Hamburg's bunker: From shelter to tourist attraction

Hamburg's bunker: From shelter to tourist attraction

When you think of Hamburg, not only the famous jetties or the harbor come to mind, but also the impressive number of bunkers that were built during the Second World War. In no other German city can you find so many protective structures - over 1,000 documented bunkers can be found in the Hanseatic city. These impressive buildings tell stories of forced labor, fear of war and refuge essential for survival.

One of the striking facilities is the “Steintorwall Deep Bunker”, which sits right next to Hamburg Central Station. Built by forced laborers, this bunker has a constant temperature of around 12 degrees and is only accessible with suitable footwear. It offered space for up to 2,702 people who, in an emergency, had to sit for 16 hours and lie down for 8 hours. No dangerous items were allowed inside the bunker to ensure the safety of those seeking protection. After the war, this bunker was used as a restaurant and hotel before being converted for military use in 1964.

Bunker as a landmark of the city

Another impressive example is the anti-aircraft bunker in St. Pauli. It is one of the largest of its kind and originally offered space for up to 18,000 people. Unlike many other bunkers, it was not blown up after the war, but underwent a fascinating renovation. From 1990 it was converted into a media center, which now houses a popular music club. From 2019 to 2024, the bunker also received an extension and now impresses with a hotel, a restaurant and an event hall.

The “mountain path” that runs around the bunker and offers a breathtaking view of Hamburg’s landmark is particularly exciting. With a length of 560 meters, it invites visitors to discover the history of the bunkers in an exciting way.

Linking renewable energies and history

Aside from the historical aspects of the bunkers, the “Energy Bunker” in Wilhelmsburg has gained importance as a renewable energy landmark since its conversion in 2010. Originally built as an anti-aircraft bunker, it now serves as a climate-friendly energy source for households in the area. With a capacity to supply around 3,000 households with heat and 1,000 households with electricity, the bunker represents a future-oriented use of a once military structure.

These bunkers are not only a reminder of the dark times of the war, but are now also popular places for guided tours that allow visitors to delve deeply into Hamburg's history. Information about guided tours of the bunkers is available on various websites, and the mountain path is open to daily hikers, with the only restrictions being glass and aluminum bottles and food.

In summary, Hamburg's bunkers are much more than just relics of a bygone era. They are witnesses to history, shelters for the city's population and now also innovative places of cultural and sustainable development. Anyone who embarks on a journey to these historical sites will not only learn a lot about the past, but also gain a special view of the city's present and future.

For more information about the interesting bunkers and their history visit fr.de, fink.hamburg, and Wikipedia.