What Happened to Hitler’s Bunker and Wolfs Lair After WWII?
The fall of Nazi Germany in 1945 marked a significant end to the Second World War, with the Battle of Berlin being one of the final major confrontations. Much of the city, and particularly Hitler's bunker, was destroyed in the aftermath of this battle. What happened to this once-ominous location, and where can we find these historical sites today?
Berlin and the Fuhrerbunker
The Fuhrerbunker, a bunker located beneath the Reich Chancellery, was where Adolf Hitler and his mistress Eva Braun lived out the last days of the Third Reich. The bunker was eventually destroyed, with the city itself being heavily damaged in the intense fighting. After the war, the site was reclaimed by the victors who ensured its destruction and disassociation from Nazi symbols.
Today, the original location of the Fuhrerbunker is hidden under a car park in Berlin. It can be found in a secluded grassy area, often used by pet owners for their dogs to relieve themselves. The bunker's former location is often referred to in a rather humorous and derisive manner, with the area being dubbed "Scheie auf Hitler!" (Hitler's shit).
Wolfs Lair
Wolfsschanze, or "Hawk's Nest" in English, was the primary Nazi headquarters located in East Prussia. The site was used as Hitler's Eastern Front headquarters from June 1941 until November 1944. By January 1945, the bunker had been partially destroyed. After the war, the site was left abandoned until the 1990s. Today, Wolfs Lair has evolved into a historical site attracting over 300,000 visitors annually.
Visiting Wolfs Lair
In 2011, when I visited the site, very little was still visible above ground. However, there were informational signs providing historical context. Even in mid-2012, finding the location was a challenge, as it was located beneath modern apartment and office buildings, surrounded by overgrown weeds and debris. The site is now a recognized historical landmark, reflecting Germany's efforts to preserve and educate about its past.
The Fate of Hitler’s Bunker and Wolfs Lair
It is a common misconception that the Soviets destroyed the Fuhrerbunker. In reality, the decision to annex and preserve the site was made by Soviet engineers, who deemed it too complex and costly to demolish. The bunker was later sealed off and re-discovered in the early 1970s by East German military forces. They conducted an inventory, filmed the operation, and filled the space with debris, before sealing it up once more.
The tale of Wolfs Lair also reflects a complex relationship with the past. Although it is still there, the site is maintained as a historical reference rather than a shrine. Despite the German public's desire to move on from the past, efforts to preserve and understand the historical significance of such sites continue. The ultimate goal is not to glorify, but to educate and comprehend the events that shaped modern history.
Note: The reference to ‘right wing fruitcakes’ and 'Scheie auf Hitler!' reflect a very specific and local humor and attitude. Exercise caution and sensitivity when using such expressions in a broader context, as they may be considered offensive by some audiences.