Flakturm Humboldthain: A Relic of WWII Berlin

Flakturm Humboldthain is a colossal concrete structure located within Volkspark Humboldthain in Berlin's Gesundbrunnen district. Constructed between 1941 and 1942, it was one of three Flak Towers built to defend the city from Allied air raids. These towers, equipped with heavy artillery, served as both anti-aircraft batteries and shelters for civilians. The Humboldthain Flak Tower, or Flakturm III Humboldthain, consisted of a main G-Tower (Gefechtsturm or Combat Tower) and a smaller L-Tower (Leitturm or Fire Control Tower). The G-Tower was armed with various anti-aircraft guns, including 37mm, 20mm, and massive twin 128mm Flak 40 guns. The L-Tower housed radar equipment to locate enemy bomber formations. The towers had walls several meters thick, making them virtually bombproof. The G-Tower also housed a fully equipped hospital and served as an air-raid shelter for up to 40,000 people. After the war, the French troops partially demolished the Flakturm Humboldthain. However, complete demolition was not possible due to the tower's proximity to important railway lines. Today, the remaining structure is a popular observation deck offering stunning views of Berlin. Visitors can explore the ruins and even take guided tours inside the tower with Berliner Unterwelten. The park itself offers various leisure activities, including climbing, jogging, and swimming. In winter, the bunker becomes a sanctuary for bats.