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/

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Compare 16 Houseboats in Wandlitz with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Exclusive Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Overwater | Living area

SAR 2,282 total

includes taxes & fees

11 May - 12 May

Living area

"B"

In-room dining

SAR 1,235 total

includes taxes & fees

19 May - 20 May

Terrace/patio

SAR 2,590 total

includes taxes & fees

6 May - 7 May

Fridge, oven, stovetop, coffee/tea maker

Interior

"Pros: lake view, standup board Cons: sometimes the very close neighbors houseboats"

SAR 3,237 total

includes taxes & fees

6 May - 7 May

Fitness facility

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Exterior

"Great location, friendly staff and close to transport and restaurants."

SAR 535 total

includes taxes & fees

18 May - 19 May

Balcony

"Had everything you needed and in an excellent location!"

SAR 424 total

includes taxes & fees

11 May - 12 May

Full-size fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher

"Really lovely property in a good area. Variety of shops within easy walking distance. Great communication and self check in available. Great room and very clean. Will definitely be staying here when I'm in Berlin again next year!"

SAR 461 total

includes taxes & fees

12 May - 13 May

Recent reviews of Wandlitz hotels

Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin

5/5 Excellent

"Great location, quiet good-sized room, excellent breakfast and friendly staff. "

A verified traveler stayed at Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin

Posted 2 days ago

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