Just 50 minutes from Berlin Mitte, you can discover Fort Hahneberg, a colossal brick fortress in Spandau that dates back to 1888. This historic ‘lost place,’ once intended for defense but quickly rendered obsolete, now offers exciting guided tours for history buffs and nature lovers. It even served as a backdrop for Quentin Tarantino’s blockbuster ‘Inglourious Basterds’.
What is Fort Hahneberg?
Fort Hahneberg is a gigantic brick structure, built between 1882 and 1888. A staggering 28 million hard-fired bricks were used in its construction, which saw the fort completely buried underground with meter-thick, bomb-proof ceilings. Despite its impressive design, rapid advancements in artillery technology, particularly the invention of the high-explosive shell, meant the fort was obsolete as a defensive structure almost as soon as it was completed. It then served as barracks and a warehouse, marking a costly military flop.
Today, the preservation of this historical site is overseen by a volunteer association. Visitors can explore its dark vaults and marvel at the sheer size of the defensive complex, gaining insight into a unique piece of Prussian military history.
Visiting Fort Hahneberg: Essential Information
The fortress is open to visitors from April through October. Guided tours are typically available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
How to Plan Your Visit:
- Access: The grounds can only be accessed as part of a guided tour.
- Footwear: Sturdy shoes are highly recommended due to uneven terrain.
- Clothing: Even in summer, it can be cool and dark inside the thick walls, so bring a sweater.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: approximately €7.50-€9.50
- Children: approximately €2.50-€5.00
Location and Travel:
📍 Address: Fort Hahneberg, Hahnebergweg 50, 13591 Berlin
By Car: You can park on Hahnebergweg and walk the final few meters up the hill.
By Public Transportation: Take the bus (e.g., M37) from Spandau City Hall to the Hahneberg stop. The fortress is a short walk from there.
Fort Hahneberg in Film and Nature
The fort’s winding corridors and rugged atmosphere have attracted filmmakers, most notably Quentin Tarantino, who used it as a backdrop for his film ‘Inglourious Basterds’. It’s here that the Basterds are first seen in action, deep behind enemy lines.
Beyond its cinematic appeal, Fort Hahneberg is also a vital natural habitat. During the colder months, hundreds of bats utilize the frost-free casemates for hibernation, making it a strictly closed area to humans in winter. However, in late summer, special evening tours are offered, providing a unique opportunity to observe these nocturnal inhabitants.
Important Notes:
- The fortress is strictly closed during winter to protect hibernating bats.
- Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information on tour dates and times.
For more information and specific dates, please refer to the official website.
Source: https://secretberlin.co/en/fort-hahneberg-spandau-inglourious-basterds-en/
