Berlin Underground: Bunkers, Crypts and Subterranean Tours

The next time you're in the dynamic German capital, venture into Berlin’s hidden underground world to explore its historic bunkers, ancient crypts and captivating escape tunnels. You'll uncover the city’s layered history and the unique stories buried beneath its streets, and gain a fresh perspective on Berlin’s rich heritage. Discover five of the best locations to seek out subterranean Berlin.

Behind an unassuming green door in Gesundbrunnen railway station, a hidden world awaits. Here, begin your underground adventure with a guided tour of historic bunkers. In the maze of winding tunnels and cramped rooms, the history of the German capital echoes from the thick walls.

Glimpse the lives of ordinary Berlins who took shelter in these bunkers during World War II air raids, and learn how the history of underground Berlin reflects the city's vibrant past. Did you know that the development of brewery cellars in the 19th century contributed to knowledge of subterranean engineering that helped form the Berlin metro system? 

During this tour, a short U-Bahn ride to Pankstrasse station also offers the chance to see a more modern bunker built during the Cold War.

Berlin Underworlds Association

• Information booth and bookshop at Gesundbrunnen: Brunnenstraße 105, 13355 Berlin
• Tickets available online
• Telephone: (030) 49 91 05 17
• Prices vary by tour

Daring efforts to escape East Germany have become legendary, and crossing the Berlin Wall was often the biggest challenge. Subterranean Berlin Wall escapes were some of the most ambitious attempts. Explore an original escape tunnel from 1970/71, and see full-scale replicas displayed in the cellars of the former Oswald-Berliner Brewery. 

Between the early 1960s and the early 1980s, more than 70 tunnels were started, but only 19 were successful. Success and failure, of course, were both common experiences among East Berliners trying to cross to the West. Hear their stories through the exhibitions and locations during this enthralling tour.

"Ghost stations" were underground train stations in East Berlin that were sealed off and closed to the public, as movement in East Berlin was heavily restricted. However, some trains still passed through them: after Berlin was divided, two West Berlin U-Bahn continued to run through East Berlin but did not stop at any stations. Passengers from West Berlin would observe these empty, eerie stations as they travelled through, hence the name "ghost stations."

An underground journey with Berlin Underworlds Association offers the chance to learn more about ghost stations through exhibits, talks, and a visit to the "ghost line" that was formerly subway line D (today's U8). As with many tours of underground Berlin, layers of the city's history are stacked and intertwined, and there's also evidence of subway construction from the 1920s.

Embark on a Berlin U-Bahn expedition in an open subway car. This tour is offered on Friday evenings from April to October and is provided by BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe), the city's main public transportation company. During this subterranean sightseeing tour, the open car travels through Berlin subway tunnels, with hosts providing interesting details.

The ride is an opportunity to gain a unique perspective on German culture and history, through Berlin's metro system. You'll be provided with information on everything from potato cellars to nuclear bunkers capable of sheltering more than 3,000 people. You'll probably want to relax in the open air after your underground expedition, so book a stay at nearby Mercure Hotel Berlin City West, which has a lovely, tranquil terrace with an outdoor pool.  

BVG U-Bahn Convertible tour

• Location: The tour begins and ends at Deutsche Oper subway station
• Times: Friday evenings from April to October, 7pm and 10:30pm
• Tickets are available online 

The Hohenzollern Crypt beneath Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is an essential part of any underground Berlin experience. This important crypt is the resting place of over 90 members of the House of Hohenzollern, the royal dynasty that was founded during the Middle Ages and ruled until the middle of the 20th century. The tombs vary greatly and represent changing styles throughout the ages. While some are simple wood coffins, others are stunningly elaborate. Metal, stone, wood and even velvet decorate the most ornate tombs.

The crypt is just one part of a rewarding visit to Berlin Cathedral. After your underground exploration, you may wish to spend time above ground – way above ground, by climbing 270 steps to the cathedral's famous dome, where panoramic views of the city await. The Imperial Staircase, the opulent chancel and the great Sauer organ are among other highlights at the cathedral.

The Hohenzollern Crypt is undergoing restoration until autumn 2025 and is not currently open to visitors.

Berlin Cathedral

• Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am to 6pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm
• Transport: 1-minute walk from Museumsinsel U-Bahn station

After you've explored the dark and mysterious corners of underground Berlin, you'll be ready for a breath of fresh air, so head to the city's renowned Botanic Garden to stroll its greenhouse, arboretum and landscaped gardens.