Imagine being crammed into this Hochbunker, the Anhalter Hochbunker, during the relentless Allied bombings. This massive structure offered a desperate refuge. Built in 1942, the Anhalter Hochbunker was designed to protect railway personnel, travelers and residents.
Let’s delve into the story of this imposing Hochbunker. It stands as a testament to a dark chapter in Berlin’s history. The Anhalter Hochbunker was not just any shelter. It was constructed as part of the “Führer-Sofortprogramm.” This program was initiated to provide immediate protection in key, traffic-heavy areas.
The Reichsbahn, the German national railway, was compelled to create shelters at all stations. This Hochbunker at Anhalter Bahnhof became a priority. It was designed to hold 3,000 people. Yet, it often housed up to 12,000 souls seeking safety from the incessant air raids.
Think about the construction of the Anhalter Hochbunker. It boasts three stories above ground and two below. Its walls are a staggering four and a half meters thick. The bunker covered 3,600 square meters with around 100 rooms.
Originally, the Anhalter Hochbunker had accommodations for railway officials. The top floor even featured rooms for the Reichsbahn president, press, and senior staff. Imagine offices, telephone booths, and machine rooms within this concrete behemoth.
Access to the Anhalter Hochbunker was multifaceted. There were entrances above ground. The south exit of the Anhalter S-Bahn station served as another entry point. Underground connections linked it to the North-South Tunnel and the Anhalter Bahnhof hall.
Picture the lowest level of the Anhalter Hochbunker. Six lock passages marked the main entrance from the North-South S-Bahn tunnel. These passages hint at the massive influx of people seeking refuge. A command center was also located here. Uniformed men operated telephones and teletype machines.
Until late 1943, life at Anhalter Bahnhof remained relatively untouched by the war. But as Allied bombers began targeting Berlin, the Anhalter Hochbunker became crucial. The station suffered immense destruction during a major air raid on February 3, 1945.
As the Soviet army encircled Berlin in April 1945, Anhalter Bahnhof became a key defensive position. The Anhalter Hochbunker was caught in the crossfire. The retreating Wehrmacht destroyed nearby bridges to slow the Soviet advance.
On April 26, 1945, Soviet troops reached the Landwehrkanal. The Anhalter Hochbunker was within range of their artillery. Preparations for crossing the canal involved heavy artillery and rocket launchers. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn tunnels were barricaded and manned.
Imagine the conditions inside the Anhalter Hochbunker. Overcrowding led to catastrophic hygiene. Washrooms and toilets became unusable. Bodies lay where they fell. Food and water were scarce. Soldiers eventually sealed the above-ground entrances to prevent panic.
The SS ordered the evacuation of the Anhalter Hochbunker. Thousands were driven through the tunnels towards Friedrichstrasse and Stettiner Bahnhof. In the morning hours of May 2, 1945, the SS detonated the S-Bahn tunnel under the Landwehrkanal.
The Anhalter Hochbunker was flooded via the S-Bahn connection. The floodwaters spread throughout the underground transportation network. After the war, the Anhalter Hochbunker remained submerged.
Today, the Anhalter Hochbunker houses the Berlin Story Bunker Museum. It features exhibits on Berlin’s history, including the Nazi era. As you explore, remember the thousands who sought refuge here amidst the chaos of war. The Anhalter Hochbunker stands as a silent witness to their stories.