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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"very nice hotel, comfotable with friendly team"

"I liked the breakfast buffe."

"The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. There were some places to eat in walking distance. The U-Baum was also in walking distance. There was a little hiccup with the checkin as I did not realize the email with the code went to my spam inbox. I found that and successfully got into the room. "

AED 498 total

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15 Jul - 16 Jul

"It was very clean, however the room outdated. Breakfast was good, but could be better organized. Close to a busy street, but it was doable. Very friendly staff"

AED 457 total

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28 Jul - 29 Jul

Basic Quadruple Room, Non Smoking, Balcony | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

"Everything was clean and efficient. The staff knew what they were doing and did everything effectively and courteously. "

AED 422 total

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20 Jul - 21 Jul

Quadruple Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

"Really great breakfast. Basic accomodation"

AED 457 total

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15 Jul - 16 Jul

"Hotel antigo com boa localização, rodeado de bom comércio e fácil transporte e com alguma disponibilidade de vaga próximo. Bom café da manhã."

AED 250 total

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20 Jul - 21 Jul

"Getting the key out of small box not clearly marked or indeed explained in the email was very stressful. This is a real problem. Hotel reception closes at 4pm!!!!"

Stadard Single Room, 1 Single Bed | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

"The hotel occupies the whole floor of a superb old building in the Schöneberg area. The staff welcomes you like you were friends. Rooms have high ceilings and are very quiet. I strongly recommend this hotel. "

"The staff was very kind, and they added breakfast for those of us who ran the Berlin marathon. I really enjoyed my stay. Thank you!"

AED 351 total

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20 Jul - 21 Jul

"excellent location ! , very clean , good simple breakfast, nice room, "

"Good public transportation options"

Triple Room, 3 Twin Beds, Shared Bathroom | Free WiFi, bed sheets

"Overall had a great time in . Easy to excesses the local trains from both city as well as airport Definitely will recommend."

AED 292 total

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16 Jul - 17 Jul

"Nettes Personal"

AED 536 total

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20 Jul - 21 Jul

"The staff were very lovely and helpful. Lovely cosy place to stay. The pension was perfectly situated for the main shopping street and way access to public transport for the more touristy sites with some great cafes and restaurants very close by."

"This place is incredibly charming. The morning breakfast is very German, and the staff are very kind and welcoming. I felt like as though i walked into a building that wouldve been modern 500 years ago, and I loved it. The stairs are steep, and not ADA accessible in any way, but I appreciated that aswell. Overall a lovely stay. Transportation: If youre renting a car, theynhave free parking. There are bus stops nearby (5 minute walk) and a bike rental that I didnt get to check out. My primary...

"The internet was broken, no elevetor - no airconditioning and the bugs - flies and wasps flew into the room. Had to have the windows open because it was so hot. Nice older couple ( I'm 74 myself) but in way over their heads. Really too bad. I booked another hotel through expedia and move - a good hotel the Mercure."

AED 835 total

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28 Jul - 29 Jul

"Wonderful host— lovely neighborhood, close to the lake and many restaurants, and great breakfasts!"

AED 494 total

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18 Jul - 19 Jul

Single Room | 1 bedroom, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

"Strange check in, with no front desk - check in at bar/restaurant next door. Clean room; good radiator heat for winter; good, fast hot water. "

AED 392 total

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15 Jul - 16 Jul

Double Room, Private Bathroom ( ECO) | Down comforters, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

"The shower was *tiny* but other than that, I loved staying here. It was a short walk to the S-Bahn, the keyless security system was very convenient, and the bed was SO COZY."

AED 398 total

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20 Jul - 21 Jul