Bunker 5001 was East Germany’s ultimate undisclosed location. Had the Cold War turned hot, East German leader Erich Honecker and other high-ranking communist leaders would have comfortably ridden out the end of the world in this 7,500 cubic meter space.

It’s buried in the middle of a forest about 40 kilometers from Berlin.

My guide, Hannes Hensel, who’s part of a group called the Berlin Bunker Network, showed up and poked around the ground for awhile until he uncovers a steel trapdoor. He opens it and beckons me inside. We won’t surface again for well over 4 hours.

“This was the most technologically advanced bunker of its time,” Hensel says while explaining his interest in the site. Bunker 5001 was actually superior in some respects to similar American and West German bunkers of its time.

Inside, he shows me how the East Germans built the bunker as a series of massive containers, built on giant springs and coils so that the facility could ride out the shock wave from nearby nuclear blasts. The bunker contained its own generators, water system and air filtering facilities, so that its 400 inhabitants would have had no need to enter the nuclear wasteland above for two weeks after a war. The postwar plans were a bit hazier, however.

“After two weeks, they would have gone above ground wearing radiation suits and gotten to an airplane and flown eastward to Russia,” says Hensel.

Bunker 5001 is definitely number one on the most endangered list of bunkers in the Berlin area. The site’s entrances meanwhile IS SEALED UP with concrete sometime to prevent thrill-seekers from gaining access.

Further Documentation is available at http://www.bunker5001.com/

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"We stayed here for a quick trip to Berlin - Easy clean room and nice staff."

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Recent reviews of Wandlitz hotels

5/5 Excellent

"One of the best things about this property is its central location in Berlin. Its very close to popular tourist attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and many more. The area is also, safe, I never felt threatened and noticed several police patrols in the around the hotel as well. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and spoke English well. The hotel breakfast and dinner were also very good. If I ever travel to Berlin again I would definitely return to the Hilton Berlin."

A verified traveler stayed at Hilton Berlin

Posted 16 hours ago

5/5 Excellent

"What an amazing hotel! The room design is awesome - lots of shelves conveniently located and places to put 2 suitcases comfortably! It is convenient to public transport (10 min walk), a supermarket and restaurant options and is right in the middle of Berlin. The staff are friendly, helpful and speak excellent English. Free coffee in the morning and a restaurant and bar in the foyer just tops things off!"

A verified traveler stayed at URBAN LOFT Berlin

Posted 1 day ago