Wartime Berlin

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As Hitler's Germany began the long and agonizing process of losing World War II, the war began to literally impact on Berlin in new and terrifying ways. By the end of 1943, the "Battle of Berlin" had begun in the air. The Luftwaffe had all but lost its superiority, leaving the city virtually defenceless against Allied bombing by night and day. The civilian population hid in their cellars and in underground railway stations. Huge concrete shelters were also constructed above ground. Many of these simply proved too much effort to demolish, and so have survived!

Above-ground shelter on Pallasstraße. Blocks of flats have been built on and around it!

Another above-ground shelter on Albrechtstraße.

Volkspark Friedrichshain, to the north-east of the city centre, was the setting for two gigantic concrete overground anti-aircraft gun platforms and above-ground air-raid shelters. Far too large to completely demolish, the bunkers were transformed into artificial hills when thousands of tons of rubble were piled-up against their sides!
The Großer Bunkerberg and Kleiner Bunkerberg (Large and Small Bunker Hills) now provide some fine views of the surrounding area (see Berlin Panoramas).

Both photos were taken appoaching the top of the Großer Bunkerberg -- showing the exposed remains of the concrete parapets.

The Flakturm in Volkspark Humboldthain. Another tower that was far too difficult to demolish, this was buried on three sides only, leaving one side, and the top, clear.

The ruins of the Anhalter Bahnhof (Anhalt Railway Station). Once one of the largest stations in Europe, only a small part of the facade now survives. The railway itself was cut during the time when Berlin was divided.

Closer views of the main entrance to the Anhalter Bahnhof. Most of the site of the station platforms is occupied by tennis courts and the Tempodrom arena.

Looking at the back of the station facade from the top of the steps up to the Tempodrom.

The tower of the ruined Bethanienkirche dominates Mirbachplatz, in Weißensee, north Berlin .

This rather non-descript building in Karlshorst, south-eastern Berlin, was built as a casino for officers of the Nazi army, the Wehrmacht. It was here that the unconditional surrender of Germany to the Allies was signed on 8 May 1945. It is now a fascinating museum.