Helicopters bring supplies to protect Kehlsteinhaus ruin for winter

Helicopters are due to bring materials to the fire-damaged Kehlsteinhaus to help secure the building against winter weather and prevent a collapse, BR reported. Police have cleared the building for the work to begin.

The flights will carry items including barriers and scaffolding. The regional tourism association, which leases the building, said they would go ahead only if weather and flying conditions allowed.

The Kehlsteinhaus stands at about 1,800 metres and is difficult to reach. Visitors usually cover the final 100 metres through a rock tunnel or by brass lift. The immediate priority is to secure the ruin, cordon off a wide area and protect it from rain, snow and wind.

The area remains off limits to the public, and drone flights are banned while supply flights are taking place. Police are investigating footage of the ruin that has circulated online.

The building on Obersalzberg near Berchtesgaden was almost completely destroyed in a major fire over the weekend; only its foundations remain. Police have not yet provided an estimate of the damage. The former tea house served as a prominent Nazi-era building where international state guests were received.