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From bunker to green oasis: Hamburg's Flakturm IV enchants guests!
Discover the history of Flakturm IV in Hamburg: from the Nazi bunker to the urban cultural center and green adventure space.
From bunker to green oasis: Hamburg's Flakturm IV enchants guests!
A piece of history that shapes change in Hamburg: The Flakturm IV, a former air raid shelter from the Second World War, has developed into an urban oasis in recent years. Once a symbol of forced labor and war, the bunker on Feldstrasse in St. Pauli today not only offers a fascinating insight into the past, but also a modern experience for Hamburg residents and their visitors.
The Flakturm IV was built in 1942 in a huge effort in which around a thousand forced laborers worked on its construction in less than 300 days. With a floor area of 75 by 75 meters and an impressive wall thickness of 3.5 meters, the bunker was designed for up to 18,000 people, while up to 25,000 people sought protection during air raids. The aim of the construction was to offer the population a safe refuge during the air raids on Hamburg, which played a strategically important role in the war. Wikipedia reports that the anti-aircraft towers, which were built on the orders of Adolf Hitler, only partially met military requirements, but were nevertheless successful as protective accommodation for the civilian population.
From darkness into light
After the end of the Second World War, there was talk of blowing up the bunker, but this plan was not implemented due to its use as an emergency shelter. The bunker was used for civilian purposes until the 1990s, before it was converted into a media center in 1990. In 1999, the club opened J's in the media center, but had to close again just two years later. In 2006, the Uebel & Gefährlich club finally opened its doors, which has since been named Hamburg Club of the Year several times. Known for bunker raves and electronic parties, the club attracts numerous night owls and music lovers. Esquire reports about the various events that take place there, such as concerts, readings and of course the legendary parties under the motto “Above Down Everything”.
But that's not all: In July 2024, the modern redesign of the Flakturm was celebrated with the opening of the new “Green Bunker”. The renovation, which cost around 60 million euros, created a green oasis in the urban area. Around 4,000 visitors flock to the building every day, which attracts not only Hamburg residents but also international tourists. Discover Germany explains the interesting transformation and highlights the roof garden, which is planted with around 23,000 plants and serves as a cozy common room. The Flakturm IV has attracted attention with the integrated REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel, which includes 134 rooms, in addition to a bar, a main restaurant, a café and a rock shop.
Hamburg's new landmark
The significance of Flakturm IV goes beyond its historical past. It has developed into a new landmark in Hamburg and impressively shows how you can deal with history and creatively integrate it into the present. The connection between the past and modern life makes the bunker a unique point on the map of the Hanseatic city. With free entry, access to this historic place is still guaranteed for everyone. The Flakturm IV not only provides exciting experiences, but also valuable cultural exchange in the big city.