Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof

Beneath Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof lies a secret. Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof is more than just a place to park your car. This underground parking garage has a double life. Built in 1978, Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof also served as a bunker. It was designed to protect 4,500 people in times of crisis. This dual-purpose design is reflected in its German name, Mehrzweckanlage, meaning “multi-purpose facility”. The bunker is divided into two sections by large gates. Even the technical area underneath could be separated by a grid door. Imagine the scene in 1978. The Cold War casts a long shadow over Europe. Stuttgart, a vital industrial hub, needs to protect its citizens. The construction cost for the bunker features of Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof was 6,200,000 German Marks. The bunker is equipped with electricity, a generator, ventilation, city water connection, and even its own emergency well. It was stocked with beds, ready for those seeking refuge. Today, the threat of nuclear war has diminished, and Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof primarily serves its original purpose. It accommodates 1,290 parking spaces. Among them are 14 “Bahn Comfort” spaces and 37 spaces each for women and people with disabilities. The garage houses rental car companies like Sixt, Europcar, Avis, and Enterprise. If you’re looking for a short-term parking spot or a convenient pick-up/drop-off point, Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof has options for you. You’ll find various tariffs, including a 30-minute rate and an hourly rate. For those staying longer, daily and monthly rates are available. Interestingly, the original plan during the Stuttgart 21 project was to decommission the bunker function of Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof. Due to the high costs involved, the decision was reversed. The land will eventually return to the city of Stuttgart once construction is complete. As you descend into Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof, remember the history beneath your wheels. It’s a testament to a time of uncertainty and a reminder of the multifaceted nature of this unassuming urban space.