Hitler’s Birthplace Converted into Police Station After Millions Spent on Renovation

Following years of legal battles, expropriation, and a costly renovation, the birthplace of the Third Reich’s leader in Braunau am Inn officially opened as a police station on Wednesday.

New Purpose for Historic Property

Following years of legal disputes, expropriation, and a costly renovation, the historical property in Austrian Braunau am Inn has gained a completely new purpose. In the building where Adolf Hitler was born, a police station was officially opened on Wednesday. Regional and state authorities hope that the permanent presence of officers will effectively block the possibility of this site being used by right-wing extremist groups and neo-Nazis.

District and local police officers have moved into the building.

Expropriation and Expert Commission Recommendations

The house where the later leader of the Third Reich was born on April 20, 1889, remained private property for a long time. Since 2016, as a result of expropriation proceedings, it has belonged to the Austrian state. An expert commission ruled out demolishing the building or converting it into a museum, recommending a reconstruction that would make the site as difficult to recognize as possible.

Multi-Million Investment on the German Border

The opening of the police station follows a multi-year renovation that cost approximately 20 million euros.

Braunau am Inn is located about 50 kilometers north of Salzburg, right on the border with Germany.