They all make interesting histories and Berlin particularly has several things to explain about history and World War II. Among such a history, the most appealing sites are the active historic bunkers that were extremely vital during the war. Anyone interested in Berlin’s previous history and would love to go on a historical tour should book a walking tour on the historical bunkers found in the city. In this blog post about the walking tour program of Berlin’s bunkers, we are introducing their basic features and giving clues how to get the most of attending.
What is special about Berlin’s bunkers?
In times of world war II Berlin was almost attacked by Allied powers and bunkers had a significant importance to offer a shelter to the people living in Berlin. These bunkers were for protective shelters during air raids and bombardments and construction affirmed Germans intention to preserve its citizens. Now these reinforced shelters are well-preserved and the structures can be considered as an important piece of the aforementioned civilization, as well as illustrative of the suffering, which inhabitants of the city gone through.
Types of bunkers in Berlin
Depending on the area of Berlin, there are different kinds of historic bunkers, every one of them was a witness in one or another event. Here are a few notable ones:
Air Raid Shelters
First of, air raid shelters were constructions intended for use by the civilians during air raids. Such shelters were sometimes underground, and contained provisions that allowed persons to survive for some time. A few air raid shelters can be visited even today and get an idea of the life that was endured during the war.
Flak Towers
Flak towers were huge concrete blocks intended designed specifically to protect Berlin from aerial bombardment. Some stored anti-aircraft guns while they also served as air raid shelters. Visiting Flak tower gives an enthusiastic tourist a small chance to learn about the wars strategy of the Second World War.
Führerbunker
ADOLF HITLER spent his last days in the Führerbunker a complex of bunkers built under the German capital. While the primary underground space is now gone, the specific site on which it stood has historical meaning. There are information boards and plaques at the site where the infamous Fuhrer’s bunker was located to help depict an end to a regime.
Planning your walking tour
It might also interest you to know some of the kinds of bunkers that you should visit and therefore plan your walking tour. Here are some important points to consider:
Conduct proper research and identify the right route
When queuing the bunkers you intend to visit do it based on the order of importance of the bunker in the course of history as well as ease to access them. The most convenient ones should be located first, and try to choose the directions that will take you through several of them in a day. If you are a person who likes structure, you may opt to join a guided tour.
Concerning opening and closure, they also differ mainly in terms of general availability.
There are many bunkers that are still private or not for use, therefore, its protectors recommend people to check if they are opened all times. Also, it may be something to do with the mobility if at all you face any physical disability when it comes to moving up and down or from one area of the course to the other. While some of them have stairs or some other restrictions.
Use maps and guides
Related to this the ways in which people move from one place to another should be explored more through the use of maps, guide books or the internet. Of which, mark the places you intend to visit along the several bunkers then either use public transport or preferred walking trails for convenient sightseeing.
Rules governing access to Berlin’s historic bunkers
When visiting the historic bunkers in Berlin, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Respect the sites: Please note that these bunkers have been serving the past and historical importance should not be violated. This means the users should not engage in any activity that will harm or destroy the sites.
- Follow safety instructions: If it’s easy to access bunkers you are walking around, pay attention to any information given regarding safety. Accessibility conditions in some areas may be limited or strict for the required security to adhere to by guests.
- Take guided tours: It is advisable to join a guided tour in order to get better understanding of the major events connected with the bunkers. Well informed guides will be able to put things into perspective for you and respond to any query you might have in mind.
- Engage with interpretive materials: It is worth mentioning that, many bunkers hold informational tools like exhibits or information boards as well. The reader is encouraged to spend some time going through these materials to improve their comprehension of the site.
A walking tour to historic bunkers in the Berlin provides a good way to have fun and at the same time learn . Even the shelters to the debris of Hitler’s bunker give a voice to those who have passed on and an insight into the lives of Berlin during the war. Hence, put on your comfortable footwear, carry an OR Map and let the historical experience of a lifetime transpire.
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