WWII Bunkers & Cold War Relics
During World War II, Berlin became a city of shelters and secret passageways. Some of these spaces still exist today, offering a glimpse into a dark chapter of history.
Berliner Unterwelten – This non-profit organization leads some of the best underground tours, taking visitors through air raid shelters, escape tunnels, and subterranean military bunkers. Their “Dark Worlds” tour reveals bomb shelters used during the war, with eerie remnants of the past still visible.
The Führerbunker (Remnants of Hitler’s Bunker) – Though largely destroyed and buried, the location of Hitler’s bunker remains one of Berlin’s most infamous underground sites. Today, a simple plaque marks the spot above ground, while fragments of the structure remain hidden below.
Stasi Prisons & Escape Tunnels – The Cold War turned Berlin into a city of division, and many East Berliners risked their lives attempting to escape through underground tunnels. The Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer tells their stories, and some original tunnels can still be explored.
Abandoned Subway Stations & Forgotten Tunnels
Beneath Berlin’s modern metro system lies a forgotten network of abandoned U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations, some of which have eerie Cold War histories.
“Ghost Stations” of the Cold War – During the Berlin Wall era, subway lines that passed between East and West Berlin had to close certain stations, which became known as Geisterbahnhöfe (ghost stations). Some of these, like Nordbahnhof and Potsdamer Platz, have since reopened but still carry an unsettling atmosphere.
The Abandoned U10 Line – Berlin was once planning a U10 subway line, but construction was never completed. Some of the tunnels and empty stations still exist beneath the city, their platforms frozen in time.
Hidden Bunkers in U-Bahn Stations – Some active subway stations, like Gesundbrunnen, still contain hidden bunkers that were built for civilian protection during wartime.
Berlin’s Underground Nightlife: Speakeasies & Hidden Bars
Berlin has long been a city of rebellion and reinvention, and its underground nightlife reflects that spirit. From secret bars to clubbing in actual bunkers, the city’s nightlife scene is as much about the experience as it is about the location.
Buck and Breck – Hidden behind an unmarked door near Rosenthaler Platz, this tiny speakeasy-style bar is one of Berlin’s worst-kept secrets. Entry is limited, and the cocktails are some of the best in the city.
Sisyphos Bunker Room – One of Berlin’s most legendary clubs, Sisyphos, has a hidden bunker-style dance floor where techno beats pulse until sunrise.
Berghain’s Dark Basement – While Berghain’s main floors are famous, few talk about the near-mythical basement spaces said to exist beneath the club. Their exact purpose remains part of Berlin’s underground mystery.
Kebap with Attitude – A hidden bar disguised as a kebab shop, this Kreuzberg gem serves craft cocktails behind its seemingly ordinary fast-food counter.
How to Explore Berlin’s Underground Authentically
Take a guided tour – Many underground locations are not accessible without a guide. Berliner Unterwelten offers some of the best historical tours, while alternative tour companies specialize in urban exploration.
Use alternative entry points – Some abandoned tunnels and bunkers are located near active subway stations. While access is restricted, historical plaques and museum exhibitions provide insight into their past.
Visit at night – Some underground bars and clubs open only after dark, creating a unique, secretive experience. Research entry requirements, as some places enforce strict door policies.
Respect the spaces – Many underground locations hold historical significance, so visiting with awareness and respect is essential. Some tunnels and sites remain closed to the public for safety reasons.
