Field Trip: Cold War Bunkers in Underground Berlin

Even though our schedules were filled with academic visits to places related to Germany’s role in the European Union, we still had the chance to explore the beauty of some of Germany’s magnificent tourist attractions. One such place which captured my attention is known as the Cold War Bunkers located underground, in Berlin - a local guide kept us entertained by providing a “what if” perspective. Imagine a nuclear threat was in the midst, what would Germany’s population do? The poor would find refuge in underground bunkers, and the rich would escape to their private bunkers. When my colleagues and I entered the bunkers, I began to feel a little claustrophobic since the spaces were small. The box-shaped rooms resembled a prison-like feel – a truly horrid feeling. Now, imagine how German citizens would feel after being trapped in these rooms – no privacy, no comfort, and absolutely destitute of any experience regarding cooperative survival skills, which is of utmost importance when handling the maintenance of the bunkers. The first room, which consisted of two heavy metal doors (for entering and exiting the room), required the survivors to shower in front of everyone and change into yellow track suits (only one size was available thus those who would not fit into what seemed like a small size would not be able to wear the track suit, or maybe they would have to and be uncomfortable for a while). Next, we visited the bathroom which was a bit disturbing because the toilets did not have toilet seats and they seemed rusty – sanitation and privacy were lacking. The room where everyone would rest in consisted of uncomfortable bunk beds which did not have mattresses – they would be forced to sleep on what appeared to be hammocks attached to sturdy metal poles. In addition to the bathroom and resting room, the kitchen was the next room that we visited. The bowls and plates were made out of plastic and the cupboards were filled with non-perishable foods – from canned vegetables to canned beans. The pots were very big, which would allow the chef to provide portions for at least 50 people at a time. At the end of the tour, our tour guide emphasized that if a nuclear war did break out, the bunkers would have been destroyed because they were not built deep enough. Therefore, if citizens were forced to vacate their homes and hide in underground bunkers, it would have been in vain – a tragic ending to the magnificent, yet upsetting tour. Being able to walk through a bunker which would have been used if a nuclear war broke out is an experience that I will never forget. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures but some pictures can be found online:  http://www.viator.com/tours/Berlin/Underground-Berlin-Subways-Bunkers-and-the-Cold-War-Walking-Tour/d488-2796SUBWAY/photos.