The bunker city of Wünsdorf is located about 40 km south of Berlin. In addition to its reputation as a bunker town, Wünsdorf is also a book town. Thousands of book treasures from the present and the past invite you to browse and buy. Adventurous hikes through the huge bunker complexes give visitors a first-hand experience of Germany’s military history.
As early as 1910, many barracks and military training areas were built in Wünsdorf. During the First World War, Wünsdorf became the headquarters of the Reichswehr.
When the National Socialists came to power, Wünsdorf developed into a centre for fast troops and armoured troops. The existing facilities were greatly expanded.
In March 1935, the Army High Command moved into its headquarters in Wünsdorf. In 1938, the High Command of the Wehrmacht followed. The Waldsiedlung was built so that the employees and their families could be accommodated.
In 1937, work began on building bomb-proof and partly underground bunkers. The Maybach I and II complexes and the ultra-modern Zeppelin telecommunications bunker were built. Above ground, a housing estate and several air-raid shelters were built. Shortly before the German invasion of Poland in 1939, the facilities were fully commissioned.
From March 1945, bombing of the facility began, destroying numerous houses. In April 1945, Wünsdorf was surrendered to Soviet troops without a fight.
The Potsdam Agreement stipulated that the bunkers and most of the air-raid shelters were blown up to make them unusable for further military use.
Until 1994, Wünsdorf was the headquarters of the High Command of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. They left behind a deserted garrison town.
Guided tours are offered in the bunker city of Wünsdorf. We had signed up for a guided tour of the Maybach I and Zeppelin bunkers (former general staff and intelligence bunkers of the German Army High Command).
The guided tour through the bunker complex is really very exciting. On initially well-paved paths, the tour goes above ground through the Maybach I depot. I was particularly impressed by the solidly built houses: thick reinforced concrete buildings, some of which are still well preserved in the forest even due to targeted blasting.
The walk into the underground bunkers of the Zeppelin facility conclude the tour.
It was really great what the guide told us. Much of it is not taught in school, but it was decisive for the course of German history.
If you would like to take a look for yourself, you can find lots of useful information on the site of the bunker city of Wünsdorf.
Address:
Bücherstadt – Tourismus GmbH
Zehrensdorfer Str. 12
15806 Zossen / OT Wünsdorf
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