​Discover Eagle's Nest was founded by specialised historical tour guides Amy & Tom Lewis
We have been conducting highly specialised, WWII history focussed tours of the area for over ten years, resulting in a wealth of knowledge and experience.
​
With the region steeped in so much momentous history, our tours provide the opportunity for you to discover it all, and really make the most of your visit to this incredible place.
Amy & Tom Lewis
Originally from the south of England, we were both raised in families with strong personal links to WWII, which naturally sparked a desire to learn more. Notably, we are both grandchildren of British D-Day veterans and this connection brings the history somewhat closer. Our desire for more knowledge kindled a passion for the history of WWII.
​
Whilst discovering more about the events and personal experiences of those directly involved in the war, we began to consider the personal experiences of those on the other side of the conflict. As we learned more about this different perspective, the history inevitably brought us to Berchtesgaden.
​
Our love of both the history and this beautiful area was so great it led us to relocate here from England over ten years ago; and there is nowhere we would rather be.
​
A passion for WWII history and a thirst for further knowledge has resulted in years of private research: attending seminars from renowned historians, delving into archives, and building a collection of rare period photographs, historical literature, and assorted artefacts.
​
We have also experienced numerous personal meetings with important eyewitnesses to this period in history, from British and American veterans to members of Hitler's personal staff. These meetings allowed us to hear first hand accounts of their experiences during the regime which has given us an assortment of revealing recollections and extraordinary anecdotes.
A passion for history, extensive tour experience combined with a specialised accreditation...
We are both certified as specialised guides for Third Reich themed tours by the Munich-Berlin Institute for Contemporary History - this gives us authorisation to conduct in depth historical tours of the area.
Only a handful of people have gained this accreditation in this field.
We personally conduct the majority of Discover Eagle's Nest tours ourselves, along with a couple of highly trusted, experienced professional fellow tour guides who also represent Discover Eagle's Nest.
Sharon Fendt
Sharon was born in Harare, Zimbabwe before moving to South Africa where she later met her future (German) husband. She moved to beautiful Berchtesgaden in 1990 and now lives on a stunning mountain farm with her husband and their four children.
After purchasing what was then a dormant farm in 2011, Sharon and her family carried out a successful rejuvenation project and now operate a thriving organic mountain farm, breeding domestically endangered breeds native to the Bavarian Alps.
​
A very experienced guide, Sharon has been offering detailed historical tours of the area including the Obersalzberg and the Eagle’s Nest since 1996. With so much knowledge and understanding of this history and how it shaped the world we live in today, we are thrilled to have her as part of our team.
​
Sharon is also certified as a specialised guide for Third Reich themed tours by the Munich-Berlin Institute for Contemporary History - which gives her authorisation to conduct in depth historical tours of the area.
Franz Englram
Franz was born in Berchtesgaden. His family has been living in this beautiful area for generations.
As a child he and his friends spent every free minute exploring the forests and hills of the Obersalzberg mountainside and frequently came across the derelict traces of the past. These discoveries often resulted in bruises and torn clothes – but spiked his interest even more to acquire a deeper understanding about the events taking place in this unique mountain retreat that shifted world history.
He interviewed many local eyewitnesses of that period for his graduation project. This fascinating work led to his decision to study contemporary history at the University of Heidelberg.
After that he followed a career in hotel management but frequently helped to find and interview eyewitnesses and veterans for authors and museums, also gaining experience as a historical tour guide for WWII related tours.
Now he is proud to be part of the “Discover Eagle’s Nest” team - who share his passion for history – which gives him the opportunity to convey his historical knowledge to our guests.
Some of our proudest achievements, that really set us apart, include:
The official Eagle’s Nest tour provider and partner for Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours on their highly acclaimed Band of Brothers® Tours.
​
The official Eagle’s Nest tour provider and partner for The National WWII Museum New Orleans on their highly acclaimed Easy Company: England to the Eagle’s Nest Tours.
​
Collaboration with the world famous history YouTube channel The History Underground as specialised historical advisors.
​
Working with The WWII Foundation providing educational historical tours as well as specialist historical consultancy in the production of their WWII history documentaries.
​
Working as specialist historical consultants for several international television production companies including Netflix, The History Channel, UK’s Channel 4, and National Geographic on popular shows such as Hunting Hitler and Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator.
​
Recommended by several market leading travel guidebooks including Rick Steves.
