It was not until 1999 that German authorities decided to build a nearby museum to commemorate the atrocities of the Nazi regime and prevent the location from becoming a shrine for neo-Nazis.

The documentation Obaltzburg, as it is officially known, has helped curb the cult of Hitler’s figure among younger generations.

However, in recent years, there has been an increase in clandestine expeditions to the ruins of Burgof, not only by German neo-Nazis, but also by visitors from Eastern European countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic, where far-right movements have been gaining ground.

In response to this growing problem, there have been proposals to expand the museum to eliminate the presence of neo-Nazi groups in the area.

The expansion project is valued at €21 million, although the final fate of the ruins remains uncertain.

Some propose leaving the ruins as they are, while others suggest turning them into a more controlled tourist attraction.

However, plans have been delayed due to the discovery of an unexloded bomb during excavation work.

The goal is to have the remodeling completed by 2020 to prevent the site from continuing to serve as a refuge for those who attempt to glorify Nazi ideology.

It is our duty to remember what happened, says Matias Erlinger, a member of the museum.

Hitler’s Mercedes, the hidden history of a Nazi icon.

In April 1945, the Mercedes 770W150, the specially armored car used by several Nazi leaders, including Adolf Hitler, was parked in the Alpine town of Oberazaltzburg, Bavaria, while its owner was in his final refuge in the Berlin bunker.

SS units transported the vehicle
on a platform to Lafen near Saltsburg, where soldiers of the 20th Armored Division of the US Army discovered it after a brief skirmish with the last German resistance.

Despite bullet impacts on the rear armor, dashboard, and windshield, and with a damaged but functional engine, the car soon became a privileged means of transport for high-ranking American officers.

Repainted in military green and decorated with white stars on its sides, the Mercedes began its new life under a mistaken identity, a Dutch worker had incorrectly identified it as belonging to Herman Guring.

A new life in America.

In August 1945, the vehicle crossed the Atlantic to participate in war bond campaigns on American soil, maintaining its incorrect attribution.

11 years later, in October 1956, Canadian collector HJ Oonnell acquired it for $2725 in a military surplus auction.

Curiously, another Nazi era Mercedes was also auctioned at the same sale.

the authentic car of Guring, nicknamed the Blue Goose, which had also been captured in Oberazaltsburg by the 101st Airborne Division.

Historical errors and restoration.

During its restoration in Toronto, a historical mistake was made by adding a central light on the bumper, a feature that was absent in the original design.

In 1970, the vehicle found a permanent home in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, where it was donated in exchange for tax benefits and displayed as Herman Guring’s personal car.

The truth would only emerge in the 1980s when Ludvig Koker, a German-born librarian at the museum, undertook a thorough investigation by tracing the serial number in Dameler Ben’s archives.

Koker revealed the vehicle’s true origin.

It had been delivered directly to the Reich Chancellery on July 8th, 1940 for Hitler’s exclusive use, revealing the truth.

This 1982 revelation not only corrected decades of mistaken attribution, but also transformed the artifact’s perception, increasing both its historical value and the controversy surrounding its exhibition.

Meanwhile, Guring’s real car, the Blue Goose, continued its own path through history.

Hinrich Himmler’s secret residences, the Reichkes Furer’s Refuge.

In the final stages of World War II, specifically on May 4th, 1945, a significant event took place in southern Bavaria.

The seventh infantry regiment, part of the third US infantry division led by Major General Iron Mitch Daniels, successfully took control of a strategic location in the Bavarian Alps.

This operation occurred just 48 hours after the same troops had witnessed the atrocities at the Darkau concentration camp.

Now, their mission was focused on capturing a town that had served as a refuge for the Nazi high command for years.

While the main attention was directed towards Hitler’s most well-known residence, the Burghoff, and his iconic mountain fortress known as the Eagle’s Nest, various units were instructed to inspect numerous properties in the area and its surroundings.

These included military facilities, official residences, and the small Reich Chancellery, where ministers worked during Hitler’s stays in the region.

One particularly notable property that fell under US control was the residence of Heinrich Himmler Reicher of the SS located in Chalet Shao by Lake Kernig.

This was one of two properties belonging to Himmler in Bavaria that were captured by US forces in the final days of the conflict.

The other residence located near Munich had been Himmler’s primary family home until his separation from his wife Margareta in 1940.

Subsequently, in 1941, Himmler began a relationship with Hedwig Potast, who had previously worked as his secretary.

After the marital split, an unusual domestic arrangement took shape in Himmler’s life.

His legal wife and daughter continued to reside at the family home in Tan in the southern outskirts of Munich.

Meanwhile, his extrammarital partner and the two children born from their relationship found refuge in what was known as Shalet Shinko Leon, located in the town of Shiao.

This second residence served a strategic purpose for Himmler, acting as an operational base during his visits to the Furer when Hitler was staying at his imposing Alberg residence.

This property was situated just a short distance up the mountain within the exclusive and highly fortified complex reserved for the Nazi leadership.

An insightful aspect of the internal power dynamics within the regime was evident in the minations of Martin Borman who as Hitler’s personal secretary deliberately orchestrated obstacles to limit Himmler’s influence.

The absence of a private residence for the Reichfura in Alberg, a result of these maneuvers eventually forced Himmler to acquire the chalet in Shiao.

Previously, he had been compelled to stay in residences belonging to other Nazi officials, a situation that presented considerable inconveniences and potentially compromised his security.

During the final days of the war, Himmler was in northern Germany, specifically at the headquarters of Grand Admiral Carl Dunitz, Hitler’s designated successor.

Meanwhile, Potast had evacuated Schneineland, seeking refuge in Austrian territory before the advancing US forces arrived.

The first American contingents approached with extreme caution, accessing the main entrance in jeeps, anticipating possible booby traps or ambushes.

After forcing entry, they methodically inspected each room, confirming the absence of occupants, but discovering an extensive inventory of personal belongings, uniforms, decorations, weaponry, and various objects of significant historical interest.

Intelligence specialists later conducted a thorough search for valuable material.

Himmler’s personal effects were quickly appropriated as souvenirs by US soldiers, occasionally resurfacing at American auctions over the past 15 years.

A notable example is a hunting rifle that allegedly belonged to Hedwig Potast given to her as a gift by Himmler himself, which was recently auctioned in the United States.

The discovery of Himmler’s luxury MercedesBenz.

The inspection of the garage area revealed an extraordinary find.

An imposing MercedesBenz 770K sedan, a special model reserved for the Nazi elite, which had been assigned to Himmler by the Reich Chancellery in Berlin for his exclusive use during his stays in Beaos Garden.

Both US and French forces, whose second armored division was the first to ascend to Alberg, captured several vehicles belonging to Hitler, which are now preserved in public and private collections worldwide.

This luxurious
automobile facilitated Himmler’s movements between Chalet Shinko Leon and Beaof situated 7 km up the mountain or to Einring airport where he boarded his personal Fauler Wolf 200 Condor aircraft.

The vehicle was part of an exclusive series of 10 type 2770K sedans of the W150 model manufactured by MercedesBenz specifically for Nazi leaders and delivered to the Reich Chancellery in 1943.

Unlike parade vehicles, this limousine was designed to ensure security during official travels, featuring a rigid roof, unlike Hitler’s cars, and protective measures equivalent to the Furer’s limousines.

It is worth remembering that Reinhard Hydrich, Himmler’s left tenant, had been mortally wounded by a grenade while traveling in an open top limousine in Prague, an incident that prompted significant reinforcement of security protocols for the Nazi leadership.

Aware of his position as one of the most powerful yet most hated men in Germany, Himmler considered his personal protection a top priority, the vehicle was equipped with armor capable of withstanding small arms fire, exceptionally thick bulletproof glass, and a reinforced floor designed to deflect mine explosions.

It also featured headlights mounted next to the front doors and a sophisticated central locking system which could be activated from the interior to prevent unauthorized external access in the event of an attack.

For winter operations, the car had special ducts that projected hot air onto the exterior windshield to prevent fogging, reaching a total weight of 4.

5 tons.

Despite its extraordinary weight, the vehicle was powered by a robust 8cylinder inline engine generating 230 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 140 kmh, 87 mph.

However, maintaining such speeds placed considerable strain on the tires.

So, drivers typically maintained a moderate speed of approximately 80 km per hour, 50 mph.

This majestic four-door six-seater limousine officially carried a license plate associated with the Berlin Police Regiment.

However, during Himmler’s travels, his security team customarily replaced it with a distinctive personalized plate reading SS1, eliminating any ambiguity about the passenger’s identity.

Himmler’s transport arrangements always included an elaborate security detail tailored to the specific travel context.

One or more escort vehicles occupied by heavily armed bodyguards and police officers permanently accompanied the main limousine with the sole mission of ensuring the reichura’s physical safety.

The mysterious fate of Himmler’s MercedesBenz.

The immediate fate of the Mercedes after its capture on May 4th, 1945 remains somewhat uncertain, particularly considering that it was not transferred to US territory as was the case with other similar vehicles.

A plausible hypothesis suggests that it was incorporated into the official vehicle fleet of the US Army used for transporting high-ranking officers following a common practice with numerous cars confiscated from the Nazi leadership.

Today, this extraordinary Mercedes 770K is exhibited at the Alo and Technic Museum in Sinheim, Germany.

Sharing space with two of Hitler’s imposing ceremonial automobiles, it stands as both a fascinating relic of Himmler’s regime and an exceptionally valuable and rare piece within the world’s automotive heritage.

Hitler’s hidden fortune, the Furer’s Secret Empire.

Are you aware that Adolf Hitler once possessed one of the largest fortunes in Europe? The trajectory of this wealth accumulation constitutes a chapter frequently overlooked in narratives about World War II, as does the ultimate fate of these vast resources.

The future dictator did not inherit economic privileges.

He was born into a middle-class family.

His father, a customs officer in the Austrohungarian Empire, provided the family with modest but respectable financial stability, characteristic of the lower middle class.

The savings accumulated by his father over three decades of public service which became his inheritance after the death of his parents were squandered in Vienna while Hitler pursued artistic aspirations.

This situation led to a period of extreme financial hardship during which he was forced to reside in homeless shelters while surviving by doing construction work or selling his watercolors and postcards to tourists.

His financial situation did not improve significantly during his military service in World War I where he received the modest salary corresponding to his rank as a corporal.

When in 1919 he made contact with the German workers party sent as an informant by the Reichkes, he remained in a precarious economic situation.

However, after officially joining the political organization and emerging as its main speaker, Hitler gradually began to increase both his purchasing power and social status.

In a short time, Hitler’s financial situations significantly improved as evidenced by his acquisition of a distinguished Mercedes automobile and a modest residence in the city of Munich.

The turning point in his economic trajectory occurred with the publication of his book mine in 1925 after concluding his period of imprisonment in Lansburg prison where he served a sentence for the failed beer hall push, a revolutionary attempt in Munich.

The financial hardship he faced, aggravated by the disorganization of the Nazi party after the failed coup, motivated this literary project, which combined autobiography and political doctrine, also conceived as an instrument to attract new followers to his movement, which now aspired to seize power through electoral means rather than violent methods.

The progressive deterioration of the German economy during the late 1920s and early 1930s contributed to a notable increase in the book’s circulation, coinciding with the growing acceptance of Nazi ideology.

Hitler’s appointment as chancellor in January 1933 elevated mine to the status of a near-state publication.

Between 1925 and 1933, royalties generated 1.

2 2 million Reichs marks for Hitler, approximately equivalent to $5.

6 million today.

At the same time, Hitler demonstrated remarkable skill in evading his tax obligations, avoiding the payment of taxes on the sale of $240,000 copies during this period.

Shortly after his rise to power, the tax administration presented him with an assessment for 405,500 Reichs marks, equivalent to 1.

6 million contemporary dollars.

Determined to avoid this payment, mechanisms were soon activated from the chancellory to declare the furer exempt from taxation, a measure that materialized in 1934.

Sales of mine comf continued to prosper, reaching 5.

2 million copies distributed in 11 languages, including English.

By the time the war began in 1939, it is estimated that during World War II, only within German territory, Mine Camp exceeded 10 million copies in distribution, both sold and given away for free, generating millions in royalties for its author.

With these funds, Hitler financed the construction of his Bavarian residence, the Burghof, and acquired a luxurious home in Munich.

Additionally, Hitler received a dual government salary initially as chancellor from 1933 and after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg in 1934.

He also assumed the presidential salary by merging both positions under the title of furer.

A significant portion of his wealth came from contributions made by supporters.

American automobile industrialist Henry Ford was among his first admirers and benefactors.

The arms and steel magnates Gustaf Kroo and Fritz Tyson contributed more than 5 million Reichs marks to the Nazi party during the war, equivalent to $37.

2 million today, partially benefiting Hitler himself.

These donations were managed by Martin Borman to develop recreational infrastructures for Hitler, most notably the Eagle’s Nest located above the Burghoff.

Historical research has determined that between 1933 and 1945, Hitler amassed approximately 700 million Reichs marks from these corporate sponsors, equivalent to $5.

2 billion in today’s currency, positioning him among the wealthiest individuals of his era.

Furthermore, Hitler received royalties for every postage stamp bearing his likeness sold in Nazi Germany, generating additional millions in revenue that were funneled into various bank.

What happened to this immense fortune after Hitler’s suicide on April 30th, 1945 in his Berlin bunker? Before his death, Hitler dictated his testimentary instructions to his secretary Cloudel Junga with copies of the documents sent out of the bunker by military messenger.

Martin Borman was appointed executive of the will.

His art collection largely acquired illicitly during German occupations was bequeathed to an art gallery planned in Lintz, Austria, the so-called Fura Museum, which was never realized.

Various sentimental objects were inherited by relatives and household staff, including his housekeeper.

Regarding his real estate properties, most had already been captured by Allied forces, such as his Munich residence, or destroyed during bombings like the Burgof.

His entire economic and material wealth was left to the Nazi party or failing that to the German state.

However, the German state entity was dissolved in 1945, splitting into four occupation zones controlled by the British, Americans, French, and Soviets.

After the fall of the regime, Hitler’s identifiable assets were confiscated by the respective occupying Allied authorities.

However, the consolidation of the British, American, and French zones in May 1949, forming the Federal Republic of Germany, theoretically transferred control of these assets to the emerging German government, paradoxically fulfilling the dictator’s testimeamentary provisions.

Specifically, the Bavarian administration assumed this patrimonial responsibility as Hitler maintained his legal residence in Bavaria at the time of his death, although he died in a state facility in Berlin.

The case of Minecom presents notable peculiarities.

The book continued to generate income after its author’s death, financially benefiting the Bavarian government as the holder of the publishing rights.

However, the administration systematically banned its publication in German territory.

Regarding international rights, when Hitler declared hostilities against the United States in 1941, American authorities seized the royalties under the Trading with the Enemy Act.

By 1945, these funds had reached $255,000, later funneled into aid organizations for war refugees.

That same year, the publishing house Hton Mifflin acquired the American rights to mine Comf from the US Office of Alien Property for $37,000.

After two decades of sales, the accumulated profits amounted to $700,000, eventually donated to charitable organizations following public protests.

In Britain, the publication was banned from 1945 to 1969.

After this period, various publishers unsuccessfully attempted to donate the revenues generated to charitable institutions, facing widespread rejection.

Certain international royalties were transferred to Bavaria which discreetly distributed them among philanthropic organizations.

However, in 2016, the work entered the public domain, being immediately reprinted in Germany and regaining best-seller status.

Copies available on Amazon Germany sold out within hours.

By 2017, the new edition had surpassed 85,000 copies sold in Germany.

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