berliner unterwelten tunnel tour

• Tour 1 – Dark Worlds
• Tour 1 - Dark Worlds
• Tour 2 - From Flak Towers to Mountains of Debris
• Tour 3 - Bunkers, Subways and the Cold War
• Tour D - Tunnel and Bunker Dresdener Straße
• Tour F - The Fichtebunker Time Capsule
• Tour M - Under the Berlin Wall
• Important notes (about all tours)
• Permanent Exhibition
• Special Exhibition
• General Information
• Subway line 8
• Special Exhibits
• Restoration
• Expeditions and finds
• Oswald Berliner Brewery
• Information Panels
• Commemorative Plaques
• Myth of Germania 2008/2009
• The Beginings
• From “Germania” to the Downfall
• The Cold War in the Underground
• Reunification and Tunnel Opening

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Tour M – Under the Berlin Wall

• Berliner Unterwelten
• Guided Tours
• Public Tours
• Under the Berlin Wall

Hear the stories of the people who tunnelled to freedom

Ever since the SED regime erected the Berlin Wall in August 1961, there have been repeated attempts to cross the deadly barriers through the urban sewer system or self-dug tunnels, thus gaining access to freedom. The first tunnel project “ran” in October 1961, the last failed in 1982. In total, more than 70 tunnels were started, of which, however, only 19 were successful. Through them, over 300 citizens of the GDR managed to make it from East to West Berlin to freedom. There were spectacular successes, betrayals and bitter failures. Soon, a veritable “cat and mouse game” developed between the tunnel builders and the GDR State Security, with increasingly difficult conditions for the escape helpers and refugees. On this two-hour tour, we not only tell stories of the escape tunnels. The Berlin ghost stations, their seemingly perfect security against so-called border violators, and the sealing off of the sewage system against underground escape attempts are also extensively covered. After a visit to the themed exhibition rooms in the civil defence facility in Blochplatz, we travel by “subway shuttle” to Bernauer Strasse, a hotspot during the building of the Wall and a focal point in escape tunnel construction. Over a distance of just 350 metres, the border installations here were tunnelled under seven times. The exceptionally low ground water level made the creation of deeper escape tunnels possible. Near this authentic historical setting, we return to the underground. In the cellars of the former Oswald-Berliner Brewery, we explain by means of original scale tunnel replicas betrayed and failed tunnel projects, as well as the two most successful and spectacular projects from the time of the Berlin Wall – “Tunnel 29” and “Tunnel 57”.

As a highlight an original escape tunnel from 1970/71 can be seen – eight metres below the surface. This is accessed via a visitors’ tunnel approximately 30 metres in length, which was built by Berlin Underworlds over a period of a year and a half.  It is the only real escape tunnel which can still be visited today.

Please note that the hygiene and distancing rules must be followed.

After the tour we recommend a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial documentary centre .

Special Advice, Equipment

Sturdy footwear is obligatory (no sandals or flip flops!).

Please read our important notes about our tours .

Minimum Age, Accessibility

Our tours and exhibitions are not appropriate for children under 7 years of age. We regret that we must therefore refuse entry to children in this age group. The delivery and content of our tours is aimed at adults, and can only be recommended for children aged 14 years or older.

Due to limitations imposed by the structure of the buildings, our tours are not handicapped accessible.

Dates, Duration, Admission

Currently, we offer a limited tour programme in German and English. Dates and tickets can be found in our Online-Shop . Duration: 120 min. Admission: €19 (reduced €15) Our General Terms and Conditions are applicable.

Reservations and Tickets

Tickets for this tour are only available online via our Online-Shop . No ticket sales at the meeting point.

Please note that tickets purchased in advance are excluded from exchange, refund and return.

Tickets purchased in advance must be presented at the entrance of the tour.

Venue (with ticket), public transport

Meeting point with ticket: Badstraße / corner Hochstraße, 13357 Berlin GoogleMaps

Public transport: S+U / DB Gesundbrunnen, Bus 247

Information for groups

The public tours are designed for and aimed at individual guests.

Groups can book this tour on request .

Please visit the section: GUIDED TOURS > TOURS FOR GROUPS for more details.

Tickets for this tour are only available via our Online-Shop. No ticket sales at the meeting point.

Impressions

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5 Berlin Underground Tours with Berliner Unterwelten

On the streets of Berlin history is present everywhere. Modern and old buildings stand side by side everywhere in the city. Some houses bear memorial plaques or bullet holes. On the floor here and there are stumbling blocks commemorating the victims of National Socialism. Or the former course and restricted area of the Berlin Wall, of which some remains are still visible. Such a turbulent surface can only conceal equally turbulent foundations. The Association Berliner Unterwelten (Berlin Underworlds) makes these hidden places, located in the depths of the city, accessible to the public. Put on your warm clothes and comfortable shoes and we'll take you to explore the depths of the city!

Die Berliner Unterwelten e.V.: A cultural Association

Berliner Unterwelten are a cultural association. They have been working since 1997 to protect, preserve and document the underground of the German capital. Its members are researchers, people interested in history and key figures in the history of the Berlin Underworlds.

Berliner Unterwelten offer a permanent exhibition on "Germania", Hitler's pharaonic reconstruction project of Berlin, as well as other special exhibitions. In addition, daily guided tours on various topics are organized in German (but also in other languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch and Danish) Some guided tours are seasonal. To make sure that the desired tour and language is offered during your visit, please check the website of the association: https://berliner-unterwelten.de .

The different guided tours

Tour 1 - dark worlds (dunkle welten).

Berliner Unterwelten Tour 1 Bunker (© Berliner Unterwelten e.V./ Holger Happel)

This tour is an introduction to the underground worlds of Berlin. It shows an air-raid shelter, a bunker and a collection of objects from the Second World War and before, which were found during excavations by members of the association. Go back in time and travel through the history of the cellars, the breweries, the postal network, the sewage system... until the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Tour 2 - From anti-aircraft towers to mountains of rubble (Vom Flakturm zum Trümmerberg)

Berliner Unterwelten Tour 2 Flackturm (© Berliner Unterwelten e.V./ Holger Happel)

Three flak towers were built in Berlin after 1940. Massive constructions, which could accommodate up to 10,000 civilians. Only one of them, located in Humboldthain Park, partially survived at the end of the war. In the Berlin Underworlds you can visit the interior. You will also be able to see the ruins from the Second World War, which the members of the Association are still cleaning up.

This guided tour is only held from April to the end of October so as not to disturb the hibernation of the bats that have settled in the building. It is offered in English, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch.

Tour 3 - Bunker, subway and cold war

Berliner Unterwelten Tour 3 Subway (© Berliner Unterwelten e.V./ Holger Happel)

During the Cold War, West Germany feared a nuclear war with the Eastern Bloc. So it had bomb shelters built and old bunkers converted for this purpose. This tour focuses on explaining the disasters of a nuclear attack and how to protect the civilian population from this threat. Discover two authentic nuclear bunkers and their equipment that have stood the test of time. One of them, with a capacity of 3,000 people, is still operational.

Tour F - The time capsule (Geschichtsspeicher Fichtebunker) - nur auf Englisch und Deutsch

Berliner Unterwelten Tour F Fichtebunker (© Berliner Unterwelten e.V./ Holger Happel)

Gasometer, air-raid shelter, reception centre for war refugees, prison, old people's home, homeless shelter, food store: get to know the thousand and one lives of the "Fichtebunker". Berlin's largest bunker, built at the end of the 19th century in the district of Kreuzberg, preserves more than 130 years of history within its rounded walls.

Tour M - Underground into freedom (Unterirdisch in die Freiheit - Berliner Mauer)

Berliner Unterwelten Tour M Escape tunnel (© Berliner Unterwelten e.V./ Holger Happel)

What can you do to escape a dictatorship when you live as a resident in captivity and are guarded by a border system and intensive surveillance? This tour looks back on the happy and sometimes unhappy attempts of East Germans who tried to escape to the West via the Berlin underground tunnels. Subway, pipes and dug tunnels: You will be impressed by the boldness of some refugees, by the tenacity of some people who risked their lives to face an authoritarian regime in order to be reunited with their families.

A number of other guided tours are only available in German.

Why is it workth it?

A guided tour into the Berlin underground is simply extraordinary! It is a unique opportunity to see places you wouldn't think of or that are not freely accessible. Whether you are a history fan or simply looking for thrills, you will be fascinated by the anecdotes that run through the various tours. More than just a list of explanations and figures on excerpts from history, you will relive the stories of those who tamed the underground corridors of Berlin. Immerse yourself in a vanished world in these moments. Use the back doors of the subway. Browse through realistic reconstructions or authentic rooms and places. Finally discover Berlin as you have never seen it before!

Address: Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin (Führungen 1, 2, 3 und M) S-Bahn Gesundbrunnen Price: 12 € (reduced 10 €) Tickets are available on site 15 minutes before the tour starts. Duration: approx. 90 minutes

Mélodie Julienne

As a web writer, I am passionate about cinema and literature. As soon as I arrived in Berlin, I was charmed. Between two trips, I like to walk its streets and let myself be carried away by its singularity, full of creativity. An infinite fascination that I love to share!

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The Ultimate Guide to Berlin Underground Tours in English

by Original Berlin Tours | Mar 7, 2024 | Cold War Tour Berlin

Are you planning a trip to Berlin and curious about exploring its underground history? Berlin has a fascinating underground network of tunnels and bunkers, which played significant roles during World War II and the Cold War. Taking an underground tour in English is a great way to learn about the city’s history, architecture, and experience a unique adventure. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to Berlin’s underground tours in English and provide you with all the information you need to plan your excursion.

Why Should You Take an Underground Tour?

An underground tour in Berlin offers an immersive experience into the city’s fascinating past. Here are some reasons why you should consider taking one:

• Discover Hidden History: Berlin’s underground tunnels hold stories of war, espionage, and historical events that shaped the city. Exploring these hidden spaces allows you to get a deeper understanding of Berlin’s past.
• Unique Perspective: Walking through dark tunnels and secret bunkers gives you a unique perspective on the city’s history, different from typical tourist attractions.
• An Adventure Like No Other: If you enjoy exciting and off-the-beaten-path experiences, an underground tour in Berlin will be a thrilling adventure you’ll never forget.

Popular Berlin Underground Tours in English

When it comes to underground tours in Berlin, there are several options available. Here are some popular tours conducted in English:

1. Berliner Unterwelten

One of the most renowned underground tour companies in Berlin is Berliner Unterwelten. They offer a wide range of tours, focusing on different aspects of the city’s underground history. Some of their popular tours include:

• Dark Worlds: This tour takes you through air raid shelters and bunkers from the Second World War era. You’ll learn about life during wartime and experience what it was like to seek shelter underground during air raids.
• Cold War Nuclear Bunker: Explore a former nuclear bunker built during the Cold War and understand how Berliners prepared for potential nuclear threats.
• Subways and Bunkers: This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of underground bunkers, metro stations, and hidden tunnels used during specific historical events.

2. Berlin Underworlds Association

The Berlin Underworlds Association also offers captivating underground tours in English. Their tours include:

• Flaktowers: Visit the massive anti-aircraft towers constructed during World War II and learn about their purpose and significance during that time.
• Ghost Stations: Discover the abandoned subway stations of Berlin and understand their role as “ghost stations” during the Cold War division of the city.

Tips for Planning Your Underground Tour

Before embarking on your underground adventure in Berlin, keep the following tips in mind:

• Booking in Advance: Underground tours in English can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to secure your spot.
• Comfortable Clothing: The underground tunnels may be cold and damp, so make sure to wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear.
• Camera and Flashlight: Bring a camera to capture the unique underground environment, and a flashlight to navigate through any dimly lit areas.
• Respect the Rules: Follow the instructions given by your tour guide and respect any restrictions or safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

In Conclusion

An underground tour in English is an excellent way to delve into the rich history lurking beneath the surface of Berlin. Whether you’re interested in World War II, the Cold War era, or simply want an adventure off the beaten path, these tours provide an unforgettable experience. Book your tour in advance, dress comfortably, and get ready to explore the hidden depths of Berlin’s vibrant history!

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Berliner Unterwelten Tour Review – Explore Berlin’s Underworld

August 8, 2022

Completed all of Berlin’s top, above ground tourist attractions?

Why not explore the dark and devious side of Berlin;s history at the Berliner Unterwelten Tour.

Explore the otherside of Berlin after you have seen the stunning views at the Brandenburg Gate and TV Tower. Or before. 

Before you book your tickets and plan your trip, you may want to research if it’s your cup of tea.

In this article we have put together a detailed review of the Berliner Unterwelten Tour.

You can make a decision based on value for money, storytelling and other special features.

Keep reading to find out if you should book the Berliner Unterwleten Tour for your next trip to Berlin. 

What Is The Berliner Unterwelten Tour?

Berlin’s underground network is preserved at Berliner Unterwelten, a museum.

While taking a tour of the city’s underground, you can learn about World War II and the Cold War.

Hitler promised Berlin residents at the start of the Second World War that the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) would prevent any country from bombing the capital; however, as Nazi Germany started to lose its first battles, the government started to build bunkers in the major cities, especially in Berlin.

As the country was then faced with the Cold War, this underground system of tunnels and bunkers became essential for both sides of the war.

Many of the tunnels and bunkers were renovated with improvements that could be used as multi-use spaces that would save the population in the event of nuclear war. 

The Berliner Unterwelten Tour allows you to explore the museum and learn about the dark past of Berlin’s underground. 

Whether you are visiting the city for the first time or have never experienced the Berliner Unterwelten Tour, this could be a great way to learn the history of Berlin. 

Visiting The Bunkers 

As you enter the bunker you will be guided by a tour guide and in a small group of people.

Your tour guide will explain the past of the underground tunnels and take you to one of the 3,000 shelters that are built throughout the Berlin underground. 

Your tour guide will teach you about the uses of the bunkers during the war, the people that used them and how many people fit inside during the last moments of war.

Disturbing, unsettling yet highly interesting. They will share the true stories of people’s experiences within the bunkers. 

It is important you remain with your group and listen to your tour guide.

This is for you and your group’s safety throughout the tour. Plus you dont want to miss any interesting details about the bunkers and tunnels. 

Types Of Tours 

The Berliner Unterwelten offers several types of tours.

All which tells different stories regarding the underground bunkers and tunnels that run through the city of Berlin. 

Classic Tour 

On this tour you and your group will be guided to a fallout shelter.

This was created to protect the occupiers in the event of a nuclear explosion.

You will then be taken on a tour of a World War ll air raid shelter. 

Throughout Berlin there were 5 main air raid shelters, Zoo, Anhalt Station, Humboldthain, Friedrichshain and Kleistpark.

Offering shelter to over 65,000 people, you will be taken and guided through the horrific history of one of these shelters. 

Dark Worlds Tour 

By the end of World War ll, over 80% of Berlin had been destroyed by the Allies air raids.

On the Dark Worlds tour you will explore one of the bunkers that remains intact.

Your tour guide will share the dark history of how the survivors or Berlin managed to squeeze inside the public bunkers. 

This bunker has been untouched since the war allowing you to see the true conditions survivors of the war lived in.

As you walk through rooms and passages you will see artefacts from the war that have been buried in the underground system for decades. 

From Flak Towers To Mountains of Debris 

Hitler commanded the construction of six “Flak” or anti-aircraft towers in 1940 to protect Berlin from invading aircraft.

Only three of these six were built, and they were either destroyed or “demilitarized” after the war.

The Flak tower at Gesundbrunnen’s Humboldthain Park, however, was only partially damaged. 

This tour now allows you to stand on three of the seven floors of one of the biggest bunkers in the city.

As you take in the views of the building, the tour guide will explain the history of the structure of the building and the current, on-going project to help restore the bunker. 

Berlin’s Underworld Association are still working on cleaning the bunker and in the process have created the perfect hibernation area for bats.

This makes remaining quiet and within your group extremely important. 

Under the Berlin Wall 

East Germans frantically tried to escape when the Berlin Wall was constructed by either using the numerous underground tunnels or by creating their own tunnels.

As you take the Under the Berlin Wall tour you will see first hand the numerous attempts the citizens made in order to escape and how the authroties made it almost impossible to get to safety. 

Over a span of 20 years over 70 tunnels have been started with only 19 being successful.

These self-made tunnels helped over 300 citizens make it to the safety of West Berlin. 

This two-hour tour takes you through the stories of the escape tunnels, the Berlin ghost stations and the sealing of the sewage system to prevent underground escape attempts. 

Fichtebunker (The Time Machine) 

During WWll a 130 year old gasometer was turned into a bunker.

This gasometer was originally designed for lighting the streets of Berlin before the Nazi era.

In 1940 it was transformed into a public bunker which offered 6,500 mothers and children safety and protection. It quickly housed 30,000 people during the bombings. 

On this tour you will discover the distrubing past of the Fichtebunker as it protected mothers’ children, the Red Army and a reception camp  for refugees. 

Special Features 

Berliner Unterwelten is a museum of the Berlin underground tunnels and bunker from the Second World War, the educational building offers more. 

If the guided and group tours of the underground tunnels and bunkers simply weren’t enough for you, the museum are also offering seminars on the history of Berlin.

Historians and experts are being welcomed to give lectures on the shocking past of the city of Berlin. 

Anyone is welcome to attend by registering with the museum.

The seminars are accepted as educational leave in several other federal states in addition to being approved by the Berlin Educational Leave Act.

The Berliner Unterwelten is located just outisde of the heart of the city. With easy access by train you will ride over the historic Swinemünder Brücke bridge.

Getting off at the Gesundbrunnen train station you are only a simple walk away from touring the dark past of Berlin’s underground. 

There are also a selection of things to do after your tour such as shop at the Gresundbrunnen Center, eat at Smack Burger or take a walk in the Spielplatz Humboldthain park. 

With many more sites either a walk or train ride away, the Berliner Unterwelten is in a great location for tourists and those looking for something new to do. 

Value For Money 

When visiting Berlin and wanting to know more about the rich history of the city, the Berliner Unterwelten is the place to go. 

With a range of tours, seminars and 360 Zoom tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Visiting the museum and taking a guided tour is a cheap, budget-friendly way to know more about the city and its people. 

You will be guided through the maze of tunnels, see artefacts from the war and stand in one of the bunker shelters used to protect the people of Berlin. 

If you are looking to fully immerse yourself in the history of Berlin then the Berliner Unterwelten is a great place to start.

It is also in a tourist friendly location making it easy to find and places to keep you entertained after words. 

Final Thoughts 

Once you have completed touring the stunning above ground attractions that Berlin has to offer, you may want to learn about the devastating, deep history of its underbelly. These tours are not for the faint hearted. 

With a selection of tours to choose from you will be led down to the cities underground where Citizens of the Cold War made their escapes and survivors of the Second World War hid in hopes of being protected in the bunkers. 

You will be told the stories of survivors and the world they lived in, see the rubble in which they had to call home all within an hour to two hours. 

After which you register for a seminar to learn more or head out for some shopping, a stroll in the park or, if you can stomach it, a bite to eat!

Berliner Unterwelten: Discover the Secrets Under Berlin

Written by Kali Todd

Budget Travel Guides & Tips

July 30, 2023

Europe | germany | travel guides.

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, is a city known for its bold cultural scene, neotraditional architecture, and rich history. Many visitors wander through the lively streets often reminded of the city’s tumultuous past, shaped by war and division, however, deep below the surface lies a hidden world that tells intriguing tales told by Berliner Unterwelten, also known as Berlin Underworld.

Berliner Unterwelten is the stop to make when visiting Berlin – an extraordinary opportunity for travelers and history enthusiasts to delve into the depths of Berlin’s past. The guided tours by Berliner Unterwleten journey through a labyrinth of secret tunnels and bunkers telling mesmerizing stories of Berlin’s past. 

In the 1990s, a group of historians and architects joined together to explore the city’s underground passages, aiming to document and preserve hidden structures that played a vital role throughout World War II and the Cold War. This passion for preserving the city’s past turned into Berliner Unterwelten.

Berliner Unterwelten offers several different themed tours, each diving into important pieces of history within the city. These include:

The Dark Worlds Tour (Tour 1)

Offered in English, German, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Italian, and French

This guided tour delves into the extensive network of air-raid shelters utilized by civilians during the devastating bombing raids of World War II that destroyed 80% of the city center.  

An unassuming green door found in the Gesundbrunnen underground station houses bunkers created for air raid protection. Several floors of bunkers were developed in this area, squeezing people into cramped rooms for the hope of survival while bombs land on the city above. 

Following the war, these shelters remained because of the chance of damaging the subway system if they were to be destroyed. Although the shelters survived the Ally demilitarization program, they sat forgotten until 1998 when Berliner Unterwelten rediscovered them. Visitors on this tour gain a vivid understanding of the conditions faced by Berliners during the war and the measures necessary to survive.

Regular Admission: €16 Per Person Reduced Admission: €13 Per Person

Duration: 90 Minutes Meeting Point: Brunnenstrasse 105, 13355 Berlin

Tour 1 has a minimum age of 7.

From The Flak Tower to the Rubble Mountain (Tour 2) ​

Offered in English and German

In September 1940, under direct orders from Adolf Hilter, the construction planning of flak towers began. Flak towers are large, above-ground towers created by Nazis to protect cities from Allied bombers. They have an impenetrable concrete inside that doubled as air raid shelters.

Three pairs of flak towers were constructed from 1940 to 1942 and measure nearly 230 feet by 230 feet and stand over 130 feet tall with ceilings as thick as 10 feet. Thousands of civilians used these towers as an air-raid shelter during World War II. 

Only one flak tower remains today, as the others were destroyed following the war. Located at Humboldthain, a small memorial park dating from 1869, is the miraculously preserved tower that sat under approximately 49.44 million cubic feet of rubble. Berliner Unterwelten has moved nearly 50 million cubic feet of rubble to date with over 8,000 labor hours to do so.

This tour takes visitors through the interior of the flak tower ruins, with access to three of the bunker’s seven floors. Stunning views looking down mesmerize visitors thanks to the cantilevered design of the building. The flak tower has also become a seasonal home to bats, which is why this tour is only available from April to October.  

Duration: 90 Minutes Meeting Point: Brunnenstraße, 13357 Berlin, Germany

Tour 2 has a minimum age of 18.

Bunker, Subway, Cold War (Tour 3)

Offered in English, German, Spanish, Danish, and Dutch

This intriguing tour gives a captivating glimpse into the remnants of the underground Cold War era with the reactivation of civil defense bunkers in western Berlin and the construction of new protective structures at the time, commonly referred to as multipurpose facilities because they now serve as parking garages, subway stations, and storage rooms. The impact and horror of a possible nuclear war are explored throughout this tour.

This tour begins with a visit to Blochplatz Civil Defense Facility, originally built during World War II and reactivated between 1981 and 1983. The facility is designed to accommodate 1,318 people for 48 hours in the event of an emergency. 

Next, visitors are led to the nearby Pankstraße subway station which was transformed into a modern nuclear shelter in 1977. This shelter can accommodate 3,339 people for several weeks and is equipped with underground waterworks for a drinking supply, reinforced concrete grates that once sealed off the facility airtight, and an emergency generator for an independent power supply. Bedrooms with bunks four high are piled into rooms, giving an eye-opening glimpse into what would be the living conditions of survivors. It ranks as the fourth-largest civil protection facility in Berlin.

Regular Admission: €16 Reduced Admission: € 13

Duration: 90 Minutes Meeting Point: Badstraße / Corner Böttgerstraße, 13357 Berlin

Tour 3 has a minimum age of 7.

Underground To Freedom: Tunnel Escapes Under The Berlin Wall (Tour M)

Offered in English, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, and French

The Socialist Unity Party (SED) created the Berlin Wall in 1961. In one night, East German soldiers laid more than 30 miles of barbed wire barrier through Berlin, forbidding East Berliners from crossing over into West Berlin. Several deadly attempts were made by East Berliners attempting to escape through the sewage system, subway system, and self-dug tunnels in order to gain freedom. Over 70 tunnel systems were erected from 1961 to 1982, with only 19 having successful escapes. In total, 300 East Berliners were able to escape through these 19 tunnels. This tour focuses on these 3 main means of escape – subway, sewage, and tunnels. 

When the wall was first established, the train systems couldn’t just stop running because they crisscrossed throughout the East and West of Berlin. The West was required to run the subway system at a slow speed through East Berlin, with military personnel timing each train to make sure they didn’t stop at any East Berlin stations. However, many West Berliners would open the cart doors and allow East Berliners to run and jump into the carts. This was until officials of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) caught on and required the subway to increase speeds to where individuals could not jump into carts. GDR military made subway escapes even more deadly for those attempting to walk the subway tunnels to freedom by placing traps. It was during this tour that a visitor spoke up about how she clearly remembers the subway being forced to continue through East Berlin stops when she lived in Berlin as a child at the time. 

With the subway system no longer being an option for East Berliners, they resorted to the sewer system. East Berlin college students created a ploy by requesting sewer blueprints from the water company for a “class project.” They used these blueprints to find the best routes for escape, allowing some 800 people successfully do so. 

Lastly, digging tunnels seemed to be the only other means for escape left. East Berliners would dig tunnels from their basements, hoping to end in a basement on the West. The low groundwater near the wall made it possible to tunnel out without flooding, too. After visiting the Blochplatz Civil Protection Facility on the tour, the U-Bahn takes visitors to Bernauer Straße, to the underground vaults of the former Oswald-Berliner Brewery to walk through the vivid stories from survivors of these tunnels, touching on the most successful and spectacular projects – Tunnel 29 and Tunnel 57.

Because these tunnel passages under Berlin were really only known by those who took part in their creation, not all were originally found. Interestingly enough, individuals on the Berliner Unterwelten tours who took part in the tunnel creation and escapes during the Cold War were able to pinpoint new locations for historians as recently as 2018. 

This tour ends with a fascinating first-hand look at Tunnel 57, the only real escape tunnel that can still be viewed today.

Regular Admission: €19 Reduced Admission: €15

Duration: 120 Minutes Meeting Point: Badstrasse / corner Hochstrasse, 13357 Berlin

Tour M has a minimum age of 7.

The AEG Tunnel: Germany’s First Subway Tunnel (Tour A)

Offered in German only

From 1895-1896, the Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft company, commonly referred to as AEG, constructed a large machine factory that transformed the Humboldthain area into a factory town.

To connect to a separate factory located on Ackerstraße, AEG constructed a 968-foot-long tunnel with electric-powered trains to shuttle workers and materials between the two locations from 1897. This was Germany’s first subway tunnel which laid a foundation for modern transportation. 

In 1910, the eastern tunnel ramp was dismantled and extended into the basement of a new building. As time progressed, the tunnel was used in a variety of ways, including an ammunition production site during World War I and a factory air-raid shelter for AEG employees during World War II. In 1984, AEG closed down the location and an investor purchased the building. 

The underground structure later became submerged and inaccessible. It was not until 2016 that the building owner, the company GSG, and Berliner Underwelten, opened the structure to visitors.

Regular Admission: €16

Duration: 90 Minutes Meeting Point: Voltastrasse 5-6, 13355 Berlin

Tour A has a minimum age of 14.

Fitchtebunker Time Capsule: Berlin’s Dark Past (Tour F)

The Fichtebunker was constructed from 1883-1884 to be a gasometer, playing a crucial role in keeping Berlin’s streets illuminated until the Nazi era. In 1940, the Bunker Construction Program for the Reich Capital transformed the gasometer into a six-story mother-child bunker with 10-foot-thick ceilings and the ability to house 6,500 people during bombing raids. However, during continued aerial attacks, this shelter accommodated up to 30,000 people desperate for shelter. 

After the Red Army occupied the Fichtebunker in 1945, the building once again shifted its purpose to be a reception camp for refugees and the homeless. The basement served as a prison until the 1950s when it was turned into a retirement home and shelter for the homeless, earning the name “Bunker of the Hopeless.” That was until 1963 when a murder was committed in the building, causing the bunker to be cleared and later converted into a storehouse for food to aid West Berliners. Lofts are now located on the bunker’s rooftop while the interior of the bunker remains preserved in its original condition. 

This tour delves into the haunting era of the historical bombings and how it affected both refugees and citizens who lost their homes, bringing in eyewitness accounts and exhibits to showcase the remarkable resilience of those who sought refuge within Fichtebunker.

Regular Admission: €16 Reduced Admission: €13

Duration: 90 Minutes Meeting Point: Fichtestrasse 6, 10967 Berlin-Kreuzberg

Tour F has a minimum age of 7.

Operations Bunker: The Former Humboldt Hospital (Tour O)

The Reinickendorf Association Hospital was built on the street Teichstrasse from 1908-1910 and provided medical care to Reinickendorf residents and the surrounding communities until 1985. For its time the hospital was the most advanced medical facilities in Berlin. During World War II, the hospital was equiped with surgical bunkers that allowed for emergency operations in spite of air raids. Most operational bunkers have been repurposed or demolished, however, this site showcases the preserved historical feature. 

In the 1960s and 1970s, the site became a bedstead and mattress storage area in preparation for disasters. After extensive restoration and reconstruction by Berliner Unterwelten starting in 2004, the operations bunker from 1941 is back to its original state, even receiving monument protection in 2010. This tour brings visitors through the medical and wartime history of the city, viewing the restored operations bunker that played a vital role in critical medical interventions during wartime.

Duration: 70 Minutes Meeting Point: Teichstraße / Sankt-Galler-Straße at the entrance to the car park, 13407 Berlin

Tour O has a minimum age of 14.

Final Thoughts

Berliner Unterwelten Tours are generally available year-round, but I strongly recommend checking the schedule and booking in advance, especially during peak season. Tours are conducted in various languages, catering to an international audience. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, as some tours may involve uneven terrain and narrow passages.

Berliner Unterwelten Tours are an extraordinary opportunity to explore the hidden history of Berlin, offering an unforgettable experience for history buffs and tourists alike. I booked Tour M: Under the Berlin Wall which was a fantastic experience – one of my favorite things I did in Berlin. So, the next time you find yourself in Berlin, consider embarking on a Berliner Unterwelten Tour. Or two. It won’t disappoint!

More Information:

Prices: Prices range from €13 to €19 per person. Schoolchildren, trainees, students, unemployed persons, and severely disabled persons receive reduced admission.

Where To Book: Advance tickets can be purchased online here . 

When To Book: Tickets are available 30 days in advance. Do not wait until your arrival to Berlin to purchase because tours will likely be full. No tickets are sold at meeting points.

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I have never heard of these tours but love Berlin. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely be checking one out the next time I am there.

I have never travelled abroad, but when I do this is the kind of stuff that I would want to see and learn about. Very awesome article!

Berlin is such an endlessly fascinating city! Thanks for sharing these tips

Wow – I have never been to Berlin but would have probably never thought to research something like this. Thank you so much for the cool and informative article!!

Very interesting, thank you for sharing.

These are tours I have never seen pop up thank you, it will make for a great addition to my DO list…

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