Architecture - Green Hamburg bunker open to all - visitors delighted
Overview of Hamburg: Much Green and Diverse Catering Offers: The renovated St. Pauli High Bunker is now open to all visitors. "At 9:00 am, the cross was opened and people streamed upstairs," said a spokesperson on Friday afternoon. Hundreds ran up the so-called Mountain Path and visited the cafes. "Life has returned to the Bunker."
However, the police put up a barrier on the first day once again. Due to the expected crowds at the EM Fanfest on the adjacent Heiligengeistfeld, the Mountain Path and the rooftop garden of the Bunker had to close again from 3:00 pm, as the spokesperson stated. There are safety restrictions on the number of visitors, as the responsible parties announced. "The maximum number at the rooftop garden is 900 at the same time." This will be controlled. Different opening hours for summer and winter are planned. In the warm months, the rooftop garden can be explored from 9:00 am-9:00 pm.
Visitors are enthusiastic
The first visitors were certainly enthusiastic. "Great, fantastic," said a man. On the so-called Mountain Path, visitors kept stopping and marveling at the view. Once they reached the top, some rested first in the green and then marveled at the view. Hundreds of people had admired the new attraction on the first day, said the spokesperson.
Built by forced laborers
The originally 38-meter-high Flak bunker, which was built by forced laborers in 1942, was raised by five additional floors to 58 meters and extensively planted. The rooftop garden with 4,700 plants is accessible from the outside through airy heights via the Mountain Path, which is also lined with many plants, shrubs, and trees. The roof and facade greening of the World War II building is considered a natural climate control system.
Hamburg's Senator of Finance Andreas Dressel (SPD) described the renovated building at the official opening ceremony on Wednesday evening as a "project of worldwide impact." "A dark chapter of German history is becoming a friendly, bright, living place," said the private investor and builder Thomas Matzen. During the 2019 construction work, there were delays. 60 million Euros are said to have cost the elevation and greening of the Colossus next to the Millerntor Stadium, according to statements by the end of 2023.
Hotel, show kitchen, concerts, readings
In the new section, the Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel reportedly has 134 rooms for its guests. Visitors to the Bunker can enjoy drinks, snacks, and music in the bar "Karo & Paul" on several floors. The café "Constant Grind" and the restaurant "La Salsa" with show kitchen will also welcome guests. In the "Rock Shop" in one of the former Flak turrets, not only numerous souvenirs can be bought, but also readings and small concerts are planned. A new multi-purpose hall can be used for sports and cultural events.
Part of the concept is also a memorial and information center, which reminds of the history of the building. The bunker was supposed to serve primarily as a Flak defense during World War II. "Sources show that during the bombardments on the city of Hamburg, at times up to 25,000 people found shelter in the Bunker," it says on the website of the building.
- The St. Pauli High Bunker, located in the heart of Hamburg, offers a panoramic view of the city, making it a popular tourist attraction.
- Despite the closure during the EM Fanfest due to safety restrictions, the renovated bunker has become a hub for nature lovers, with over 4,700 plants nestled in its rooftop garden.
- In the heart of St. Pauli, the renovated High Bunker now houses a hotel, show kitchen, concerts, readings, and even a Rock Shop, making it a hub for gastronomy and entertainment.
- The construction of the original 38-meter-high Flak bunker was a grim chapter in Hamburg's history, built by forced laborers during World War II.
- Today, the police keep a watchful eye over the tourist hotspot, ensuring that the history of the High Bunker is never forgotten, while also maintaining order for its modern-day visitors.
- As part of its new life as a tourist attraction, the High Bunker also features a memorial and information center, providing insight into its dark past and reminding us of the miscellaneous aspects of Hamburg's history.
