A 33-year-old man was arrested after a fire destroyed Adolf Hitler's Eagle's Nest retreat in Bavaria. The blaze, which broke out on Friday, destroyed much of the historic Nazi site. Firefighters struggled to control the fire due to the location's altitude and weather conditions.
The fire, which started at 9:15 PM local time, was reported by a smoke detector. Firefighters arrived at 9:50 PM to find the building completely ablaze. The suspect, a local resident with ties to the area, was detained after being stopped by police near the scene. Investigators suspect arson, though a political motive is also under consideration.
Authorities have confirmed the building was largely destroyed, with no injuries reported. The site, a protected monument, is part of the toxic legacy of Hitler's Third Reich. Bavaria's Interior Minister stated the site will not be left in ruins, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of the regime's history.
The suspect, who showed signs of mental illness, is being held provisionally. Police have not ruled out a political motive, though no other suspects have been identified. The building, which has been a tourist attraction since 1952, is now in a state of ruin, with concerns about its future preservation and public access.