What secrets does Sprengplatz Grunewald hold? This seemingly tranquil area in Berlin’s Grunewald forest has a history far from peaceful. Sprengplatz Grunewald translates to “blasting place.” Since 1950, this 200 by 200-meter site has served as a storage and detonation area for ammunition. Originally, it was primarily used for disposing of unexploded ordnance left over from World War II. Today, the Berlin Police’s bomb disposal unit manages Sprengplatz Grunewald. They handle everything from controlled detonations of old ammunition to the safe removal of newly discovered explosives.
Sprengplatz Grunewald isn’t just a place for large explosions. While six to eight large detonations occur annually, there are also around seventy smaller blasts. These smaller detonations serve a dual purpose. They are used to dispose of smaller ordnance and for training exercises. The cost of operating Sprengplatz Grunewald has fluctuated over the years. In 2004, it cost around one million euros to run the facility. By 2022, that cost had been reduced to roughly half a million euros.
Located near the Hüttenweg exit of the A 115 highway, Sprengplatz Grunewald’s proximity to major transportation routes has caused concern. During larger detonations, sections of the A 115 are closed for safety. In the early morning hours of August 4, 2022, an unexpected detonation at Sprengplatz Grunewald sparked a major forest fire. The dry conditions allowed the fire to spread quickly. This incident disrupted Berlin’s S-Bahn and regional train lines. Even long-distance trains had to be rerouted. The Avus highway also faced closure. While train services resumed after a few days, the highway remained closed for longer.
The 2022 fire reignited the debate about Sprengplatz Grunewald’s location. Its proximity to a popular recreation area and major transportation routes raised concerns. Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s mayor at the time, suggested exploring the possibility of relocating the site to Brandenburg. However, Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik advocated for keeping Sprengplatz Grunewald in its current location. She highlighted the dangers of transporting unexploded munitions over long distances and the lack of suitable alternatives within Berlin’s city limits. Sprengplatz Grunewald remains a vital part of Berlin’s safety infrastructure, a place where the echoes of past conflicts meet the ongoing need to protect the present.