Investigators believe suspect in Kehlsteinhaus fire has been caught

Bavarian investigators believe they have detained the person suspected of starting the major fire at Kehlsteinhaus, BR reported, citing information from the German news agency dpa. A motorcyclist arrested near the building after the fire broke out is suspected of setting it.

Investigators have found strong indications pointing to the man, dpa reported. Authorities planned to give further details at a news conference in Berchtesgaden on Saturday afternoon. Bavaria’s interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, was also expected to attend.

The fire broke out on Friday evening at the listed building and caused extensive damage.

Kehlsteinhaus, more than 1,800 metres above sea level, was part of the Nazi leadership’s restricted complex at Obersalzberg. Completed in 1938, it was intended as a reception building for Adolf Hitler and was used to host foreign guests. It has operated as a mountain restaurant since 1952 and houses an exhibition about its history.