Berliner Unterwelten

At the beginning of the Second World War, Hitler assured Berlin inhabitants that the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) would impede any country from bombarding the capital; however, when Nazi Germany began to lose its first conflicts, the authorities began to build bunkers in the principal cities, especially in Berlin.

During the Cold War, this underground system of tunnels and bunkers became essential for both sides and in some cases, were renovated, improved and prepared for a possible conflict between the Allies and the Soviet Union. For example, West Berlin spent millions to construct multi-use buildings like subway stations and underground car parks that would save the population from a nuclear war.

Visiting the Bunkers

A knowledgeable guide will guide you through the underground tunnels to one of the 3,000 shelters that are located underneath the capital of Germany.

During the tour, you’ll learn what the bunkers were used for during the war, who used them and how many people fit inside them during the last days of the war. Your guide will also tell you fascinating and startling true stories that happened underground.

The nonprofit company offers tours in various languages, including English. You cannot book a tour in advance, so we recommend you get to the Museum a little early to make sure you get a place on the tour.

All Types of Tours

The Museum offers several types of tours, all of which are interesting and worthwhile. They vary depending on the day and time:

• Classic tour: Your guide will take you to a fallout shelter, designed to protect the occupiers from a nuclear explosion. Followed by a tour of a World War II air raid shelter.
• Dark Worlds: By the end of the Second World War, the air raids of the Allies had destroyed 80% of Berlin. On this tour, you’ll discover one of the bunkers that remains intact and learn how the Berliners survived thanks to cramming into the public bunkers.
• From Flak Towers to Mountains of Debris: To protect as many civilians as possible, Hitler ordered the construction of various enormous anti-aircraft fortresses. After the war was over, the towers were demolished. The tour includes a walk along three floors of one of the ruined Towers, while a guide explains how and why they were used.
• Subways and Bunkers in the Cold War: During the Cold War, West Berlin invested millions to renovate and upgrade the underground tunnels and facilities, including metro stations and parking lots.
• Under the Berlin Wall: When the Berlin Wall was built, East Germans desperately tried to escape using the various underground tunnels or by digging their own tunnels. On this tour, you’ll discover the numerous attempts by the citizens and how the authorities made these attempts practically impossible.
• Fichtebunker, the “Time Machine”: This old gasometer, over 130 years old, was transformed into a bunker during WWII. Later, the building was used for various purposes.

The Best Experience in Berlin

Unless you suffer from claustrophobia or don’t like being underground, these tours will transport you to the end of World War II. All the tours will exceed your expectations.