Berlin Underworld

In the heart of Berlin, there is an underground world full of history and mystery that few people know about. Berlin Unterwelten, also known as Berlin Underworlds, is an association that was formed in 1997 with the aim of exploring and documenting the city's underground architecture and making it accessible to the public.

Since 2000, they have provided tours inside World War II air raid shelters, disused railway tunnels, abandoned brewery vaults and warehouses, among other places off-limits to the general public. The non-profit Berliner Unterwelten offers tours in several languages, including English.

The Berlin Unterwelten tour is a unique opportunity to delve into the unknown side of the history of the city, 80% of which was destroyed by the end of World War II. One of the highlights of the tour focuses on the bombing and civil defence during Nazi Germany. Visitors can explore the air-raid shelters and feel the anguish experienced by the occupants during the air raids. In addition, original evidence from the period is presented and the sensitive subject of wartime constructions and the protection of historical heritage is addressed. This experience offers an in-depth look at how the city dealt with the war from a civilian perspective.

Another must-see tour is the escape tunnels used during the construction of the Berlin Wall. During the regime of the German Democratic Republic (communist Germany), more than 70 tunnels were dug in an attempt to cross the deadly barriers and reach freedom on the western side. Only 19 of these attempts were successful, and more than 300 GDR citizens managed to reach West Berlin. This part of the tour explores Berlin's ghost stations and the security measures implemented to prevent underground escapes. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the process of cleaning and preserving these historic tunnels.

The Humboldthain Flak Bunker is another highlight of the tour. Built in 1940 to defend Berlin from enemy air raids, this bunker is one of the few that remained partially intact after the war. The tour allows you to explore three of the seven floors of this huge underground structure and offers impressive views into the building. The guides provide detailed information about the history of the bunker and the ongoing project to better preserve it. The journey through Berlin's underground history also includes a visit to the former Oswald-Berliner beer distillery, where failed and successful tunnel projects such as "Tunnel 29" and "Tunnel 57", which allowed citizens to escape to freedom, are explained.

Berlin Unterwelten is an enriching experience because, in addition to their historical significance, these tours offer a unique insight into life underground during times of war and political tension. When you're in Berlin, you can't miss exploring the city's Underworlds. It's an experience that will transport you back in time and allow you to discover a surprising aspect of the German capital that is not in the history books, but is hidden beneath everyone's feet.