Berlin's hidden Tempelhof tunnels reveal wartime secrets and modern revival

Beneath Berlin’s historic Tempelhof Airport lies a vast, five-kilometre tunnel system built in the 1920s. Spanning three levels, these tunnels once played a key role in logistics and wartime operations. Today, parts of the network are being restored to keep them safe for future use. The tunnels were originally designed to streamline air cargo transport, featuring a 400-metre road and rail passage. During World War II, they took on a darker purpose—Weser Flugzeugbau GmbH used forced labour inside them to assemble fighter planes. After the conflict, the space was repurposed to transport heavy fuel oil to the airport’s heating plant until the 1980s.

Despite persistent myths, no historical evidence confirms claims that the tunnels served as Nazi escape routes. Now, renovation crews are working to stabilise the structure by sealing leaks in the 400-metre tunnel. They are excavating damaged sections from above and fitting new waterproofing along the joints.

Some areas remain accessible to visitors. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the tunnel’s past, showcasing its role as both a functional artery and a tangible link to Berlin’s complex history. The ongoing repairs aim to preserve the tunnel’s structural integrity for years to come. Once complete, the restored sections will continue to serve as a reminder of Tempelhof’s layered past—from wartime operations to modern-day logistics. Public tours will still allow visitors to explore parts of this historic underground network.