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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Experience the city from our contemporary hotel, offering stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

"Very nice hotel close to train station. Staff, Room and Restaurant was above expectations Great stay"

$91 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

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Enjoy a panoramic city view from the comfort of your room, featuring a large window and a seating area with armchairs and a small table.

"Hotel was great location for food and shops, and visiting the stadium"

$97 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

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Relax and socialize in this serene outdoor seating area surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants.

"Very nice hotel. Clean, helpful staff, and convenient to downtown. "

$91 nightly

Aug 10 - Aug 11

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Relax in style amidst the city views and modern comforts of our lobby, featuring plush seating, a central dining area, and a touch of sophistication from local artwork.

"Great location "

$91 nightly

Aug 10 - Aug 11

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Experience the sleek, modern architecture of this urban hotel, featuring a prominent sign and evenly spaced windows.

"It's very easy to get to tourist spots. It's also close to the Zoo station on the S-Bahn, so I recommend it."

$86 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

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Enjoy a sophisticated drink at the bar with a selection of beverages.

"Rooms were very quiet"

$91 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

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Indulge in a diverse selection of meats, cheeses, and desserts at our buffet.

"I would stay here again and recommend to friends."

$99 nightly

Jul 27 - Jul 28

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Welcome to our reception area, featuring a central counter, seating area, and glass partition offering a view of the outside.

"Excellent and efficient hotel very close to (in between) Alexanderplatz and Hackersher Markt. I had no trouble checking in very late due to a late arrival, the breakfast buffet was nice, and the room and bathroom were super clean. The hotel lobby also has an excellent bar and a quiet courtyard to enjoy a drink. "

$91 nightly

Jul 20 - Jul 21

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