There is a cone-shaped bunker at RAW Gelände. Today it’s called Der Kegel, and both children and adults can climb its walls, both inside and out
Quick Info
The bunker at RAW Gelände is a Zombeck-type structure and was built as a shelter for the workers at what was then a repair facility. Today, it houses a climbing wall called Der Kegel, The Cone.
The architect is Paul Zombeck, who patented this type of bunker in 1937. The bunker at the RAW Gelände is rather unique in Berlin, though it is fairly widespread throughout northern Germany.
Photo by Chrissie Sternschnuppe@flickr. CC BY-SA.
It is unclear when the bunker was built, but similar Zombeck towers elsewhere in Germany were built between 1940 and 1942.
Typically, there is a spiral ramp inside that winds around a cylindrical core, where workers from the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk, RAW for short, used to work. The walls are approximately 2 meters thick, while the ceiling is made of 3 meters of German steel-reinforced concrete, making it bombproof for its time.
Behind the entrances is an air lock that protects the bunker from chemical weapons and toxic fumes. Originally, the bunker could accommodate 500 people seeking shelter.
Today, the bunker is used for bouldering.
Photo by Chrissie Sternschnuppe@flickr. CC BY-SA.
Both children and adults are welcome at Der Kegel, as the place is called today. For a modest admission fee, you can climb the almost 19-meter-high wall, which is equipped with colorful climbing holds. There is also an indoor climbing wall.
Der Kegel is German for The Cone and is named after the cone-shaped architecture designed by Paul Zombeck.
It is a group of enthusiastic climbers who have spent two decades turning the old bunker into a bouldering spot.
Check the website for hours and prices.
Location:
Revaler Strasse 99
10245 Berlin
Family friendly: Yes
Price: Fair
