Exciting attraction in Hamburg – the St. Pauli bunker

There has been a huge bunker in St. Pauli for many years and the tourists pay no attention to it. As soon as the bunker in Feldstraße is extensively renovated, visitors queue up at the entrance and want to visit this exciting attraction.

Is it really worth joining the trend? Should you really “have seen” the Feldstrasse bunker?

I think – yes! It is worth seeing!

Historical background

The Feldstraße bunker, also known as Flakturm IV, was built in 1942 during the Second World War and served as an air raid shelter. It was one of two flak towers built in Hamburg between 1942 and 1944, mainly using forced laborers and prisoners of war.

The bunker provided protection for up to 25,000 people during air raids. The building has an imposing size with a base area of 70 x 70 meters and a height of around 40 meters. The walls are up to 3.8 meters thick.

The video shows what the facility looked like before the conversion.

This complex was designed as an almost indestructible fortress. The extremely thick walls and ceilings could even withstand long-term defense. This became apparent after the war when the Allies planned to demolish it in the course of denazification. It turned out that enormous explosive force would have been needed to destroy Flak Tower IV. This would have endangered the neighboring buildings. The Allies therefore decided not to carry out this project.

Housing and media bunker – use after the war

Instead, it was decided to convert the Feldstrasse bunker at an early stage. As in many cities, living space was scarce in Hamburg and so the first apartments were built in the building. Admittedly, I too would have moved in there before I was on the street. But I can’t imagine it. Living behind meter-thick walls must have been overwhelming.

With the escalation of the Cold War, the city decided to convert many bunkers in Hamburg back into civil defense facilities. They were to be available as shelters for the population in the event of another war.

In the 1990s, the bunker was converted into a so-called media bunker. It provided space for media companies, a music club, a gallery, studios of a media university, a theater and rooms for social projects and old crafts.

Conversion into a Hamburg attraction

The conversion of the bunker into a Hamburg attraction began in 2019 and cost around 100 million euros. The bunker was first extensively renovated and five storeys were added. During this work, hidden traces of the past also came to light. For example, old road markings. A public roof garden was created on the roof with around 4,700 trees and 16,000 shrubs, bushes and plants.

The aim of the project was to make the bunker’s history more accessible and transform it into an inviting space that improves the quality of life in the St. Pauli district.

What does the Hamburg St. Pauli Bunker offer visitors?

The entire complex is used in very different ways and large parts are open to visitors free of charge.

A turnstile provides access to the surrounding area. During my visit, there was a security guard there who also checked rucksacks. For example, you were only allowed to take plastic bottles with you. Glass and aluminum bottles were prohibited. So if you had an aluminum bottle with you, you either had to stay outside or put your bottle next to the fence in the hope that it would still be there at the end.

After the admission check, I was able to start “climbing” the St. Pauli Bunker. As part of the redesign, an ascending circular path was created on the outer wall that leads up to the roof garden. The so-called mountain path winds its way up over slopes and stairs and offers an indescribable view over the city at almost every point.

After about 2/3 of the way, I reach a kind of “mezzanine floor”. This was created when the building was raised and can be visited. I find it impressive that you can see quite clearly how massive the building is. The thickness of the walls is visible in some places and I read explanations about the history of the bunker on information boards. There is also a memorial to the victims and forced laborers of the Second World War. Of course, there is also a souvenir store and a restaurant.

One door is closed off to the public by a security service. This is the entrance to the REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel. A total of 134 rooms and suites are available for overnight stays in the bunker. I will definitely visit the hotel one day, as it is very unusual to spend the night in a bunker.

Roof garden

However, I was drawn to the roof of the bunker. The highlight of the converted bunker is definitely the 100,000 square meter roof garden. This is planted with around 4,700 trees and 16,000 shrubs, bushes and plants. It can accommodate up to 900 people and offers several dining options, including the Constant Grind Bakery, the Karo & Paul bar, the La Sala restaurant and the Green Beanie kiosk.

Fortunately, the lawn was cordoned off for visitors during my visit. With the crowds, the lawn would have quickly broken. However, there are a few benches where you can take a break.

However, I was more drawn to the places where it is possible to look out over the city through the greenery.
My tip: you can see better and take good photos on the way up/down. The roof terrace is a bit overgrown, but it’s definitely worth going up there.

Visitor information

Address

Feldstraße 66,
20359 Hamburg