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/

Find all hotels by Derag Livinghotels in Wandlitz from AED 316

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Compare rooms and suites by Derag Livinghotels in Wandlitz with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

"Looking forward to staying again "

AED 364 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Jun - 30 Jun

"This was a lovely stay! The area was quiet (considering there was construction on the street) and the service was very warm and considerate. I would stay here again. I don't recommend it for individuals looking for a lively night life, and would recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing Berlin trip."

AED 450 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jul - 7 Jul

"Staff and hotel were brilliant "

AED 411 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jul - 7 Jul

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Recent reviews of Wandlitz hotels

5/5 Excellent

"This hotel is walking distance to many sites in Berlin. although the rooms are small, there are a number of common areas - including a roof patio to gather with our group. It was a fun hotel with a great location."

A verified traveler stayed at URBAN LOFT Berlin

Posted 15 hours ago

5/5 Excellent

"Excellent location for this superb hotel, friendly service from all staff, comfortable rooms with excellent amenities (the Nespresso coffee machine and Bose Wave Soundtouch are excellent items to have in the room). I don't know if all rooms have these but the bathroom had a full bath, separate rainfall shower and twin sinks. The air conditioning worked well, which was apprecaited in the 28C heat and humidity during our trip."

A verified traveler stayed at Dorint Kurfürstendamm Berlin

Posted 2 days ago