TH-cam, even in their "hay-day"! There used to be one called "The Military Channel" that was owned by the Discovery Channel that used to be really good for military history content with lots of pictures, film, and information pertaining to whatever topic was being covered. It was re-named the "American Hero's Channel" some years back, and I'm not quite sure if the quality remained the same because I cancelled all of my television services because I got tired of paying a bunch of money for channel packages which I literally didn't watch about 90% of, plus so much of it had started being left-wing, degenerate propaganda that I didn't want pumped into my home, and certainly not if I had to even PAY them to do so! So I cancelled my television subscriptions, and haven't looked back.....and I try to keep a close watch on what sort of stuff my kids are streaming from online as well. I won't tolerate any cartoons or kids' shows that promote degeneracy, pro lgbtqiaa++p2+2=5 (or whatever acronym the alphabet people are currently using these days), or this new-ish Anti-White "Diversity" 🐂💩 they are pushing so hard nowadays! And trust me, there is A LOT of that sort of nonsense that they are pushing on our kids these days, A LOT!
When I was assigned to the US Embassy Office in Berlin from 1992-95, we often walked down Wilhelmstrasse to the site of the Chancelery at the corner of Voss Strasse to have lunch at the Chinese/Indonesian restaurant there. At the time, the city was excavating the area and uncovered several former support facilities which had been buried since the war. There were guard barracks, garages, etc. I was not crazy enough to enter these ruins but did manage to enter the road and railroad tunnels under the Tiergarten and Soviet Memorial there, accompanied by city engineers. It was fascinating. At that time, we worked with the city engineers to run a ground radar search for munitions at the site of the old US Embassy on Pariser Platz. Despite rumors, there was no vault containing buried treasure, etc., underground at the old embassy site.
Nostalgia! 🤗 I was one of the local nationals working at the US Embassy Berlin Office, Foreign Commercial Service FCS. Who knows? We may have come across each other back then ... 🤔 It was a lovely time and much fun to work there ...
I've eaten at the Chinese restaurant and the Indian restaurant in the vicinity. Also, just around the corner is the nondescript parking lot, which was the former site of the Fuhrer bunker. It is surreal walking in that area. (Wilhelmstrasse)
I've stumbled upon this little place last summer. The Chancellery is connected to a bunker with a tunnel system that leads down to the railway tracks a few 100m away from the building. The exit of the tunnels leads to a old platform that was used to discreetly move guests in and out without anyone noticing.
It’s embarrassing that I fancy myself knowledgeable on a subject yet Dr. Felton never fails to teach me something I didn’t know in every single video without fail. The upside to the humiliation is devouring the content of the absolute highest standard. Thanks for everything, doc. 🙏🏿
Mark, I can tell you every inch of the old reich chancellery building and most of the structures around in the area. I was stationed in Germany from 1989 until 1995 and had made frequent trips to the area on leave. It was not easy getting orders to go there officially but with leave papers you could stay as long as you were on leave. No charge for the room and food. It was a special place for those of us WWII amateur historians and back in those days there were still a few SS guards around that served at the obersalzberg and the little chancellery. The stories and tours that they would give were free, although, we would tip them heavily and then buy them beers afterwards in the local beer hall. Good times! I was just a young Spec 4 with the 1st INF DIV, Big Red One. We had a blast.
I just don't get how all these little dark age edits teens & 4 channers are so obsessed with him. Like i get the philosohpy part, but they worship this guy in 2023.
I was a British soldier based in Germany (B.A.O.R.) in the 1980s. Many British bases were formerly used by the Wermarcht in the 1930s/40s and still have many fittings left over from WW2. Our guardroom still had rifle racks for their rifles.
Dr. Felton has dived so deep into this realm of history it stands as a major contribution. I have read countless books about the Third Reich and WWII and thought I'd exhausted any hope of new and interesting material. Thank you!
Mark, you are the most influencial WWII historian in the world. I have learned more from your channel than any book ever written, and I have read everything from Stephen Ambrose to Gordon Wood. Thank you so much for your tireless work.
Yup. I was able to see the outside of the Little Reich Chancellery on our Tour in Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest in 2016. The whole area, buildings, and land scape is just beautiful. The locals were very friendly to us and had the beer flowing. It's crazy though that over 80s year ago this was one of the Crown Jewels of the 3rd Reich and home of many infamous people. Thankful though that most of the town was intact after the war and wasn't destroyed like many other European cities.
Doctor, you are to me undoubtedly one of the greatest TH-camrs, and will go down as one of WW2s if not one of the world's greatest Historians. I salute you and all you do.
Man... this channel is so fascinating. Mark, you really do a phenomenal job of bringing this history to life. Thanks for the hard work and research that you put into this channel.
Great content as always! I study history (and physics) in salzburg and visit Berchtesgaden regularelly, it`s just a 20 min drive and so worth it for all the historical sites and the mountains. and there is so much more to find there
I was able to spend a 4-day leave in Berchtesgaden in 1992 when I was stationed in Germany. The hotel we stayed at was the General Walker, which in Nazi times had been a luxury hotel for visiting VIPs. Weather cancelled our planned tour of the Eagles Nest but I did see the ruins of the Berghof many of the buildings seen in this video.
I had the privilege of touring some of the Obersalzberg underground tunnels and bunkers in the 1980s before they were shut down. It was like stepping back in time when you entered the tunnel system. They had left most of the areas as they were after the liberation. The striking point for me was seeing how the tunnels were made. First blasting the rock, then digging through the rubble. Then they lined the tunnel with brick to add a buffer to the outside. This insulated the occupants from any bombing from above. Incredible engineering!
It's really amazing to see all the forgotten yet historical structures discovered by Dr. Felton. As an enthusiast of German history of the NSDAP era from Bangladesh, I thank him for his efforts from afar. Best wishes Tashdique Mannan Dhaka, Bangladesh
@@nomoneyglobal He didnt say he discovered it nor did this commenter. You are a goose Mark Felton is far smarter then you ahahah, dont try talk him down when people use his correct title like he isnt worthy of a doctorate it just makes you look stupid. No one else
@@nomoneyglobal Dr. Felton brought it to the attention of the masses. It's like Columbus discovering America. It was never lost. Just not known by Europeans of that time.
Thank you, Doctor. I have been working in Ukraine for 11 months. Your content regarding the Ukrainian SS sheds a lot of light on my situation and those I serve with. It is difficult for me to put into words the connections I have made regarding the determination and perspectives of my fellow soldiers in the country I now call home due to your content. They are still solely focused on an independent and free Ukraine. It has been a very difficult 11 months. Your videos have brought me strength, comfort and insight, greatly clarifying things for me. Thank you so much.
Did you know you can fly into a former Luftwaffe base? Memmingen Airport in Bavaria was a former US Air Force Station based on the old Luftwaffe training base. You can fly into it by Ryan Air last I heard.
Yet another excellent piece that demonstrates one of my favourite reasons to belong here. The folks who comment have the most interesting stories to add to the segment. Always grateful for their contributions !
I was stationed in Augsburg Germany in the mid-1980s. The Kaserne where I was stationed was all old ex-nazi barracks. You could still see the outlines on some of the walls over doors where the eagles had been chiseled off. I actually worked at an Army listening site that was built right on top of an old Nazi airbase. It was the same base that Rudolph Hess took off from when he made his flight into Scotland. There were a lot of old German buildings scattered all around and I think a lot are still there. There was also an extensive underground complex but it was locked out so I could never get in there. Interesting to note, the giant antenna that we used to spy on the Soviets is still there and I read the German government is still using it.
Killer, If you were there at that time in Augsburg, surely you shopped at the Army/AF Exchange in the WW1-vintage building on Reinoehlstrasse. As an Army Brat, I worked there 1963/64. When I returned in 2006, it was still standing. But wait! It was imploded the following year. Conclusion: Travel now, 'cause ya don't know what tomorrow will bring!
@@Richard-lh8jq Yes. I went back in 2002 to do a job in Darmstadt and took a day off and drove back to Augsburg. At that time Sheridan was still there but it was all locked up. I heard they have knocked it all down except for the chapel and parts of the auto shop that is now a museum. We are planning to go back for a reunion this year.
This has become one of my favorite TH-cam channels. I’ve always been fascinated by World War II and the amount of research you do for these videos is amazing. Great channel.👍🏻
This is part of the reason why I love studying both ww2 and ww1, it’s amazing how many relics remain hidden either in either plain sight or just under your nose. Buildings, streets, bunkers like ghosts of the past, while the veterans may be almost all gone these remnants will likely still remain
I've visited Berchtesgaden, Obersalzberg, and the Eagle's Nest, I didn't know this place existed, it's definitely worth a visit, the next time I'm in southern Bavaria, I'll definitely visit. Great video, Dr. Felton!
I’ve been fascinated with WW2 since I was a kid (48 now), and your videos are some of the best and most interesting or ever seen. Great job, Dr. Felton!
Amazing story that completely gets you in a WoW moment, even in March 2023 Dr. Felton! When you think you’ve seen it all, along comes another gem of information I doubt anyone else knew of. Take a bow Dr.Felton on this short video.
The building features heavily in the Phillip Kerr/Bernie Gunter novel: Prussian Blue. That is where I first learned of its existence and it compelled me to visit, which I did.
@@thomtini It’s remarkable how little of it changed even after the heavy bombing and destruction of Germany during WWII. To see that eagle over the door, just gets you! It’s a stunning piece of craftsmanship in the work and detail that went into the eagles design. All hand carved I take from the same marble as the fireplace in what was once hitlers home at one point? It’s just striking remarkable as one, if not the only one still left in existence. Especially due to the De Nazification after WWII and everything to do with it?
Very informative video. I've read a lot about what remains in that area but never heard about this building that I can recall. I do think its too bad they still almost completely restrict access to the significant underground remains.
Would love to see Dr. Felton do more video on the rail system and stations throughout Germany. Perhaps some remain much as they once were. This building illustrates the importance of rail by having its own special platform nearby for discreet travel.
Graf von Moltke (and perhaps his predecessors) supposedly made sure that the German railway network was suitable for military purposes, with multiple routes to likely destinations for troop trains heading for the borders.
This is one of my favorite Mark Felton finds. The remnants of a once great empire - like Rome. 4:10 - 4:12 the facing pattern along side the entrance is original. The top pattern behind the small of Keitel's back is diagonal lower left to upper right. The lower panel is a vertical pattern matching the Keitel image. So we have the original facing in black and white and modern day in color. An amazing find!
It's amazing the stories you have, and the way you manage to squeeze so much into 10 -15 minutes. I enjoy watching your videos, very informative, thank you.
@@josephbingham1255 Is it any better to try to erase history though? Whether one wanted it to happen or not or likes the events or not, one shouldn't try to erase and hide history. With it being a US property for most of it's time, a section could be on what it was originally made for, what happen during that period, another for what happened there during the war, another for occupation, and another for what it did after occupation.
@@OleJanssen And of course we know the kind of "museum" the left would insist on it being turned into. It's best if they cannot put their vile hands on it.
Amazed on your historical discoveries accompanied by factual research and narrative. I find this and the others quite intriguing, as historical first-hand insight on then and now. Truly appreciated from across the pond and hope to view some of these places in the future.
As the son of a WW2 European combat soldier from the U.S. I appreciate all ur work. Seeing all these buildings, tunnels and fortifications in all ur productions saddens me because the slaves and internees that built so many of these structures are rarely if ever mentioned.
In the time I have been subscribed to this channel, I have had the pleasure of learning more from your relaxed yet obviously informative narration than I ever did at school or college. Thank you for your continuing effort & class with your video masterpieces.
While stationed in Germany in the 80’s I regret not visiting there to vacation! BG I was told is beautiful, glad those buildings survived to this day! Great content!
As my young son said recently (and so eloquently): ‘This Felton guy really knows his s***’. We’ve watched nearly all of Mark’s uploads together and they’ve given both of us a better insight into WW2. Good work, man. Good work.
I love this channel! Mark Felton is the ultimate History teacher. Great voice and narration you have my complete attention. Your research and presentation is beyond great. I am grateful to have stumbled upon this channel a few years ago. It keeps me entertained while educating me about all things World War II and more. Thank you for all you do.
Mark, I absolutely love WWII history. I love the fact you always find very interesting facts, stories, etc that have been forgotten or not taught at all. I really respect what you do so that parts that would have been forgotten are not due to your research and work. Thank you for every video you do
Dr Felton, Once again another brilliant historical episode. Please next do a series on the fascinating Bush Wars in Rhodesia. It would be both fascinating and educational.
When I briefly worked with the British army in Hannover in the 1970's my office building still had an eagle lacking a swastika over the door - and the doorman wore his swastika-less iron cross!
AGAIN SIR ! Thank you ! another piece of information I've never known much less heard of ! I'm 73,,planning on reaching at least 100,,sooo,,please keep the GREAT videos and information coming ! videos like this,,give me motivation and incentive to hang around a little bit more ! ty !
I always enjoy how you explain the importance of what at first glance could be minor details. This always reveals to me the scope and pervasiveness of the state Hitler created. I'm sure you could do a video about the Berchtesgarten post office and it would be intriguing.
Dear Mark Felton. In the series "Hunting Hitler" there is an episode with the team of this series getting exclusive acces to this building. In this footage you also see a big conversation hall that is unchanged since WW2. They also show a few artifacts of the interior still decorated with swastika's.
@@Ellecram I don't know exactly which episode. But i do know that you have to look for the episodes when they are traveling to Bergdesgaden Germany. But if i'm correct that would be in one of the episodes in season 3 I will look for it. If i know which episode it is, i will update this comment.
I hope preservation and education are the number one things that are kept in mind for these buildings. They're perfectly fine on their own. Fascinating video as always doctor!
Lol I can see why the explanatory sign doesn't help, I've worked in retail long enough to know most people don't pay much attention to signs. Which is why I like channels like yours. Well-constructed and informative, your videos bring history to life in ways that signs just don't for many. And that's so important right now.
While stationed at Wiesbaden (then West Germany) in the late ''70s, I vacationed a few times in Berchtesgaden. In addition to the resort complex, the US Army ran a recreational mountain climbing facility nearby. Besides a few necessary upgrades, most of the town and Army-managed facilities looked much the same as during Nazi days, according to a tour book I purchased. I wondered if Hitler might appear in disguise. Also, Wiesbaden Airbase (now named Clay Kaserne) had a prominent de Natzified Richsadler at the entrance gate structure.
I once bought a German mountain troop officer's tailor made tunic from a WW2 paratroop veteran who had been at Berchtesgaden. In the cuff were theater ticket stubs for an event at or near Berchtesgaden as I recall. I regret I don't have them any more.
I think a video dedicated to the main Reichs Chancellery would be great too. I've seen the video of the huge Earth globes, one of which sat in Hitler's office there, but what about the rest of the building?
As I recall Speer's book talked about the planning and building of the new Reichs Chancellery. The psychology of how the structure was meant to make foreign diplomats feel both awkward and in awe before entering the Fuhrer's office. Like the walk down a long hallway with slippery flooring for their expensive leather bottomed shoes that would make them slip and feel awkward. And as I recall there was at least in the planning stage a talk about the Fuhrer's desk. A desk where from the seated diplomats side was an embossed hand drawing a sword out of a scabbard.
Mark can you please do a video about Albert Speer’s work and story? Also whatever remains of his architecture? Very interesting topic often looked over.
Could you possibly do a video on the war scars still in Berlin or other cities from the war and to your best estimate what part of the soviet or german army caused them? I believe it would be very interesting. Thank you for very interesting and educational video again Dr Felton.
Always such incredible work. I was in the US Army in the 1980's and was headquartered in Kransberg Castle near Usingen. Slept in the old SS barracks down the hill. Turned 30 there. Heard all sortsa WWII stories about the place. Might be a similarly interesting topic.
I'm always utterly amazed and engulfed in your videos. I applaud you for all your great work and research. Thank you for sharing! I look forward to All your videos. 👍
Mildly surprising that they left the eagle on the building. There is little to no doubt, to a student of history; what it once was. It would be nice to have a look inside.
It's certainly uncommon, but you do sometimes find Nazi era eagles with the swastika removed on old buildings in Germany. There's one in my hometown at the main office of the local electricity company.
Nice video. I visited the outside of this complex in July 1996. We looked inside and everything from the old days was still inside. On the German tv (BR) was a documentary about the inside and some talking with the people who live there now and what is visible under their carpets.
You're the go-to man on the history of Hitler's Reich. Thanks. I remember reading in a book on the town of Obersalzburg that Borman used eminent domain to evict the locals and build up the area.
There is another one of these large stone wreath-clutching eagle reliefs minus the Swastika just 50 meters from where I used to live in Hanover on the Langensalzastraße. It's at the base of the Olympic Torchbearer's Column at the edge of the Maschsee - which coincidentally to the Olympics, was inaugurated in 1936. The Maschsee is a giant artificial lake built by Hitler as a "make work" scheme for over a thousand unemployed but shovel-ready men; not unlike the projects ordered by Roosevelt in the U.S. during the Great Depression. Under the shadow of this Eagle, the company I used to work for built an artificial beach for football fans to enjoy during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. 😂
I'm always amazed at how you are able to find these long forgotten Nazi era buildings and historic sites. Your channel never fails to teach me something new
There are lots of WWII buildings in use. The US Army moved into many of them without modification! Obersaltzberg was a major US Military as Recreation Centers . Try going to the former SS Officer school in Bad Tolz. The locals will probably know it as "Flint Caserne" when the US Army used it for NCO training during the Cold War.
What were Hitlers original funeral plans? A Hindenburg style mausoleum?
Mark is top tier
It is a very famous building in Berchtesgaden - the town where the berghof was
He is mark , the god
True story: my 'oldest' friend who died in December last year aged 97 was a lady who served in the Expeditionary Forces Institutes at the end of the war, she married a warrant officer and they remained in Germany for a number of years afterwards. One day while chatting with her she said reach in that drawer behind you there, that piece of marble. While holding it in my hand she said 'My husband was in Berlin around the time the New Reich Chancellery (mentioned at the start of this video) was blown up, and he took that piece as a souvenir.' It was an amazing feeling to be holding a piece of history directly connected to Hitler and WWII.
A year or two later she asked me if there was anything I would want as she knew she was in her last years. I said I would love to have that piece of marble and she happily gave it to me, it is a treasured possession of mine. It has the pinkish red colour with slight white streaks that you see in colour photos of the building and although it hasn't been scientifically tested I've no doubt that it is the real thing, her mind was very clear and sharp even until her death.
Great video about the other Reich Chancellery in Bavaria! Thank you Mark!
Great story, what a
life that lady had.
Same here. I've seen a piece of it in a glass display cabinet in a government department office block in Darwin Australia, no doubt picked up as a souvenir by someone who later donated it.
I think a lot of this stuff is spread around the world, maybe all of it disappeared as pick ups. 😃
Mark, maybe do a show on where the big pieces went ?
Thanks for the great story, a nice addition to this informative and fascinating video.
Did she Aye!
@@iamurdad77 yes she did, n0b
Just like to say Mark we really appreciate the content you put out, makes me miss the golden era of the history channel.
Agreed! This is my favorite TH-cam channel by far!
What’s with Lammers’ eyes??
I too miss when the History Channel used to air, of all things, History! With that being said, I will have to say that, even then, the History Channel never had history content of the quality that Dr. Felton produces!
Ya'll Take Care and be safe, John
Seriously
@@JohnDoe-pv2iu I agree! The History Channel, while it certainly was much better than it is today, I don't recall it producing or putting out content that is up to the level of quality in terms of presentation, research, and information, as to match Mark Felton's content that he so graciously shares with us here on TH-cam, even in their "hay-day"! There used to be one called "The Military Channel" that was owned by the Discovery Channel that used to be really good for military history content with lots of pictures, film, and information pertaining to whatever topic was being covered. It was re-named the "American Hero's Channel" some years back, and I'm not quite sure if the quality remained the same because I cancelled all of my television services because I got tired of paying a bunch of money for channel packages which I literally didn't watch about 90% of, plus so much of it had started being left-wing, degenerate propaganda that I didn't want pumped into my home, and certainly not if I had to even PAY them to do so! So I cancelled my television subscriptions, and haven't looked back.....and I try to keep a close watch on what sort of stuff my kids are streaming from online as well. I won't tolerate any cartoons or kids' shows that promote degeneracy, pro lgbtqiaa++p2+2=5 (or whatever acronym the alphabet people are currently using these days), or this new-ish Anti-White "Diversity" 🐂💩 they are pushing so hard nowadays! And trust me, there is A LOT of that sort of nonsense that they are pushing on our kids these days, A LOT!
When I was assigned to the US Embassy Office in Berlin from 1992-95, we often walked down Wilhelmstrasse to the site of the Chancelery at the corner of Voss Strasse to have lunch at the Chinese/Indonesian restaurant there. At the time, the city was excavating the area and uncovered several former support facilities which had been buried since the war. There were guard barracks, garages, etc. I was not crazy enough to enter these ruins but did manage to enter the road and railroad tunnels under the Tiergarten and Soviet Memorial there, accompanied by city engineers. It was fascinating. At that time, we worked with the city engineers to run a ground radar search for munitions at the site of the old US Embassy on Pariser Platz. Despite rumors, there was no vault containing buried treasure, etc., underground at the old embassy site.
Nostalgia! 🤗 I was one of the local nationals working at the US Embassy Berlin Office, Foreign Commercial Service FCS. Who knows? We may have come across each other back then ... 🤔 It was a lovely time and much fun to work there ...
Picturing OP typing this while sitting on a treasure chest drinking pillaged wine from a golden chalice.
I've eaten at the Chinese restaurant and the Indian restaurant in the vicinity. Also, just around the corner is the nondescript parking lot, which was the former site of the Fuhrer bunker. It is surreal walking in that area. (Wilhelmstrasse)
The Nazis would be turning in their graves knowing that there is a Chinese/Indonesian restaurant there.
Some great underground techno parties were also held in those buildings between 93 and 96 too. One would get criptic SMS's with the details. 🎉
I've stumbled upon this little place last summer. The Chancellery is connected to a bunker with a tunnel system that leads down to the railway tracks a few 100m away from the building. The exit of the tunnels leads to a old platform that was used to discreetly move guests in and out without anyone noticing.
Since the whole place was invitation only, not sure why discretion would be needed.
Walls have ears.
As mentioned in the video.
@@insideoutsideupsidedown2218 well the nazis were pretty well known for drunken orgies so...
@@anonymous6694drunken and steps don’t go along 😂
It’s embarrassing that I fancy myself knowledgeable on a subject yet Dr. Felton never fails to teach me something I didn’t know in every single video without fail. The upside to the humiliation is devouring the content of the absolute highest standard. Thanks for everything, doc. 🙏🏿
I didn't knew history like this existed Dr Felton. Thank you for bringing all of this Alive for us
Mark, I can tell you every inch of the old reich chancellery building and most of the structures around in the area. I was stationed in Germany from 1989 until 1995 and had made frequent trips to the area on leave. It was not easy getting orders to go there officially but with leave papers you could stay as long as you were on leave. No charge for the room and food. It was a special place for those of us WWII amateur historians and back in those days there were still a few SS guards around that served at the obersalzberg and the little chancellery. The stories and tours that they would give were free, although, we would tip them heavily and then buy them beers afterwards in the local beer hall. Good times! I was just a young Spec 4 with the 1st INF DIV, Big Red One. We had a blast.
YOu were there the same time I was!
Lol when I read “a few SS guards around” I thought you meant they were still guarding the place in full uniform haha.
I just don't get how all these little dark age edits teens & 4 channers are so obsessed with him. Like i get the philosohpy part, but they worship this guy in 2023.
@@chibiromano5631 Worship who?
@@Ryanboy2020 De Führer
I was a British soldier based in Germany (B.A.O.R.) in the 1980s. Many British bases were formerly used by the Wermarcht in the 1930s/40s and still have many fittings left over from WW2. Our guardroom still had rifle racks for their rifles.
Can we appreciate the fact that Mark went to some of these structures and did an in witness analysis. THAT is quality earned and exemplified
Dr. Felton has dived so deep into this realm of history it stands as a major contribution. I have read countless books about the Third Reich and WWII and thought I'd exhausted any hope of new and interesting material. Thank you!
Another great video from Dr. Felton! Thank you for all you do for history on YT
based pfp
You haven't even watched it yet
I agree Mr. Felton gives us detailed and interesting content, and the best part about it is; It's free!
@@eeferms3292 you get free internet?
@@marqsee7948 Yes I do Lol
Mark, you are the most influencial WWII historian in the world. I have learned more from your channel than any book ever written, and I have read everything from Stephen Ambrose to Gordon Wood. Thank you so much for your tireless work.
Then don't just rely on books, use other sources as well - the ones that the people who write books use.
Lord Mark Felton is simply the best historian and researcher there is and has simply the best channel on TH-cam. No more words.
As a US soldier stationed in Germany, I actually visited this place in the early 80s, had no idea that I was traveling through history when I did!
Unfortunately the main hotel got torn down. It looked so good and had a tunnel to the other bunkers.
History straight up and professional, with no revisionism, apologies, or mellow dramatic music underlaying the whole thing. Wonderful.
AMEN! Dr Felton is a real gift to we WWII history buffs.
That definitely should’ve been left as a museum. Your depth of knowledge of these things never ceases to amaze me.
Yup. I was able to see the outside of the Little Reich Chancellery on our Tour in Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest in 2016. The whole area, buildings, and land scape is just beautiful. The locals were very friendly to us and had the beer flowing. It's crazy though that over 80s year ago this was one of the Crown Jewels of the 3rd Reich and home of many infamous people. Thankful though that most of the town was intact after the war and wasn't destroyed like many other European cities.
The war ended almost 78 year's ago not over 80 year's ago
Which tour company is that
Doctor, you are to me undoubtedly one of the greatest TH-camrs, and will go down as one of WW2s if not one of the world's greatest Historians. I salute you and all you do.
Man... this channel is so fascinating. Mark, you really do a phenomenal job of bringing this history to life. Thanks for the hard work and research that you put into this channel.
Great content as always!
I study history (and physics) in salzburg and visit Berchtesgaden regularelly, it`s just a 20 min drive and so worth it for all the historical sites and the mountains. and there is so much more to find there
I was able to spend a 4-day leave in Berchtesgaden in 1992 when I was stationed in Germany. The hotel we stayed at was the General Walker, which in Nazi times had been a luxury hotel for visiting VIPs. Weather cancelled our planned tour of the Eagles Nest but I did see the ruins of the Berghof many of the buildings seen in this video.
Yet another detailed and well-researched video. Thank you, Dr. Felton! You help keep history alive for generations to come.
It's an honorary doctorate
The History Channel wouldn't cover it unless the story involved space-aliens.
I had the privilege of touring some of the Obersalzberg underground tunnels and bunkers in the 1980s before they were shut down. It was like stepping back in time when you entered the tunnel system. They had left most of the areas as they were after the liberation. The striking point for me was seeing how the tunnels were made. First blasting the rock, then digging through the rubble. Then they lined the tunnel with brick to add a buffer to the outside. This insulated the occupants from any bombing from above. Incredible engineering!
"after the liberation" ? you mean, after the occupation.
There are some very good recent videos of the tunnels on TH-cam.
@@rainbowseeker5930 Depends if you're a Nazi or not. If not, then liberation from them.
And probably done with slave labour?
@@rainbowseeker5930 after the liberation from the nazis
It's really amazing to see all the forgotten yet historical structures discovered by Dr. Felton. As an enthusiast of German history of the NSDAP era from Bangladesh, I thank him for his efforts from afar.
Best wishes
Tashdique Mannan
Dhaka, Bangladesh
He didn't discover this and he has an honorary doctorate
@@nomoneyglobal He didnt say he discovered it nor did this commenter. You are a goose Mark Felton is far smarter then you ahahah, dont try talk him down when people use his correct title like he isnt worthy of a doctorate it just makes you look stupid. No one else
@@nomoneyglobal Dr. Felton brought it to the attention of the masses. It's like Columbus discovering America. It was never lost. Just not known by Europeans of that time.
I don't have an 'honorary doctorate', I have a PhD in History!
@@nomoneyglobal Haters gotta hate and lie eh?
Thank you, Doctor. I have been working in Ukraine for 11 months. Your content regarding the Ukrainian SS sheds a lot of light on my situation and those I serve with. It is difficult for me to put into words the connections I have made regarding the determination and perspectives of my fellow soldiers in the country I now call home due to your content. They are still solely focused on an independent and free Ukraine.
It has been a very difficult 11 months. Your videos have brought me strength, comfort and insight, greatly clarifying things for me.
Thank you so much.
when people told me ukraine didnt stand a chance, i told them look up the ukrainian ss legions, they fought ferociously .
Did you know you can fly into a former Luftwaffe base? Memmingen Airport in Bavaria was a former US Air Force Station based on the old Luftwaffe training base. You can fly into it by Ryan Air last I heard.
Glory to UKRAINE 🇺🇦
USA OUT OF NATO. No more US spending on Ukraine.
@@michaelmorris2243 🙄
I had no idea. You never fail to surprise and inform, Dr Felton.
Yet another excellent piece that demonstrates one of my favourite reasons to belong here.
The folks who comment have the most interesting stories to add to the segment.
Always grateful for their contributions !
I was stationed in Augsburg Germany in the mid-1980s. The Kaserne where I was stationed was all old ex-nazi barracks. You could still see the outlines on some of the walls over doors where the eagles had been chiseled off. I actually worked at an Army listening site that was built right on top of an old Nazi airbase. It was the same base that Rudolph Hess took off from when he made his flight into Scotland. There were a lot of old German buildings scattered all around and I think a lot are still there. There was also an extensive underground complex but it was locked out so I could never get in there. Interesting to note, the giant antenna that we used to spy on the Soviets is still there and I read the German government is still using it.
Killer, If you were there at that time in Augsburg, surely you shopped at the Army/AF Exchange in the WW1-vintage building on Reinoehlstrasse. As an Army Brat, I worked there 1963/64. When I returned in 2006, it was still standing. But wait! It was imploded the following year. Conclusion: Travel now, 'cause ya don't know what tomorrow will bring!
@@Richard-lh8jq Yes. I went back in 2002 to do a job in Darmstadt and took a day off and drove back to Augsburg. At that time Sheridan was still there but it was all locked up. I heard they have knocked it all down except for the chapel and parts of the auto shop that is now a museum. We are planning to go back for a reunion this year.
This has become one of my favorite TH-cam channels. I’ve always been fascinated by World War II and the amount of research you do for these videos is amazing. Great channel.👍🏻
This is part of the reason why I love studying both ww2 and ww1, it’s amazing how many relics remain hidden either in either plain sight or just under your nose. Buildings, streets, bunkers like ghosts of the past, while the veterans may be almost all gone these remnants will likely still remain
I'm convinced Mark Felton is a time traveler. such interesting history wowzer
A fine job as always Mark!!
I really enjoy watching everything you put out!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I learn something new every time you do a post. And it's always good, interesting facts. Thanks Dr.Felton
I've visited Berchtesgaden, Obersalzberg, and the Eagle's Nest, I didn't know this place existed, it's definitely worth a visit, the next time I'm in southern Bavaria, I'll definitely visit. Great video, Dr. Felton!
Thanks for another history's treasure shown. Congrats from Brazil.
Exceptionally well detailed and executed material. Indeed, your narrative style as well as videography, makes an enjoyable, informative tube.
Dr. Felton’s videos are soo good, they make people comment how much they learned even before it finishes!
Thank you once more Dr. Felton for your contribution to priceless historic material as always!
I’ve been fascinated with WW2 since I was a kid (48 now), and your videos are some of the best and most interesting or ever seen. Great job, Dr. Felton!
Amazing story that completely gets you in a WoW moment, even in March 2023 Dr. Felton! When you think you’ve seen it all, along comes another gem of information I doubt anyone else knew of.
Take a bow Dr.Felton on this short video.
The building features heavily in the Phillip Kerr/Bernie Gunter novel: Prussian Blue. That is where I first learned of its existence and it compelled me to visit, which I did.
@@thomtini It’s remarkable how little of it changed even after the heavy bombing and destruction of Germany during WWII. To see that eagle over the door, just gets you!
It’s a stunning piece of craftsmanship in the work and detail that went into the eagles design. All hand carved I take from the same marble as the fireplace in what was once hitlers home at one point?
It’s just striking remarkable as one, if not the only one still left in existence. Especially due to the De Nazification after WWII and everything to do with it?
@@bmcg5296 The Obersalzberg and Berchtesgaden are certainly worth a visit if you ever get the chance. Many relics from the National Socialist era.
Assalamualaikum From Indonesia Dr Mark, With All Craziness On My TV Lately Watching Your Channel Is Like A Fresh Breath Of Air...
Thank You So Much.
Another surprising and entertaining part of history from Dr. Felton
I LOVE learning history like this. You are the man, Dr. Felton!
Your videos never cease to amaze me. Great work, Mark!
Outstanding Dr. Felton.
another winner Mark. have you considered a video on the construction of the tunnels and bunkers? that must have been a massive undertaking
Fascinating stuff that you never hear anywhere else, thankyou.
Mark is like a real life Indiana Jones.. Searching and researching for historical places most people forgot or don't even know.
Yep, always something new. Thanks Mark !
Featuring a severe lack of Nazis, or a Spion! screaming tenant...
It belongs in a museum...and on youtube
Dr Felton, you are truly a WW2 historian….and I and probably millions thank you for keeping the past alive, less we forget…👍😃❤️
Very informative video. I've read a lot about what remains in that area but never heard about this building that I can recall. I do think its too bad they still almost completely restrict access to the significant underground remains.
Once again the Guvnor delivers a unique and fascinating first hand account of a little known piece of Nazi history. Awesome
Would love to see Dr. Felton do more video on the rail system and stations throughout Germany. Perhaps some remain much as they once were. This building illustrates the importance of rail by having its own special platform nearby for discreet travel.
Graf von Moltke (and perhaps his predecessors) supposedly made sure that the German railway network was suitable for military purposes, with multiple routes to likely destinations for troop trains heading for the borders.
Far better than history class in high school. Danke.
This is one of my favorite Mark Felton finds. The remnants of a once great empire - like Rome. 4:10 - 4:12 the facing pattern along side the entrance is original. The top pattern behind the small of Keitel's back is diagonal lower left to upper right. The lower panel is a vertical pattern matching the Keitel image. So we have the original facing in black and white and modern day in color.
An amazing find!
It's amazing the stories you have, and the way you manage to squeeze so much into 10 -15 minutes. I enjoy watching your videos, very informative, thank you.
Oh wow, the fact it still stands is remarkable.. especially that the eagle remains. It would have been much better as a museum I think.
What kind of a museum do you think the usual suspects would have insisted it be turned into? It's better they don't get their vile hands on it. :)
@@josephbingham1255 Is it any better to try to erase history though?
Whether one wanted it to happen or not or likes the events or not, one shouldn't try to erase and hide history. With it being a US property for most of it's time, a section could be on what it was originally made for, what happen during that period, another for what happened there during the war, another for occupation, and another for what it did after occupation.
The problem with that is that we have far too many former Nazi buildings here in Germany, and you can't turn every one of them into a museum.
@@OleJanssen And of course we know the kind of "museum" the left would insist on it being turned into. It's best if they cannot put their vile hands on it.
Amazed on your historical discoveries accompanied by factual research and narrative. I find this and the others quite intriguing, as historical first-hand insight on then and now. Truly appreciated from across the pond and hope to view some of these places in the future.
Dr. Felton always researching and teaching us new things. Such great content! Thank you!
As the son of a WW2 European combat soldier from the U.S. I appreciate all ur work. Seeing all these buildings, tunnels and fortifications in all ur productions saddens me because the slaves and internees that built so many of these structures are rarely if ever mentioned.
You’re documentaries are always awesome!!!
Mark whatever you do in the future. Please don't change that music in the intro. Always gets me hyped up.
Love your videos and lesson as always!
In the time I have been subscribed to this channel, I have had the pleasure of learning more from your relaxed yet obviously informative narration than I ever did at school or college. Thank you for your continuing effort & class with your video masterpieces.
While stationed in Germany in the 80’s I regret not visiting there to vacation! BG I was told is beautiful, glad those buildings survived to this day! Great content!
As my young son said recently (and so eloquently): ‘This Felton guy really knows his s***’. We’ve watched nearly all of Mark’s uploads together and they’ve given both of us a better insight into WW2. Good work, man. Good work.
I love this channel! Mark Felton is the ultimate History teacher. Great voice and narration you have my complete attention. Your research and presentation is beyond great. I am grateful to have stumbled upon this channel a few years ago. It keeps me entertained while educating me about all things World War II and more. Thank you for all you do.
Mark, I absolutely love WWII history. I love the fact you always find very interesting facts, stories, etc that have been forgotten or not taught at all. I really respect what you do so that parts that would have been forgotten are not due to your research and work. Thank you for every video you do
Dr Felton,
Once again another brilliant historical episode.
Please next do a series on the fascinating Bush Wars in Rhodesia. It would be both fascinating and educational.
When I briefly worked with the British army in Hannover in the 1970's my office building still had an eagle lacking a swastika over the door - and the doorman wore his swastika-less iron cross!
If he had received the Iron Cross it was for some sort of exploit during the war, so he had a right to be proud of it.
AGAIN SIR ! Thank you ! another piece of information I've never known much less heard of ! I'm 73,,planning on reaching at least 100,,sooo,,please keep the GREAT videos and information coming ! videos like this,,give me motivation and incentive to hang around a little bit more ! ty !
I always enjoy how you explain the importance of what at first glance could be minor details. This always reveals to me the scope and pervasiveness of the state Hitler created. I'm sure you could do a video about the Berchtesgarten post office and it would be intriguing.
Still the best history channels about ww2 and everything around it...keep on doing a great job 👍👍i never miss a episode
Dear Mark Felton.
In the series "Hunting Hitler" there is an episode with the team of this series getting exclusive acces to this building.
In this footage you also see a big conversation hall that is unchanged since WW2.
They also show a few artifacts of the interior still decorated with swastika's.
*swastikas
Which episode? I would like to have a look.
And I am sure those who purchased the private appartements are extremely pleased with the remaining artifacts....
@@Ellecram I don't know exactly which episode.
But i do know that you have to look for the episodes when they are traveling to Bergdesgaden Germany.
But if i'm correct that would be in one of the episodes in season 3
I will look for it.
If i know which episode it is, i will update this comment.
@@ckm-mkc I'm sure they are.
Sadly this is also the reason why it's not open to the public i think.
Not a night goes by and I don’t watch something by you Mark. A Dubliner in Pennsylvania. Cheers Mark…Fantastic Historian!
I hope preservation and education are the number one things that are kept in mind for these buildings. They're perfectly fine on their own. Fascinating video as always doctor!
Sadly mostly get torn down everything because Neonazi pilgrimage
Yes my fav documentary channel releases another video excelkent work as usual Dr. Felton.
I would love to visit that area. Thanks for the video, Mark.
Lol I can see why the explanatory sign doesn't help, I've worked in retail long enough to know most people don't pay much attention to signs.
Which is why I like channels like yours. Well-constructed and informative, your videos bring history to life in ways that signs just don't for many. And that's so important right now.
While stationed at Wiesbaden (then West Germany) in the late ''70s, I vacationed a few times in Berchtesgaden. In addition to the resort complex, the US Army ran a recreational mountain climbing facility nearby. Besides a few necessary upgrades, most of the town and Army-managed facilities looked much the same as during Nazi days, according to a tour book I purchased. I wondered if Hitler might appear in disguise. Also, Wiesbaden Airbase (now named Clay Kaserne) had a prominent de Natzified Richsadler at the entrance gate structure.
I once bought a German mountain troop officer's tailor made tunic from a WW2 paratroop veteran who had been at Berchtesgaden. In the cuff were theater ticket stubs for an event at or near Berchtesgaden as I recall. I regret I don't have them any more.
The main hotel that Americans took over has a tunnel to other houses.
here: main-entrance-of-lucius-d-clay-kaserne-formerly-wiesbaden-865173
Mark, you look better clean shaven !
Your presentation of historical places and incidents is quite something ! Carry on your good work !
You should go in vacation to Germany more often Dr Felton the content you bring back is great
Thanks Dr Felton
Always Enjoy Your Videos !!
Love The Channel
I think a video dedicated to the main Reichs Chancellery would be great too. I've seen the video of the huge Earth globes, one of which sat in Hitler's office there, but what about the rest of the building?
Yes, I agree.
As I recall Speer's book talked about the planning and building of the new Reichs Chancellery. The psychology of how the structure was meant to make foreign diplomats feel both awkward and in awe before entering the Fuhrer's office. Like the walk down a long hallway with slippery flooring for their expensive leather bottomed shoes that would make them slip and feel awkward. And as I recall there was at least in the planning stage a talk about the Fuhrer's desk. A desk where from the seated diplomats side was an embossed hand drawing a sword out of a scabbard.
All your videos are amazing the total opposite of boring. I also appreciate your excellent and almost German pronunciation.
Mark can you please do a video about Albert Speer’s work and story? Also whatever remains of his architecture? Very interesting topic often looked over.
Hitler supposedly had the model of Germania destroyed. Mussolini had a model of ancient Rome made and it still exists.
Great job. As a retired U.S. army person my wife and I have been to the Eagles nest a couple times. We stay at at the Fantastic Edleweiss at Garmisch.
Could you possibly do a video on the war scars still in Berlin or other cities from the war and to your best estimate what part of the soviet or german army caused them? I believe it would be very interesting. Thank you for very interesting and educational video again Dr Felton.
Thank you again Dr. Felton!
Always such incredible work. I was in the US Army in the 1980's and was headquartered in Kransberg Castle near Usingen. Slept in the old SS barracks down the hill. Turned 30 there. Heard all sortsa WWII stories about the place. Might be a similarly interesting topic.
Me: *thinks I know a lot about WW2*
Mark: *releases a video*
I'm always utterly amazed and engulfed in your videos. I applaud you for all your great work and research. Thank you for sharing! I look forward to All your videos. 👍
Mildly surprising that they left the eagle on the building. There is little to no doubt, to a student of history; what it once was. It would be nice to have a look inside.
Did you notice the workmanship that went into carving that stone artwork? Look closely at it.
It's certainly uncommon, but you do sometimes find Nazi era eagles with the swastika removed on old buildings in Germany. There's one in my hometown at the main office of the local electricity company.
@@Charon.1 Once de-Nazified they were legal. Some are true works of art. Art Deco. As were many of the structures they build in that era.
Nice video. I visited the outside of this complex in July 1996. We looked inside and everything from the old days was still inside. On the German tv (BR) was a documentary about the inside and some talking with the people who live there now and what is visible under their carpets.
Amazing that all these buildings have survived today.
You're the go-to man on the history of Hitler's Reich. Thanks. I remember reading in a book on the town of Obersalzburg that Borman used eminent domain to evict the locals and build up the area.
There is another one of these large stone wreath-clutching eagle reliefs minus the Swastika just 50 meters from where I used to live in Hanover on the Langensalzastraße. It's at the base of the Olympic Torchbearer's Column at the edge of the Maschsee - which coincidentally to the Olympics, was inaugurated in 1936. The Maschsee is a giant artificial lake built by Hitler as a "make work" scheme for over a thousand unemployed but shovel-ready men; not unlike the projects ordered by Roosevelt in the U.S. during the Great Depression. Under the shadow of this Eagle, the company I used to work for built an artificial beach for football fans to enjoy during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. 😂
One of the best channels on TH-cam.
Well done that man.
An another great piece of history.
:)
Absolutely fascinating, Dr. Felton. Thank you.
Thank you for all the content Mark! Hope your trip to Germany was great!