Underground Berlin: Secret Bunkers and Hidden Places

Bunker

Berlin’s Underground: A City Beneath the City

Berlin is famous for its vibrant nightlife, museums, and historic landmarks—but some of its most fascinating stories lie beneath the surface. Hidden under the streets are World War II bunkers, Cold War tunnels, and forgotten cellars that now form part of guided Berlin underground tours. For travelers seeking unusual experiences, these secret places offer a chilling yet unforgettable perspective on the city’s past.

Berlin Bunkers from WWII

• The Gesundbrunnen Bunker (Berliner Unterwelten e.V.)Location: Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin (near U-Bahnhof Gesundbrunnen)One of the best-preserved WWII bunkers, this site reveals how civilians endured air raids in cramped, claustrophobic spaces. Original graffiti, emergency equipment, and eerie corridors make this a haunting visit.

• Pankstraße BunkerLocation: Pankstraße 29, 13357 Berlin (U-Bahnhof Pankstraße)Built in 1977 during the Cold War but designed to withstand nuclear attack, this bunker could shelter up to 3,000 people. Today, it’s part of specialized tours that combine WWII and Cold War history.

• Flakturm Humboldthain (Flak Tower)Location: Volkspark Humboldthain, 13357 BerlinMassive anti-aircraft towers like the one in Humboldthain Park still stand in ruins. Visitors can explore parts of these enormous structures, where wartime concrete continues to dominate the landscape.

Cold War Tunnels and Secret Escape Routes

• Ghost Stations (Geisterbahnhöfe)Location: U-Bahnhof Nordbahnhof, Invalidenstraße, 10115 BerlinWhen the Berlin Wall went up, several subway stations in East Berlin were sealed off. Today, Nordbahnhof’s exhibition explains their eerie history.

• Escape Tunnel MemorialLocation: Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin (part of the Berlin Wall Memorial)Guided tours here recount the daring tunnel escapes beneath the Wall.

• Teufelsberg Listening StationLocation: Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin (Grunewald forest)Not underground but tied to the Cold War, this former U.S. spy station now features street art and panoramic views.

Secret Berlin Places: Beyond the Bunkers

• Kindl Brewery (KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art)Location: Am Sudhaus 3, 12053 BerlinA former brewery turned art center, with impressive underground cellars used for exhibitions.

• Magic Museum Cellar (Berlin Magic Museum)Location: Große Hamburger Str. 17, 10115 BerlinA quirky, hidden spot where Berlin’s magical and theatrical past comes alive.

Berlin Underground Tours: What to Expect

The most popular way to explore is through guided Berlin underground tours, primarily run by Berliner Unterwelten e.V., a non-profit association dedicated to preserving the city’s underground heritage.

• Meeting Point: Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin (U-Bahnhof Gesundbrunnen)

• Tour Types: WWII Air-Raid Shelters, Cold War Nuclear Bunkers, Escape Tunnels, Engineering & Infrastructure tours

• Practical Info:

  • Duration: 90–120 minutes

  • Price: €15–€20 (reduced for students)

  • Languages: German & English

  • Booking: www.berliner-unterwelten.de

Practical Tips for Exploring Berlin’s Underground

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Bunkers and tunnels involve stairs, uneven floors, and low ceilings.

• Dress for Cool Temperatures: Underground sites stay around 10–15°C year-round.

• Book Early: Especially in summer, tours sell out fast.

• Follow Safety Rules: Some spaces are fragile; tours are designed to protect both visitors and the historical sites.

Plan Your Visit – Quick Addresses

• Gesundbrunnen Bunker: Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin

• Pankstraße Bunker: Pankstraße 29, 13357 Berlin

• Flakturm Humboldthain: Volkspark Humboldthain, 13357 Berlin

• Ghost Stations Exhibition: Nordbahnhof, Invalidenstraße, 10115 Berlin

• Escape Tunnel Memorial: Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin

• Teufelsberg Listening Station: Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin

• Kindl Brewery: Am Sudhaus 3, 12053 Berlin

• Magic Museum Cellar: Große Hamburger Str. 17, 10115 Berlin

Final Word: Discover the Secret Side of Berlin

Berlin isn’t just a city of boulevards and landmarks—it’s also a city of secrets. Going underground takes you off the beaten path and into the hidden veins of history. On your next trip, make time for a Berlin underground tour and see the city from a whole new perspective.

Book a tour today and uncover the Berlin bunkers and secret Berlin places waiting beneath your feet.