In Hamburg, Germany, a bunker transformed into a tourist complex

One of the largest bunkers from World War II, located in the northern German city, has just opened to the public after a major renovation. The building now houses a hotel, restaurants and a gym.

Built in 1942, this bunker, located in the city center of Hamburg, Germany’s second city, has been transformed into a tourist complex. The original structure is almost intact, partly camouflaged under the green mantle of vegetation. To accommodate a hotel, restaurants and a gym, the bunker was raised by five floors and now peaks at 58 meters.

Almost 60 million euros have been invested to renovate the building, which almost disappeared after the war, explains Katja Derow, marketing manager. “At the very top you can see the old anti-aircraft towers, there are four in total, and still at the top there is a hole in the facade”she describes during the first visit open to the public.

“We tried to blow up part of it and we realized that the demolition would take years and cost a fortune. So, we decided to leave the bunker in place and transform it for the future,” explains Katja Derow.

“It’s proof that you can transform an ugly colossus that recalls a dark past into an exemplary urban planning project. It’s simply a brilliant neighborhood project.”

Katja Derow, Marketing Manager

to franceinfo

With its 75 meters wide and its five-meter thick concrete ceiling, the bunker could accommodate 25,000 people in the event of an air attack. On the first floor, Katia, who lives in the neighborhood, discovers the exhibition dedicated to the history of the air raid shelter.

“A lot of bunkers have been demolished in the city over the last 20 years, particularly to build housing, It’s understandable, but it erases history a little more every day,” she laments. “This allows us to keep a record of the Second World War and what happened, I think that’s good. The people who lived through it die little by little, and after that they only exist in history books.”

The staircase, which winds around the building, leads to the top, transformed into a garden. But before discovering the panorama of the port, you have to climb the 365 steps. “It was a bit tiring, but worth it, the view is magnificent”notes Klaus, who took a few breaks during his climb.