berlin ww2 bunker tour

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Berlin Underground Tours – Secret City War Bunkers and Escape Tunnels

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Berlin underground tours are an alternative way to understand the city’s complex history, where you can view war bunkers and escape tunnels in what are now disused metro stations. 

With Berlin known for its alternative scene and unravelling of a dark past, this is a different way of seeing it. 

When researching my trip there I came across the Berlin Underworlds Association (Berliner Unterwelten) – a society for the exploration and documentation of subterranean culture. They provide expert tours of the city’s underground linked to various moments of its history, citing to “experience the history of Berlin from an unconventional perspective.” 

The Berlin Underworlds Association has been offering Berlin tunnel tours for around 15 years, so they know exactly what they are doing when it comes to the important underground structures in the city. You won’t get stuck or lost, or be breaking any laws when it comes to the exploration of abandoned areas. This has all been curated and set up exclusively. 

© Berliner Unterwelten e.V. / Holger Happel

Where Does the Berlin Underground Tour Begin?

When do the underground tours run, underground tours prices, escaping via the sewage system, escaping via the east berlin u-bahn underground stations, from underground to overground , berlin underground bunker tours, virtual tours of underground berlin, beneath berlin – understanding history , what berlin underground tours can you go on.

From war bunkers and air-raid shelters to the remains of an anti-aircraft fortress, subterranean Berlin plays host to a wealth of history. You might find it hard to choose which tour to go on, although a lot of your choice will be dependent on what tours are running on the given day.

There are currently four underground Berlin tours available:

• Tour 1: Dark Worlds
• Tour 2: From Flak Towers to Mountains of Debris
• Tour 3: Cold War Nuclear Bunkers
• Tour M: Under the Berlin Wall

I decided on Tour M, which at the time was called Breaching the Berlin Wall: Subterranean Escapes from East Berlin to West Berlin and which this article focuses on, with an overview of the main things you get to learn about and what an underground tour encompasses generally. 

Photography is not allowed, which is why I am using images granted for use by the Berliner Unterwelten. 

The majority of the tours start in or near the Gesundbrunnen station in the north of Berlin city centre and they last approximately two hours.

The main season for tours is April – October and they run from Monday – Friday between 10 AM – 4 PM and on Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays between 9 AM and 4 PM. 

You can check the website for further details and view the calendar of dates and times on the homepage . 

Surprisingly, the tours to this secret part of Berlin are relatively inexpensive.

– Tour 1, 2 and 3 are €15 

– Tour M is €18 

– The Exhibition, “Myth of Germania” is €6

Do note: The BerlinWelcomeCard is not valid for the tours but for the exhibition “Myth of Germania”.

The Berlin Wall Escape Tunnels

Many attempts were made to escape from East Berlin to the West via man-made tunnels dug deep underground, where everything from reinforcements to lighting and ventilation had to be taken into consideration.

The first tunnel was dug in December 1961 and the last one in 1985, four years before the borders were opened. Of course, some attempts had devastating consequences, when uncovered by the East German secret police (Stasi), but others were successful. The determination resulting in the same people risking their lives to dig another tunnel in a different location months later to help others.

The sewer channels were also used as escape routes, even though the Stasi had put preventative measures in place with grating systems. Initially, the grating was a square shape within the circle of the tunnel meaning there was just enough space to squeeze under – through the sewage.

The Stasi later installed oval-shaped grating and then used measures to cover the space completely. Many West Berlin students had great escape operations in place using the sewage systems to help their friends trapped in the East.

However, when escaping this way, someone had to be the ‘lid man’ with the promise of being able to go down into the hole another time. In the room underground was a manhole cover, the same as the ones you see in the city today and what would have been in use back then. The lights were turned out as if to create the atmosphere of nighttime escape and two strong guys were asked to carefully and quietly lift the heavy lid.

No problem at all, but putting it back? A disastrous mixture of the wrong balance, uneven weight and constant clanging noise. Back then, they would have been caught instantly and killed. It puts into perspective how difficult these escapes were with the Stasi on the lookout right around every corner.

With the construction of the Wall, U-Bahn lines in East Berlin were severed in their connection to the West. But as the East got poorer the two West Berlin lines (the U6 and U8) that ran through East Berlin were ‘rented out’ to the West, allowing them to pass through the East Berlin metro stations without stopping.

We were told about how people cleverly hid among the tracks and side walls ready to jump on passing trains and how the guards on the Eastern side would defect and while on duty, use this route as a means to escape.

When the Stasi lost too many men they eventually locked guards on duty in a room with a small window looking out towards the tracks. Any signs of escapees would have to be called through to a superior, by which point it was probably too late to catch them.

One of the most fascinating parts of the tour was wandering along a huge underground corridor only to emerge from a side door on the wall of the underground station, which most people probably walk past daily and don’t give a second’s thought as to what lays beneath. 

From there you are taken via the metro to my much recommended Berlin Wall viewing site, Bernauer Strasse, where more than seven escape tunnels were attempted within a short distance of just 350 meters of each other. This is also where two of the most successful Berlin Wall escape tunnels were constructed.

READ MORE: Best Place to See the Berlin Wall – the viewing locations and the questions it makes you ask. 

Rectangular panels on pavement and in the grass show the route of an escape tunnel in Berlin.

Photo exhibitions form much of the tour when underground in what is a former civil defence shelter and it brings the stories to life. You will catch a glimpse at a room that formed part of an air-raid shelter on the Berlin tunnels tour, although you will have to take the underground bunker tour (Tour 3) to delve more into that part of the history and see what relics of these hideouts are left.

Thousands were built in the city to provide safety and despite being able to see one, it’s still unknown how many more exist that have yet to be found. 

For those who don’t have the time for the tour or who want to see a reconstruction of what the bunkers that no longer exist look like, the Berlin Underworlds Association run virtual guided tours . You can learn more about the Drivers’ Bunker, the Speer Bunker, the Goebbels Bunker and the Führerbunker, supported by historical overviews, construction plans and interviews with historians and witnesses. 

The cost for the virtual tours is €9.50 and lasts approximately one hour. 

What lies beneath Berlin is well worth viewing. We take riding a metro system for granted without realising how instrumental it was for those planning escape, those seeking shelter and those harbouring secrets.

The guide was both passionate and knowledgeable about the history and expertly clued up on the facts, figures and questions presented by the city’s complex history. To condense Berlin’s history into sizable parts that you can understand is commendable. I even met locals who had said they had wanted to take this tour for the past 10 years to better understand their past. 

Not only do you get to grips with the city’s history, but you get to learn about it from a truly interesting perspective and to understand a complex time in modern history in that way is priceless. 

Many thanks to the Berlin Underworlds Association for allowing me the opportunity to attend one of their tours.

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

20 May 2014 at 4:15 pm

I just did the underground tour last week, it was pretty cool! I also recommend that you check out the abandoned brewery near Schöneweide station (which you have to sneak in), and also the Stasi museum.

Brad Bernard says

17 May 2014 at 5:46 pm

How cool is that? I’m definitely linking here for the Berlin section of my Best Travel Experiences. The tunnels are so fascinating and capture a time when life was much different.

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Berliner Unterwelten – Berlin Bunker Tours

This post is about Berlin's underground bunkers and air raid shelters built by the Nazi government during WW2, and by the West Berlin government after the war, and how you can tour them.

We also cover tours of an escape tunnel during the time of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall.

• Tours in English
• Mythos Germania
• Third Reich + W W 2 B e r l i n Sights
• How to Find Hitler's Bunker

Like many cities, Berlin has a hidden life under the surface.

The sewage system, gas, water electricity, the subway, pneumatic tubes – and in the case of Berlin the air raid shelters and bunkers from World War II.

And visitors to Berlin can take a bunker tour to discover this hidden network of tunnels and shelters underground.  

Tours are offered by the organization "Berliner Unterwelten e.V.", an organization consisting of about 350 members of diverse professional backgrounds.

These members research and make the underground bunkers accessible to the public by giving tours in various languages, offering an exhibit as well as through publications.

Their focus is on World War II and the Berlin Wall.

Even though the Berlin Wall is far from being subterranean architecture, escape tunnels  - more than 70 – played an important role in people’s way to freedom.

Not all bunkers are accessible anymore, for example, Hitler’s bunker  has been excavated and filled in and is located underneath what is today a parking lot.

If you decide to go there, a bilingual information board helps to understand when, why, and how the bunker was built.

The board was installed by “Berliner Unterwelten  - Berlin Underworlds”.

Be sure to check out our list of Berlin walking tours .

WHERE DO THE BUNKER TOURS START FROM?

The headquarters of Berliner Unterwelten and the start of the most popular bunker tour is near the transportation hub “Gesundbrunnen” (with U-Bahn-and S-Bahn station) ( map ).

If you exit from the S-Bahn station, it'll be to your left. It's located right next to the U-Bahn station.

Just follow the signs for “Berliner Unterwelten”.

The U-Bahn (subway) station was built before the war and parts of it then transformed into an air-raid shelter.

There is the permanent exhibition “ Mythos Germania ” about Hitler’s and Albert Speer’s (Hitler’s favorite architect) plans for the urban renewal of Berlin in the Third Reich with a lot of oversized buildings.

The exhibit is open April thru November and December 26 through January 10 (closed on New Year’s Day) from 11 am to 6 pm (last entrance 5 pm) and is EUR 6.00 for adults.

BERLIN UNTERWELTEN TOURS IN ENGLISH

Berliner Unterwelten provides 4 of its tours in English. Two of these outings are 90 minutes and the last one is 120 minutes long.

Ticket prices range from €15-€18 per person, but students and trainees can get discounts if they can show proof of a student ID.

There is also a self-guided tour of an exhibit titled " Mythos Germania ", which covers the topic of the Nazi's planned rebuilding of Berlin.

Tour 1 - Dark Worlds Tour

Explore one of the few remaining bunkers from WWII.

Discover what life during wartime was like for the average citizen of Berlin.

In addition to learning about the Third Reich, you'll also have the opportunity to see some of the histories behind city subway and sewer systems.

Although this tour is available all year long, scheduled dates are subject to change.

• Ticket Prices: €16 per person | €13 for students/trainees
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Usual Availability: Wed-Mon @ 11:00 am, 13:00 (1 pm) & 15:00 (3 pm)
• Additional tours offered Apr-Oct
• Book this tour here .

Due to the nature of the content of this tour, children 7 and younger are not permitted.

Berliner Unterwelten recommends the appropriateness of this tour for 14 years and older.

Tour 2 - From Flak Towers to Mountains of Debris

Hitler ordered the construction of six anti-aircraft, or "Flak," towers to protect Berlin from enemy aircraft early in WW2.

Only three were built, and they were blown up after the war. However, the Flak tower in Gesundbrunnen's Humboldthain Park was only partially destroyed.

Visit 3 of the original 7 floors of this tower, and take a look at the incredible depth of the tower.

Learn about the ongoing process of rubble removal and its partial transformation into a bat sanctuary.

• Usual Availability: Select days @ 11:00 am, 13:00 (1 pm).
• No Tours offered Nov-Apr

Tour 3 - Bunkers, Subways, and the Cold War

Civil protection shelters were reactivated or built in West Berlin in preparation for a nuclear war.

Visit the civil defense shelter known as Blochplatz and learn about how it was used during WWII and repurposed for the Cold War.

This shelter was intended to protect citizens in case of nuclear war, and it served multiple purposes.

As you trace Berlin's sometimes disturbing history, you'll find out how people might have survived in a worst-case scenario.

Afterward, travel via the subway to the Parkstrasse U-Bahn station to see what a more modern bunker looks like.

• Ticket Prices: €15 per person | €13 for students/trainees
• Availability: Select Days @ 11:00 am, 13:00 (1 pm), 15:00 (3 pm)

Tour M - Under the Berlin Wall

After the Berlin Wall was constructed, many people made attempts to dig tunnels underneath and avoid detection.

In total, there were more than 70 different tunnels built, and this tour will take you to the site, underneath the Berlin Wall Memorial , of at least seven of them.

Find out which escape tunnels were most successful and discover tales of betrayal that you may not have heard about.

You will also see one of the tunnels from an underground exhibit space.

• Ticket Prices: €19 per person | €15 for students/trainees
• Duration: 120 minutes
• Availability: Usually Thur-Mon @ 3:30 PM

Mythos Germania - Vision and Crime

The Nazi government had a magnificent plan to build the "World Capital of Germania", plans that were ultimately dashed by WW2.

The exhibition depicts Nazi-era Berlin architecture and urban planning, as well as the Nazi regime's ideological aspirations and the twisted methods used to achieve them.

You will learn about the people and businesses who lost their homes and property as those who became enslaved in pursuit of the Nazi's plans.

• Ticket Prices: €6 per person | €3 for students/trainees
• Availability: Saturdays 11:00 am till 17:00 (5 pm)
• Book tickets for this exhibit here .

Reviews of Berliner Unterwelten

With a score of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's fair to say that overall ratings for this service are very good.

Customers truly appreciate the opportunity to explore historic locations tied to both WWII and the Cold War.

Guests are drawn to their tours for a variety of reasons that we will explore in further detail below.

Military History

If it wasn't already obvious, most of the visitors who enjoy these tours are very interested in military history.

Several reviewers feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the most significant buildings in Berlin.

Even if you're not well-versed in the history of this city, your tour guide will provide a plethora of information about each location.

English Tours

Guests from English-speaking countries really appreciate the translation services provided by this company.

Although they don't offer all of their tours in English, most customers are just happy that there are a few historically significant trips they can enjoy.

Several visitors recommend that you arrive early for these outings because they sell out quickly.

Excellent Tour Guides

A majority of guests who leave positive reviews are most impressed by their tour guides. Several comments indicate that they are not only friendly and helpful but also very informative.

Some visitors were surprised to find that their guide was actually very funny, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. 

Historical Simulation

On some tours, this company provides a simulation of what life was like during wartime.

Other tours simulate life in a bunker, giving their guests a taste of what life might be like during a nuclear war.

Getting the chance to see and experience what these bunkers were built for can be very enlightening, and some visitors felt that it made history come alive.

Effective Storytelling

In addition to the military history tied to the locations featured on these tours, guides will also tell stories about real people who were affected by either WWII or the Cold War.

Both events displaced a lot of families and put several people in peril; guests really appreciate the opportunity to hear their stories and discover what life was like for some of the citizens of Berlin.

Things to know before taking the bunker tours:

Please note: The tours cover difficult periods of German history and are conceived for adults.

They are recommended for youths aged 14 and older. Children under 7 are not admitted; parents’ discretion is asked for children aged 7 to 14.

As the tours are not in a museum, but in the real underworld, toilets are not provided. Make sure to use one before starting the tour.

The shopping mall Gesundbrunnen-Center right next to the train station has restrooms.

And please, wear sturdy footwear (no sandals, no flip-flops) and take a sweater – even in summer, the underworld is very chilly.

Also, a small selection of tours also runs during the winter.

Related Content:

• Third Reich Sights in Berlin
• Get 27% off with Berlin Welcome Card

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• Tour 1 – Dark Worlds
• Tour 1 - Dark Worlds
• Tour 2 - From Flak Towers to Mountains of Debris
• Tour 3 - Bunkers, Subways and the Cold War
• Tour D - Tunnel and Bunker Dresdener Straße
• Tour F - The Fichtebunker Time Capsule
• Tour M - Under the Berlin Wall
• Important notes (about all tours)
• Permanent Exhibition
• Special Exhibition
• General Information
• Subway line 8
• Special Exhibits
• Restoration
• Expeditions and finds
• Oswald Berliner Brewery
• Information Panels
• Commemorative Plaques
• Myth of Germania 2008/2009
• The Beginings
• From “Germania” to the Downfall
• The Cold War in the Underground
• Reunification and Tunnel Opening
• Online-Shop
• Data Protection
• Contact Form
• Info- and Bookshop
• Filming Requests
• Event Requests
• Login Intranet

Tour 3 – Bunkers, Subways and the Cold War

• Berliner Unterwelten
• Guided Tours
• Public Tours
• Bunkers, Subways and the Cold War

The East-West Conflict in the underground

This tour follows the traces of the Cold War in the underground. In West Berlin, civil defence shelters were reactivated or newly built in preparation for a possible nuclear war. Particularly after the building of the Berlin Wall, the West German government and the West Berlin senate invested millions in these projects. Some of these were built as “multi-purpose structures” and are currently used as underground stations, parking garages and storage facilities. By explaining the practical preparations made to help people survive, this tour attempts to make the realities and horrors of such conflict easy to comprehend. First we visit the civil defence shelter, “Blochplatz”, an air-raid shelter from WWII that was renovated in the early 1980s. In an emergency, 1,318 people were to shelter here for up to 48 hours. After a short ride via the U-Bahn to Pankstrasse station, we offer a glimpse into the workings of a “modern” bunker, which was intended to protect the citizens of West Berlin in case of a full-blown nuclear war. This “multi-purpose” facility, built in 1977 along with the northbound extension of the U8 underground line, serves not only as an U-Bahn stop for commuters but also, in an emergency, it could have sheltered 3,339 people for up to two weeks. Here, we try to give you an idea of what it could have been like, had World War Three broken out.

Due to the events in Ukraine since February 24 th , 2022, this tour has unfortunately become frighteningly topical.

Please note that the hygiene and distancing rules must be followed.

Recommended reading

Tour 3 – Subways and Bunkers in the Cold War Brochure | 2 nd edition | 2013 | 40 pages | € 3,- This publication is available in our Info- and bookshop .

Special Advice, Equipment

Sturdy footwear is obligatory (no sandals or flip flops!).

Please read our important notes about our tours.

Minimum Age, Accessibility

Our tours and exhibitions are not appropriate for children under 7 years of age. We regret that we must therefore refuse entry to children in this age group. The delivery and content of our tours is aimed at adults, and can only be recommended for children aged 14 years or older.

Due to limitations imposed by the structure of the buildings, our tours are not handicapped accessible.

Please read our important notes about our tours .

Dates, Duration, Admission

Dates and tickets can be found in our Online-Shop . Duration: 90 min. Admission: €16 (reduced €13) Our General Terms and Conditions are applicable.

Reservations and Tickets

Tickets for this tour are only available via our Online-Shop . No ticket sales at the meeting point!

Please note that tickets purchased in advance are excluded from exchange, refund and return.

Tickets purchased in advance must be presented at the entrance of the tour.

Venue (with ticket), public transport

Meeting point with ticket: Badstraße / corner Böttgerstraße, 13357 Berlin in front of the white entrance building GoogleMaps Public transport: S+U / DB Gesundbrunnen, Bus 247

Information for groups

The public tours are designed for and aimed at individual guests.

Groups can book this tour on request . Please visit the section: GUIDED TOURS > TOURS FOR GROUPS for more details.

Tickets for this tour are only available via our Online-Shop. No ticket sales at the meeting point. Online-Shop

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Berliner Unterwelten

Guided tours in the Berlin underground

The Berlin Underworlds take you on guided tours through historic bunkers, flak installations and old brewery cellars.

Take an exciting discovery tour beneath the streets of the metropolis with a visit to the Berliner Unterwelten. Learn more about the secret history of the city. Descend into bunkers as well as tunnel systems. The headquarters of the Underworlds Association is located in a former bunker in the transport hub of Gesundbrunnen. Learn all about the capital's many underground facilities in the four-floor exhibition.

Berlin's history: hidden things rediscovered

Berlin's surface is just the visible part of the city: among the large squares and streets, relics, tunnels and secret passages from Berlin's changing history slumber. Particularly impressive are the ruins of bunkers. Since 1997, the Berlin non-profit Underworlds Association has managed these fateful buildings. 1999 is the first time that visitors are taken on guided tours through the extensive bunker complex in Gesundbrunnen U-Bahnhof . The Association is formed to explore, document and preserve Berlin's underground infrastructure and make it available to the public. Throughout the year, Berliner Unterwelten gives seminars and numerous tours and exhibitions offering vivid insights into the work up close. Various guided tours focus on the civilian air raid during the Second World War. On tours through the underground, you also encounter special historic features such as East Germany escape tunnels, ammunition findings and archaeological treasures. The Berliner Unterwelten guides reveal exciting and moving insights. Also recommended is the industrial monument Fichtebunker in Berlin-Kreuzberg. It unites 130 years of city history - from the gasometer for the city street lighting to the use as a mother and child bunker, from buildings converted during the Nazi era to the camp for Senate reserves for West Berliners at the time of the Berlin Wall. The extraordinary exhibition of "Myth of Germania" examines the Nazis' plans for the intended imperial capital of Berlin.

Highlights of Berliner Unterwelten

• Bunkers at Gesundbrunnen
• Residue of in the Humboldthain flak towers
• Escape tunnel between East and West Berlin
• Historical memory storage Fichtebunker

Other local discoveries

The Labyrinth Children's Museum is located on Oslo Road, just a 15-minute walk from the Berliner Unterwelten. The interactive exhibition of interesting urban planning and architecture is aimed at children between 3 and 11 years old. The extraordinary meets industry: the Designpanoptikum on Torstraße presents oddities of international industrial design. Take a look at the iron lung, X-ray balls and exceptional dentist chairs. Experience vibrant contemporary culture at Uferstudios on the edge of the Pankow and Wedding districts. Their management focuses on contemporary dance, organising concerts, lectures and exhibitions. Berlin's art scene meet at the Institute for All Things Possible on Ackerstraße. The Institute offers artists rehearsal rooms and plenty of room for innovative projects.

Visitor information

The Berliner Unterwelten is located at Berlin Gesundbrunnen transport hub. You can reach the station on train lines S1, S2, S25, U8, and the ring line. You will find the museum's ticket and book shop next to the southern entrance of the Gesundbrunden underground station (in front of Kaufland) at Brunnenstraße 105. Guided tours are only possible.Tours of the bunkers at Gesundbrunnen typically take 90 minutes. The Berlin Underworlds Association recommends that children are 8th grade (or at least 13 years old) to take the tour, and children under 7 are not permitted. Attention : warm clothes and sturdy shoes are sometimes necessary. More detailed information is available on the home page.

The Berlin Welcome Card entitles you to a discount on admission to the exhibition "Myth of Germania".

Discover the neighbourhood

The area around Brunnenstraße and Gesundbrunnen is also a historical site – as well as a great place for a walk. Take a stroll past its galleries, and its trendy shops and bars.  

Find out more about the city’s neighbourhoods with our Going Local Berlin app.

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Brunnenstraße 105 13355   Berlin

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Berliner Unterwelten - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Berliner Unterwelten

Berliner Unterwelten is a museum that preserves Berlin’s underground infrastructure . Learn about World War II and the Cold War while you tour the city’s subterranean.

At the beginning of the Second World War, Hitler assured Berlin inhabitants that the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) would impede any country from bombarding the capital; however, when Nazi Germany began to lose its first conflicts , the authorities began to build bunkers in the principal cities, especially in Berlin.

During the Cold War, this underground system of tunnels and bunkers became essential for both sides and in some cases, were renovated, improved and prepared for a possible conflict between the Allies and the Soviet Union. For example, West Berlin spent millions to construct multi-use buildings like subway stations and underground car parks that would save the population from a nuclear war.

Visiting the bunkers

A knowledgeable guide will guide through the underground tunnels to one of the 3,000 shelters that are located underneath the capital of Germany.

During the tour, you’ll learn what the bunkers were used for during the war , who used them and how many people fit inside them during the last days of the war. Your guide will also tell you fascinating and startling true stories that happened underground.

The nonprofit company offers tours in various languages, including English. You cannot book a tour in advance, so we recommend you get to the Museum a little early to make sure you get a place in the tour.

All types of tours

The Museum offers several types of tours, all of which are interesting and worthwhile. They vary depending on the day and time:

• Classic tour : Your guide will take you to a fallout shelter, designed to protect the occupiers from a nuclear explosion. Followed by a tour of a World War II air raid shelter .
• Dark Worlds : By the end of the Second World War, the air raids of the Allies had destroyed 80% of Berlin . On this tour, you’ll discover one of the bunkers that remains intact and learn how the Berliners survived thanks to cramming into the public bunkers.  
• From Flak Towers to Mountains of Debris : To protect as many civilians as possible, Hitler ordered the construction of various enormous anti-aircraft fortresses. After the war was over, the towers were demolished. The tour includes a walk along three floors of one of the ruined Towers, while a guide explains how and why they were used.   
• Subways and Bunkers in the Cold War : During the Cold War, West Berlin invested millions to renovate and upgrade the underground tunnels and facilities , including a metro stations and parking lots.
• Under the Berlin Wall : When the Berlin Wall was built, East Germans desperately tried to escape using the various underground tunnels or by digging their own tunnels. On this tour, you’ll discover the numerous attempts by the citizens and how the authorities made these attempts practically impossible.
• Fichtebunker, the “Time Machine ” : This old gasometer, over 130 years old , was transformed into a bunker during WWII . Later, the building was used for various proposes.

The best experience in Berlin

Unless you suffer from claustrophobia or don’t like being underground, these tours will transport you to the end of World War II . All the tours will exceed your expectations.

Brunnenstraße, 105.

Ticket office: daily from 10am to 4pm (approximately, it depends on certain days) The guided tours take place at different times.  

World in Flames Tour Adults: € 16 ( US$ 17.20) Students: € 13 ( US$ 13.90)

Tower of Protection to Mountain of Rubble Tour Adults: € 16 ( US$ 17.20) Students: € 13 ( US$ 13.90)

Bunker Tour Adults: € 16 ( US$ 17.20) Students: € 13 ( US$ 13.90)

Escapes under the Berlin Wall Tour: Adults: € 19 ( US$ 20.30) Students: € 15 ( US$ 16.10)

German Myth Exposition: Adults: € 6 ( US$ 6.40) Students: € 5 ( US$ 5.40)

U-Bahn: Gesundbrunnen , line U8. Train: Gesundbrunnen , lines S1, S2, S25, S41 and S42.

Nearby places

Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin (2.5 km) Kunsthaus Tacheles (2.6 km) Bode Museum in Berlin (2.9 km) Pergamon Museum in Berlin (3 km) Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin (3.1 km)

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Sachsenhausen is a death camp near Berlin and considered one of the most important in Nazi Germany. It is a must-see visit if you’re in Berlin for a few days.

Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is the most-visited gallery on Museum Island and the most imposing. Learn why it is so popular while you admire its archaeological findings from the Middle East  and samples of Islamic art.

Exploring WWII Bunkers in Berlin – A Guide for Beginners

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Cold War Tour Berlin

World War II left an indelible mark on Berlin, with remnants of history scattered throughout the city. One of the most fascinating aspects of this period is the network of bunkers built during the war. In this guide, we will explore the significance of these bunkers, where to find them in Berlin, and how to make the most of your visit.

1. Understanding the Importance of WWII Bunkers

During World War II, Berlin was heavily bombed by the Allies, and the bunkers served as shelters for the civilian population as well as key personnel. Exploring these bunkers provides a unique glimpse into the realities of life during wartime.

2. Visiting the Berliner Unterwelten Museum

For a comprehensive understanding of the WWII bunkers, a visit to the Berliner Unterwelten Museum is highly recommended. This museum offers guided tours led by experts who share their knowledge about the history and architecture of the bunkers.

The museum provides a variety of tours focused on different aspects of the war, such as the air-raid shelter tour, flak tower tour, and bunker tour. Each tour offers fascinating insights and allows visitors to explore different types of bunkers.

3. Exploring Famous Bunkers in Berlin

In addition to the museum, several famous bunkers are open to the public in Berlin. Here are a few notable ones:

3.1. The Führerbunker

The Führerbunker, located in the heart of Berlin, was the shelter where Adolf Hitler spent his final days. Although the original bunker was destroyed, it has been marked with information boards outlining its historical significance.

3.2. The Humboldthain Flak Tower

The Humboldthain Flak Tower is one of the few remaining structures that testify to the immense destruction in Berlin. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Exploring the underground parts of the tower also provides a chilling experience.

3.3. The Boros Bunker

The Boros Bunker, an imposing structure in Berlin-Mitte, has been repurposed as an art gallery. The bunker’s thick concrete walls serve as the backdrop for contemporary art exhibitions, contrasting the dark history with vibrant modern creativity.

4. Tips for Exploring WWII Bunkers

When visiting WWII bunkers in Berlin, keep the following tips in mind:

• Come prepared with comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as many bunkers can be cold and damp.
• Book your tickets in advance, especially for museum tours, to ensure availability.
• Respect the historical significance of the sites and follow any guidelines set by the authorities.
• Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and architecture of the bunkers.

Exploring WWII bunkers in Berlin is a fascinating experience that provides a deeper understanding of the city’s history during World War II. Whether you choose to visit the Berliner Unterwelten Museum or explore famous bunkers independently, you are sure to be captivated by the stories they hold. Plan your visit, immerse yourself in the history, and prepare to be amazed.

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Berlin Was Once Home To A Maze Of Over 1,000 Bunkers, And Many Are Open To The Public Today

Berlin's underground bunkers once served a major purpose during war times, and are still able to be toured to this day.

Berlin was the nerve center of the German Reich and as such, it was the target of extensive Allied bombing and destruction. As the war wore on and the fronts collapsed, the Allies were famously racing to Berlin. But the Germans had not been ideal, they had been busy building bunker after bunker to hide from the constant bombing by the Allies and to defend it as the inevitable Battle For Berlin was joined. It is said that around 1,000 bunkers were built under the streets of the capital of the crumbling Reich.

Many cities around the world have their secrets beneath the surface. Los Angeles boasts its speakeasy tunnel, New York City is known to have secret tunnels , London is rumored to have one of the largest and many of them remain military secrets , and Paris has the catacombs and mazes of quarries. Berlin has bunkers - lots of bunkers (and various other tunnels).

The World Under Berlin

Under Berlin is a hidden world of air raid shelters and bunkers from World War II (as well as sewage systems, escape tunnels, water lines, and much more).

Today some of the bunkers under Berlin are open to the public and one can take a tour of them. The main underground tour organization is Berliner Unterwelten . They take visitors into this subterranean world of tunnels and shelters.

Tour 1 - Dark Worlds

With the Berliner Unterwelten Tour 1 - Dark Worlds visitors can experience WW2 bombing raids through the eyes of frightening and confused civilians as they hunkered down in the air raid shelters. See how they felt hiding helplessly as the mighty Allied airforces bombarded and destroyed their city all around them as their own government was unable to stop the Allies.

• Focuses: On The German Civilians During The War

Today, every day in Berlin hundreds of people casually walk past a green door in the Gesundbrunnen underground railway station unaware that behind it is a subterranean world full of history.

• Berlin City Center: Around 80% Was Destroyed

The bunker one will explore on this tour is one of the few remaining in Berlin after the war. The tour focuses on the lives of the average Berlin citizen. See their world as the Allies destroyed up to 80% of the city center.

At points, the Western Allies even deliberately targeted bombing civilians because it was hard to acutely hit factories and other key infrastructure while hoping to break the German will to fight. It didn't work, instead, just more German civilians lay dead.

In these twisting passages and rooms, one will even be able to see countless artifacts left over from the war that have remained here for decades. The tour even glimpses into the city's subway and sewerage systems providing an insight into the 160-year-old underground history of Berlin.

• Tour Cost: 15,00 € Per Person ($17.50)
• Schedule: See Their Website
• Available In: German And English
• See: Countless Artifact Left From The War

Related: 20 Secrets About The People Living Under The Las Vegas Strip

Tour 2 – From Flaktowers to Mountains of Debris

Another great tour by Berliner Underwelten is the From Flaktowers to Mountains of Debris tour. This tour explores the devastated ruins of a massive WW2 fortress designed to be impervious to bombs from airplanes. Hitler ordered six of these massive "Flak" towers to defend Berlin from the skies. Only three were built after the war they were "demilitarized" or blown up.

Number Of Flak Towers: 3 Built In Berlin

They were so strong, that blowing them up was much easier said than done and the Flak Tower in Humboldthain Park is only partially destroyed.

In this tour, they show visitors three of the seven floors of one of the largest bunkers of the city. Be transfixed as the guides present in-depth information about the history of the mighty structure and the ongoing project to clean it up.

So far Berlin Underworlds Association has labored 8,000 hours removing over 1,400 cubic meters of rubble. This has inadvertently created the ideal home or bats (be careful not to disturb them!).

• Season: Only Offered April To End Of October
• Bats: Be Careful Not To Disturb The Bats!

Related: What You Need To Know About The Abandoned Speakeasy Tunnels Of Los Angeles

Berlin Story Bunker Tour

The Berline Story Bunker Tour is a recreation of the infamous Führerbunker. This is the bunker where Adolf Hitler spent his last days as the empire collapsed around him. The tour is a frightening reminder of that war that cost 70 million lives. Visitors can only see the bunker with a guide.

• Free Audio Guide: Available In English
• Signage: In English and German
• Price: 13.50€ ($15.00)
• Duration: Approx. 90 Mins (Audio Tour)
• Hours: 10 am to 7 pm Daily

This tour is set in a 6,500-square-metre WWII bunker and recreates the chilling sequence of events leading up to Hitler's suicide in 1945 in the Führerbunker. One can even see a reconstruction of Hitler's personal study.

Next: You Can Now Visit The Churchill War Rooms, A Secret Meeting Space During WWII

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The Battle for Berlin

From the oder to the reichstag.

Military History and Battlefield Tours

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Tour introduction.

The Battle for Berlin was the decisive action that brought an end to the war in Europe. The tour will focus on the fierce and bitter action from the point when the Red Army approached the Oder River to the eventual fall of Berlin. Our first two nights will be on the edge of the destroyed city of Kustrin with the remaining nights spent in Berlin, a city that has arguably been through more change than any other in Europe over the last 50 years. Whilst both cities were virtually flattened during the Second World War, despite its division during the Cold War, Berlin has now become a vibrant, bustling and culturally rich metropolis. Eight times bigger than Paris, the city is home to endless galleries and museums, and displays a wide range of architecture, which can be explored to enrich your experience of this magnificent city. Importantly for this trip, in particular, the city doesn’t hold back in memorialising and documenting its turbulent past, leaving plenty to be discovered.

After crossing the Oder it took the Red Army just over three months to advance 100km and take the city. ‘Fortress Berlin’ as Goebbels named it was to be defended at all costs. The first line of defence at the Seelow Heights, some 90km east of Berlin, took Zhukov’s armies four days with heavy losses to break through, however once cleared it left the Red Army free to encircle the city and prepare the coup de grâce.

Berlin was defended by roughly 45,000 regular troops supplemented by the Police, the Hitler Youth and Volkssturm (essentially the German version of the Home Guard). The fighting began with a ferocious artillery barrage, adding to the already devastating destruction of the city. Although defended stoically, the continuous waves of Soviet attacks, the Germans’ limited resources and the brutal house to house fighting meant there was only going to be one outcome and the city finally surrendered on 2nd May 1945, nine days after the Russians had entered. The War in Europe was as good as over.

• Explore the Ostwall Bunkers and walk the Dragon’s Teeth
• Wander amidst the tragic remains of Kustrin
• Discover Marshal Zhukov’s Command Bunker
• Cross the Oder and ascend the Seelow Heights
• Visit the Bendler Block where Operation Valkyrie, the plot to assassinate Hitler was hatched
• Follow the Soviet assault on the Reichstag
• Stand on the site of the Fuhrer Bunker
• Visit the site of the German surrender at Karlshorst
• Visit Cecilienhof Palace, host to the Potsdam Conference in 1945
• Explore the cast bunker complex that housed the OKW and OKH
• Iconic Nazi architecture such as the Olympic Stadium and Templehof

What's Included

• 3 & 4 Star Hotels
• Return flights from London (optional)
• Expert historian throughout providing a daily variety of talks, presentations and Q&A
• Dedicated Tour Manager
• Dinner parties hosted by your expert historian and tour manager
• The company of like-minded travelers
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
• Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
• Tour information booklet
• Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach

Day 1: Arrival Fly London to Berlin and drive to Kostrzyn (Kustrin) in Poland to check-in to our hotel for 2 nights. Introductory talk (D)

Day 2: Russians approach the Oder Explore the fascinating Ostwall bunker complex, mainly constructed pre-war and which due to lack of manpower was unable to provide significant resistance to the advancing Russians. Here we will explore the underground tunnels, walk 700m of extant ‘dragon’s teeth’ and visit the museum. Returning to Kostrzyn we discuss its desperate and ultimately futile defence amidst the eerie ruins of the Altstadt and the remains of its extant fortifications. (B,D)

Day 3: Battle of Seelow Heights At Kienitz, we examine the surprise Soviet river crossings which resulted in the creation of the massive bridgehead from which the final assault towards Berlin would commence. We will discover Marshal Zhukov’s command bunker and follow the Russian advance on the Seelow Heights, the last defensive line outside Berlin. Here an impressive museum documents the battle in detail, exhibiting several examples of Russian armour and artillery and offers great views of the battleground itself. At Jahnsfelde we discuss the tank ambush and the tragic Schlosspark where wounded German soldiers were massacred. Continue to Berlin to check-in to our hotel for four nights. (B,D)

Day 4: Battle for Berlin A full day exploring the city by U-Bahn and on foot: the German Resistance Museum set in the Bendler Block where Operation Valkyrie was plotted and where Colonel Stauffenburg was shot; the Tiergarten with its Soviet Memorial; cross the Moltke Bridge, traverse the Koenigsplatz and view the impressive Reichstag building; the Brandenburg Gate; the Holocaust Memorial; and the site of the Fuhrer bunker. This evening is free for you to find your own restaurant. (B)

Day 5: Surrender Another day exploring the city by U-Bahn and on foot: Plotzensee prison where so many who resisted against the regime were imprisoned and subsequently executed; the extant defences at the Humboldthain Flak tower and bunker ; Treptow Park, which commemorates the soldiers of the Red Army; and the fascinating Russo-German museum on the site of Germany’s surrender at Karlshorst. (B,D)

Day 6: Potsdam A brief visit to Grunewald station, a major site for the deportation of Berlin Jews. Visit Wannsee Conference Villa where the ‘Final Solution’ was planned; the Cecilienhof Palace, host to the Potsdam Conference in 1945, where the ‘Big Three’ met to decide the fate of Germany and the post-war boundaries for the rest of war-torn Europe. Our day ends at the immense 1936 Olympic complex including the stadium, the Bell Tower boasting fine views over the city and the haunting Langemarckhalle: these are arguably the best examples of National Socialist architecture in Berlin. (B,D)

Day 7: Command A brief stop at the iconic Templehof Airport imposing Nazi era building en-route to Wunsdorf, home to the OKW and OKH and post-war to Soviet forces where go underground to explore the vast complex of tunnels of the Zeppelin bunker and above ground see the curious missile shaped Winkel air-raid shelters. Continue to Brandenburg airport for our return flights home. (B)

Recommended Reading List

• Berlin Battlefield Guide: Third Reich and Cold War
• Berlin: The Downfall: 1945
• The Berlin Raids
• The Last Battle

Photo Gallery

• Tempelhof Airport
• The 2019 Group at the Moltke Bridge with The Reichstag beyond
• Treptower Park
• Seelow Heights Museum
• Plötzensee Prison
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Olympic Stadium Berlin

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Free Walking Tour Berlin

When:  Every day 10am & 12pm every day Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance. Price:  Free

The Mystery behind Berlins World War Two

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Original Berlin

World War II was one of the biggest events that rocked the world in the twentieth century. It destroyed countries, traumatized people of different nationalities and ethnicities and shook several countries’ economies. 

One of the influential cities in the World War was Germany’s capital, Berlin, an economic powerhouse in modern history. A fine way to experience history is participating in a ww2 walking tour Berlin. Beyond watching films and documentaries, experiencing any of our  Germany world war II tours  is recommended. 

77 years after the war’s end, some places, towns and historical sights can still be seen. Of course, the war destroyed most of old Berlin architecture, but there are a few preserved sites. Standing on the same site and coming face to face with landscapes and monuments that signified some of the worst acts of humanity could be overwhelming. However, being reminded of things like this is a great way to remind us not to repeat history.  

The Beginning of World War II 

World War II (also known as Second World War or WWII or WW2) was one of the biggest conflicts and wars in the history of man. In some aspects, it was a continuation of the disputes left by an unsettled World War I after a 20-year hiatus. The second world war lasted from 1939-1945 and affected virtually every part of the world. 

The war was spearheaded by Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party in an economic and politically unstable Germany. He desired to rise to world power, so he rearmed the nation and signed treaties with Italy and Japan to further his ambitions of world domination. 

Hitler had long planned to overthrow Poland, a nation Great Britain and France had guaranteed military support if Germany attacked. In August 1939, Hitler and the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin, signed a  German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact , which caused worries in London and Paris. So, the pact meant that Hitler wouldn’t face a war on two fronts when he attacked Poland and would also receive support from the Soviet Union.

In September 1939, Hitler’s army and the Soviet troops invaded Poland making Great Britain and France declare war on Germany. This marked the beginning of World War II. Over the next couple of years, the conflict from the war would go on to damage properties and incur about 40 to 50 million deaths worldwide. Among the people killed were 6 million Jews in Nazi concentration camps which was part of Hitler’s “Final Solution” plan. This is also referred to as the Holocaust. 

During the War

The war continued to rage on, leaving destruction in its wake, and in the spring of 1945, World War II had been raging for more than five years. In June 1941, Hitler went back on the pact he signed with Stalin and ordered the invasion of the Soviet Union. So, the Soviet Union continued to repel German forces in eastern Europe, losing their soldiers. 

In June 1944, successful allied invasions in France gave U.S and British troops the ability to capture part of Germany’s territory and subdue their forces. Around the same time, the Soviet troops began their campaign in the east. Over the years, the army marched toward Berlin; with the intent to  destroy Nazi Germany .

The Battle of Berlin

The battle of Berlin was one of the last battles of World War II, which lasted from April 16 to May 2, 1945. The battle took place between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, and it ended with Berlin’s total fall to the Soviet Red Army, an act of revenge for the suffering of the people of the Soviet Union since 1941. 

In April 1945, large troops from the Red Army gathered outside Berlin in preparation for the conquering of Berlin. Soviet forces invaded Berlin from the east and south and, in no time, quickly overran all German forces in the north. The city was already weakened before their invasion by bombings, and citizens and refugees were all about the city struggling to remain alive. 

The German forces were so weak that they recruited child soldiers from  Hitler Youth  in the battle. The victory of the Soviet forces was eminent as they overran Berlin and engaged in close combat from house to house, subduing forces. 

In World War II history and Germany, the battle of Berlin is considered an important conflict as it was the major battle in Europe. The outcome of the war signified the end of Nazi Germany and the leadership of Nazi Germany. At the war’s end, many leaders committed suicide, including Adolf Hitler, who committed suicide by gunshot, on April 30, 1945, in a bunker beneath Berlin, a day after marrying his new bride, Eva Bruan.

Notable Sights as part of World War II Tour Berlin

Over a period of five years, Berlin was hit by 67,607 tonnes of trinitrotoluene TNT) during the May 2 War II. And as of May 2nd, 1945, after the end of the war, about 80% of the city’s centre had already been destroyed, leaving much of Berlin in rubble, including the Reichstag, which was the seat of the German government (even though it didn’t play an active part in the war).  

So, tracing the history of the war in present-day Berlin may be a bit difficult as most of Berlin, which survived the war, was later demolished. The Soviets wanted to erase everything connecting Germany and the war. However, a few World War II surviving sites are still open to tourists and visitors. Most memorial sites are a testament to people’s suffering, as some showcase bullet marks on sculptures. All, a testament to the darkness that existed in the dark days of wars.

Most of these sites are located in central Berlin and can be explored as part of a free walking or private tour. There are several of these in Germany, so you’d have to find the right one suited to your needs. If you’re on vacation in Berlin, you can explore everything on foot or by hopping on a bus.

On a World War 2 tour Berlin, you’d surely come across remnants o the war around the city. There is no shortage of places, from bullet holes in buildings to memorials, flak towers and former Nazi buildings. A concentration camp is also located outside the city, easily accessible by public transport. 

Some of the top notable Berlin third Reich tour sights include:

• The Reichstag building

Führerbunker (Hitler’s Bunker)

Concentration camp sachsenhausen.

• Ministry of Aviation
• Topography of Terror
• Memorial SA Prison Papestraße
• Humboldthain Flak Tower
• Documentation Center on Nazi Forced Labor
• House of the Wannsee Conference
• Tempelhof Airport
• New Guard House
• The Anne Frank Center

The Reichstag

The Reichstag   once symbolised power and housed the GermaFebruary 27t from 894 to February 27, 1933. In 1933, a famous fire destroyed a part of the building shortly after Hitler became chancellor. Hitler blamed it on communists and used the opportunity to claim power for himself. During the battle of Berlin, the building was one of the major targets of the April 30, Red Army. So, on April 30, the banner of the Soviet Union was hoisted over the building. 

To enjoy a free tour of the Parliament building, you’d need the original copy of your ID card.

Memorial SA Prison Papestrasse

In 1933, a concentration camp was operated in a former barracks by SA, Hitler’s ea liest paramilitary group. A quick tour will explain all that took place here. You would find the rooms used as cells in their original condition.

Towards the end of the war, Adolf Hitler and his then mistress, Eva Braun and members of his inner circle retreated to an  underground bunker in Berlin . When the Soviets took over Germany, they attempted to blow up the bunker but failed. Now, all that remains of the bunker are underground remnants not open to the public. Instead, a parking lot covers the area now, but a plaque was placed in 2006 for tourist information.

The  Sachsenhausen concentration camp   is located in Oranienburg, 35km from Berlin. It was built in 1936 originally as an extermination camp. However, with the war, it became a prison for criminals, communists, homosexuals and Jews. Between the commissioning of the camp and the liberation of the imprisoned people by the Soviet troops, more than 200,000 people were detained in the camp, and tens of thousands died there too. 

The camp is huge, so you’d need about 3-4 hours to explore the site fully. You could go on a group tour to fully explore and get all the dark details of the camp, or you could do the exploration alone. Whichever method you choose, you’d surely leave more informed.

Berlin is a beautiful city with layers of history openly displayed. Berlin’s World War II left a lot of marks on buildings and people’s lives. Just like modern architecture is easy to see, you’d also get to see signs of world war II around when you’re in Berlin. History is waiting and ready to be explored.  Get ready to immerse yourself in a  special World War II tour   of Berlin for a truly inspiring learning experience.

Table of Contents

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour ? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• 3.5 hours walking tour
• Berlin’s major highlights
• Brandenburg Gate
• Reichstag and Berlin Wall
• Historical sites

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Bunker_Ansicht Hof

Berlin Story Bunker Tour

Unfortunately, this partner is no longer participating in the Berlin WelcomeCard. Thankfully, many great offers have been added! You can find a list of all the current Berlin WelcomeCard and Berlin WelcomeCard all inclusive partners here .

A Berlin Story Bunker tour is set in a recreation of the infamous Führerbunker, where Adolf Hitler spent his last days. The tour, a frightening reminder of a war that claimed 70 million lives, is understandably intimidating and visitors can only visit the bunker with a guide. A free audio guide is available in English, and most of the signage is in English and German. The bunker tour experience concludes with a film.

Berlin at its best

Unmissable attractions include the enormous dome of the Berlin Cathedral and the Brandenburg Gate, under which Napoleon and Hitler marched. Culture travellers will adore Berlin for its distinct multicultural neighbourhoods and colourful murals full of meaning – look out for the painting of the kiss between Honecker and Brezhnev. Lean in for a selfie with the Siegessäule (Victory Column) which featured prominently in Wim Wenders's 'Faraway, So Close'. Rococo and Prussian grandeur await at the riverside Charlottenburg Palace. Kurfürstendamme beckons with its vintage façades and shopping options. When night falls, head to the stylish cocktail bars or to the industrial-style nightclubs.

Berlin Story Bunker tour

Housed inside a 6,500-square-metre WWII bunker, the tour chillingly recreates some of the most infamous events in German history. The exhibition showcases the sequence of events leading up to Hitler's suicide in 1945 in the Führerbunker. A major attraction on the Berlin Story Bunker tour is a viewing of the reconstruction of Hitler’s personal study. Visitors are led through the bunker, where each scene is accentuated with stills from films such as 2004's 'Downfall', which chronicled the dictator's final days in the Führerbunker.

More Berlin for less money

The Berlin WelcomeCard lets you save up to 50% on attractions such as Museum Island and Charlottenburg Palace. The card also works on Berlin's public transport. It's particularly appealing for families, as each ticket allows up to three children to travel for free. With over 209 partners in 12 categories spanning castles, stages, restaurants, souvenirs and boat trips, the Berlin WelcomeCard ensures no one's left out. A free city guide and map are included. Discover Berlin in every conceivable way – by boat, bike, Segway or balloon flight.

Bunker_Führung Gang

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Kurz & Knapp

Mon - Sun 10 am - 7 pm Last admission 5:30 pm

Please check additional times on www.berlinstory.de

Schöneberger Str 23A 10963 Berlin Germany

Regular price: 13.50€ Audiotour approx. 90min, DE/EN/FR/ES/IT/NL/DK

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• 3 children up to 14 years travel free of charge
• NEW : 72h and 6 days without public transport

Ermäßigungen in der Nähe

You Can Now Visit Mussolini’s Underground Bunker in Rome

The dictator constructed the shelters below his family’s residence after Italy entered World War II

Daily Correspondent

In June 1940, Italian troops invaded the French Alps, marking the country’s entry into World War II. Behind the scenes, crews began building underground shelters to protect the fascist dictator  Benito Mussolini and his family.

Now, 84 years later, the bunkers beneath Villa Torlonia , Mussolini’s home in Rome, have reopened to the public. Visitors can book 50-minute guided tours of the subterranean complex, which features an immersive multimedia exhibition.

This is not the first time members of the public have been allowed to visit the shelters. They opened for two years beginning in 2006, and occasional tours were offered in the years that followed, reports  CNN ’s Julia Buckley.

Mussolini lived at Villa Torlonia from 1929 to 1943 . The villa was also home to his wife, Rachele, and the couple’s children, Edda, Vittorio, Bruno, Romano and Anna Maria, according to Forbes ’ Jim Dobson. 

When Italy entered the war, crews built three underground structures to protect Mussolini and his family from aerial bombings. They began work on the first one in 1940, when they repurposed an old wine cellar situated underneath a small lake on the property.

The following year, they built an air raid shelter in the basement of Casino Nobile, one of the villa’s buildings. They reinforced the walls with four-foot-thick concrete, installed an air purification and exchange system and added gas-tight doors.

Finally, in late 1942, they began building an armored bunker nearly 20 feet underground in front of Casino Nobile. It was shaped like a cross and protected by a 13-foot-thick layer of concrete—but it was never finished. By the time Mussolini was  arrested on July 25, 1943, workers hadn’t yet installed watertight doors, bathrooms or a ventilation system.

The city of Rome purchased the property in 1977 and opened it to the public in 1978. Today, it’s a museum and a park.

On the tours, visitors can walk inside the air raid shelter and bunker beneath Casino Nobile, though the repurposed wine cellar remains off-limits. As they wander through the two structures, they’ll see images projected on the walls and hear sounds meant to transport them back in time.

The exhibition begins with Mussolini’s life at Villa Torlonia, where he hosted parties, ceremonies, tennis matches and other events. Next, visitors will learn about Italy’s entry into the war and what hiding out in a bunker during a bombing would have been like.

Rome suffered 51 Allied bombings between July 1943 and May 1944. The exhibition recalls these raids, with a particular focus on those that occurred in the city’s  San Lorenzo neighborhood , which killed  more than 3,000 people.

A series of projections also shows the “double perspective of those who bomb and do not perceive the effects from above, and those who suffer the consequences from below,” according to the  tour website , via Google Translate.

At the end of the tour, visitors climb down a steep staircase into the unfinished bunker, where curators have added sounds and ground vibrations to simulate the experience of an air raid.

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Sarah Kuta | READ MORE

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

Exploring WW2 Bunkers in Berlin

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | World War Tour Berlin

World War II was a significant period in history, and Berlin, the capital of Germany, witnessed massive destruction during the war. Many bunkers were built within the city to provide shelter and protection to both civilians and military personnel. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating world of WW2 bunkers in Berlin.

1. The Importance of Bunkers During WW2

During World War II, Berlin faced heavy bombing from the Allied forces. To protect the citizens and essential infrastructure, numerous bunkers were constructed throughout the city. These bunkers served as safe havens during air raids and offered protection against the devastating impact of bombs and shells.

2. Types of Bunkers in Berlin

2.1 civilian bunkers.

Civilian bunkers were built to safeguard the general population during air raids. They were strategically placed across residential areas, factories, schools, and public spaces. These bunkers were equipped with basic amenities like air filters, emergency medical facilities, and ventilation systems to sustain long periods underground.

2.2 Military Bunkers

Military bunkers were constructed to protect military personnel, command centers, and sensitive equipment. Some notable military bunkers in Berlin include Führerbunker, which housed Adolf Hitler’s bunker, and the Reichsbahnbunker, a massive shelter built near the Berlin Zoo to protect railway workers.

3. Visiting WW2 Bunkers Today

Many WW2 bunkers in Berlin have been preserved and transformed into museums, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. Here are a few notable bunkers you can explore:

3.1 Story of Berlin Bunker

The Story of Berlin Bunker is an underground museum that provides valuable insights into the life and experiences of Berliners during the war. Visitors can explore both civilian and military sections of the bunker and view various artifacts and exhibits related to WW2.

3.2 Führerbunker Memorial

The Führerbunker Memorial marks the location where Adolf Hitler’s bunker once stood. While the original bunker is no longer accessible, visitors can learn about the bunker’s history and its significance during the war through informational displays and panels.

3.3 Berlin Underground – Dark Worlds Bunker

This unique museum offers guided tours through the Berlin Underground, including hidden bunkers. Explore the secret underground network of tunnels, bunkers, and escape routes used during the war. The tour provides a gripping experience of what life was like during this tumultuous period.

4. Tips for Visiting WW2 Bunkers

• Research the visiting hours and ticket prices in advance.
• Follow the guidelines provided by museum staff for a safe and respectful visit.
• Allow sufficient time to explore the exhibits and read informative panels.
• Dress comfortably as some areas may have low ceilings and narrow passageways.
• Consider taking a guided tour to fully understand the historical context and significance of the bunkers.

Visiting WW2 bunkers in Berlin is a compelling way to learn about the city’s history and the impact of the war on its people. By immersing yourself in these underground spaces, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles and resilience of those who lived through this tumultuous time.

Exploring WW2 bunkers in Berlin provides a profound historical experience. These bunkers are not only physical remnants of the war but also powerful reminders of the city’s past. By visiting these sites, we can pay homage to the bravery and sacrifices of the people who endured these challenging times.

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