Another guest blog; this time from a guest writer called Andreas Foth, who I have had the pleasure of instructing Business. As we were discussing interesting activities for visiting tourists to the region, Andreas mentioned a place that I have never heard of in all my years here but now feel compelled to go and see, and felt compelled to ask him to write about. I will pass over to his words (and say “thanks Andreas!”) from here:
Hello Everyone. My name is Andreas Foth. I was born in 1978 in the German Democtratic Republic (more commonly just referred to as the ‘GDR’), where, for about a decade, I was a citizen of this rather horrible system. I’d like to tell you about a product of this system, a former GDR bunker that has become a unique museum where I used to work:
Explore Germany’s more recent history by visiting the nuclear bunker “302”. Completed in 1986, Bunker 302 was built not as shelter for the East German population but as an information centre, safe from any kind of nuclear or major chemical attack. Political changes and the reunification of the German Democratic Republic and Federal Republic of Germany meant that the bunker soon became obsolete – flooded, forgotten, and neglected by bunker experts. Revived in 2006, it has become a historic and military memorial to the nuclear arms race and cold war.
A visit to the strategic centre of operations and communications simulate the incredible scenario of nuclear warfare. You are never alone in this building: you will hear commands, almost smell the officers and servicemen, and even hear a lonesome last prayer as the final 10 second countdown begin…
Tour Facts
• a guided tour of bunker 302
• an additional audio tour packed with useful information
• a visiting time of one hour and 15 minutes
• a 1 km walk
• an approximate 90 steps (up and down)
Please note the following:
• the bunker has a fixed temperature of 9 degrees Celsius
• sturdy shoes and warm clothing are recommended
• the bunker is not suitable for people with wheelchairs, physical disabilities which impede movement, the visually impaired, or people who suffer from claustrophobia
• high noise levels can affect people with hearing devices
• visitors should be aware of the low structure of the bunker to avoid head injuries
You can find more information at www.bunker 302.de, or here though only presented in German, unfortunately.
I hope you give the bunker a visit and enjoy your time (down) there.
Andreas Foth
