Adolf Hitler owed his initial success to his ability to capture the hearts of the German people. That talent was largely due to his skill at creating a public persona, not only as a man of determination and effectiveness, but as a visionary and prophet. To develop the latter image he associated himself with the Bavarian Alps, where, from his retreat in Obersalzberg, he was able to manipulate public opinion.

This work examines the political events that took place in Obersalzberg from the 1920s until the U.S. Army returned control of the area to the German government in 1995. Concentrating primarily on the years during which Hitler was in residence, it discusses the geography, history and climate of Berchtesgaden as well as Hitler's original acquaintance with the area. In a wider scope, however, the work focuses on the symbolism of identity and public perception as it relates to the place, setting and lifestyle of political figures.