The Concrete Block Resembles Something From Berlin’s Electricity or Water Supply, but It’s the Leftovers of an Official Nazi-era Bunker
In Nazi Germany, the Wasserschutzpolizei (water police) was formed by merging the coast guard with other police groups from the former German Empire. They maintained order on Berlin’s rivers and canals. During World War II, they built a bunker at Eckernförderplatz.
The bunker is still there.
Eckernförderplatz
Eckernförderplatz is a modest triangular area in Wedding, bordered by Sylterstraße, Seestraße, and the canal connecting Westhafen and Nordhafen.
In the late 1920s, the area was used by craftsmen and small businesses. Eckernförderplatz was filled with warehouses, stables, and small garages.
This changed in 1936 when the National Socialists planned a major redevelopment of the square. Tenants were evicted, and the warehouses and stables were set to be demolished.
World War II disrupted those plans, leading the water police to take up residence in a newly constructed underground bunker designed to shield them from the Allied bombings of Berlin.
Photo by Chrissie Sternschnuppe@Flickr. CC BY-SA.
Inside the Water Police Bunker at Eckernförderplatz
The bunker is relatively small, comprising four rooms and designed to accommodate approximately 50 individuals.
Two rooms serve as airlocks, acting as barriers between the outside and inside. These airlocks stop smoke or toxic gases from contaminating the shelter.
There is also a small room to monitor the main airlock and the shelter itself, which can hold up to 50 people during an air raid. The unmonitored airlock provides access to an emergency exit situated at the far end of the bunker.
But you’ll have to take my word for it.
Vandalized and Sealed
Over the years, the bunker has faced break-ins and vandalism. It has remained sealed for a long time, with little to no records about it.
Since fall of 2024, the area has been further restricted as it serves as a habitat for one of Berlin’s numerous bat colonies. Several bat species are protected under German law.
Just before the bunker was totally sealed, I caught a glimpse of the damaged staircase leading to the main airlock.
Photo by Chrissie Sternschnuppe@Flickr. CC BY-SA.
The bunker entrance is simple to locate. Eckernförderplatz has been transformed into a park, and as you stroll along the main path, you’ll quickly notice the entrance conveniently positioned right beside it.
There’s little more to discover beyond what’s shown in the photos, but a hidden gem awaits at Eckernförderplatz.
Beyond the bunker entrance, if you navigate through the nettles and push deeper into the thicket, you’ll come across the displaced statue Orpheus with the Animals: The Power of Music.
Where:
Eckernförderplatz
Sylterstraße, Seestraße, Wedding
Family Friendly: Yes
Price: Free
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