Literature and the military don’t go together? In a small town south of Berlin, the opposite is true. Wünsdorf has made a name for itself as the “Book and Bunker Town.” There’s hardly any other place where two such contrasts come together. So if you’re looking to spend a spring day in Berlin on a day trip , you should add this village to your list! Nestled in the heart of Brandenburg’s pine forest , a world of bunkers, military history, and old books unfolds across a small area. A must-see for fans of abandoned places and literature.
In the Underworld: The Bunker World
Wünsdorf was a military power center for over a century. First under the German Empire, then as the headquarters of the Wehrmacht High Command during World War II, and finally as the largest Soviet military base outside the USSR, known as the “Forbidden City.” For East German residents at the time, Wünsdorf was completely off-limits and isolated by walls and fences.
You can see what remained after the Soviet troops withdrew in 1994. Deep underground lie gigantic concrete structures that made history. Particularly impressive are the “Maybach I” and “Maybach II” bunker complexes, which were built as camouflaged country houses, as well as the “Zeppelin” communications center bunker . Guided tours are available daily, allowing visitors to wander through the corridors and experience the underground fortresses.
In the upper world: The book town
The former restricted area has also transformed into Germany’s first “book town.” Numerous antiquarian bookstores have set up shop in the renovated former barracks and residential buildings. Hundreds of thousands of books from a wide variety of eras are stored here: from rare first editions to affordable classics. If you enjoy browsing, Wünsdorf is the perfect place for you.
It’s worth taking a look at the village’s calendar of events. Readings, exhibitions, and more take place throughout the year. At the Garrison Museum, you can explore the town’s military history, and at the Neue Galerie, you can view contemporary art. Wünsdorf will surprise you: such a tranquil place has a lot to offer, ranging from world literature to old military history.
