Just a short train ride from the booming city of Berlin lies a vast, quiet landscape with a storied past—the Döberitz Heide. What was once one of Germany’s most prestigious military training grounds is now a massive nature park. But if you look closely, leftovers of its dramatic history still peek through the forest foliage. For urban explorers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike, the Döberitz Heide bunkers and their surroundings offer a fascinating glimpse into an almost forgotten era.
I first heard about this place several years ago when I started hunting down abandoned places to explore since the area is close to Krampnitz. But for some reason, I never managed to find the time to go there. I blame the fact that everything after Spandau is quite far from Neukölln, the area where I have been living in Berlin for years.
It all changed around March 2025 when I hiked around the area with my friend Rodrigo from Canal Alemanizando, and he took his drone with him, so the flyover pictures are from him. But we took far too many pictures of everything else. During the more than 20 km hike, we spotted what used to be various bunkers, a Soviet war memorial, some deer, and bison.
It was quite a Sunday, as you can see by the pictures below.
A Legacy Forged in Sand and Steel
The story of the Döberitz Heide begins long before the modern era. Since the 18th century, the forested areas west of Berlin have served as a military training site. But it was in the late 19th century that the area was truly transformed.
In 1895, the Truppenübungsplatz Döberitz (a name that could be translated as Döberitz Army School) was officially opened, a massive military base spanning over 4,400 hectares. To simulate the steppe- and desert-like conditions troops would face in the colonies, three-quarters of the land was deforested, creating the peculiar, sandy landscape that defines the park today.
The base quickly became a cornerstone of German military operations. It served as a training ground for the Emperor’s Guards and was a hotbed for military innovation. In 1910, the Döberitz Aviation School was founded, making the area the birthplace of all German army aviation. It was here that legendary figures like the fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron, honed their skills.
During the lead-up to World War II, Döberitz became a central training ground for the new German military. Its sandy soil was perfect for training heavy artillery and tanks, and the airfield buzzed with activity as pilots and paratroopers prepared for war. The infamous Legion Condor, a unit that fought in the Spanish Civil War, even launched its campaign from here.
Remarkably, despite its strategic importance, the base was largely spared from Allied bombing, leaving most of its structures intact after the war.
From Battlefield to Nature Park: The Transformation of the Döberitz Heide Bunkers
After a brief stint as a refugee camp following the end of the Second World War, the Soviet army took over the Truppenübungsplatz Döberitz in 1947. And the area remained under their control until the 1990s.
The Soviets expanded the base, with over 20,000 troops stationed there at its peak. When they finally went away, they left behind a landscape marked by decades of military presence. And you can see the Soviet presence in the graffiti left around the bunker’s remains and the Prussian obelisk.
The bunkers and barracks, once symbols of military might, were abandoned, a haunting shadow of the past. But nature had other plans.
In the years that followed, the land was gradually reclaimed. A portion of the area was designated a military training ground for the German Bundeswehr, but the majority was transformed. In 1997, the training area was turned into a nature park, and in 2004, the leveled airfield became a sprawling wild animal reserve overseen by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation.
Today, the park is a refuge for wildlife and a popular destination for Berliners seeking an escape into nature. But the ghosts of the past are still present.
While the majority of the barracks and larger bunkers have been demolished, you’ll still stumble upon remnants of their foundations—crumbling brick walls and scattered rubble peeking out from beneath a canopy of trees and bushes. These small, scattered details remind you that you’re not just walking through a forest; you’re hiking through a piece of military history.
A Journey Through Time: Discovering the Secrets of Döberitz Heide’s Bunkers Today
Getting to the Döberitz Heide is straightforward. A short train ride from Berlin’s central station will take you to Dallgow-Döberitz, from where it’s a relaxed walk to the park entrance.
For the adventurous explorer, the most rewarding experience comes from getting off the beaten path. While the main trails are well-maintained, be prepared for some sandy stretches. You can also venture to the edges of the park, where you might find more isolated relics, like the bunker you can see in the pictures here surrounded by steel drums.
While a series of electric fences protects the core nature reserve to keep its wild inhabitants safe, the park’s outer ring is a rewarding playground for explorers.
The most impressive vista is at the Finkenberg observation tower, which, despite its impressive height, is more a giant metal staircase than a sturdy tower. The swaying in the wind might not be for those who get vertigo, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it.
On a clear day, you can see all the way to Berlin, with the Fernsehturm at Alexanderplatz visible in the distance. Too bad it wasn’t the case when we went there.
The Döberitz Heide bunkers and their surrounding landscape offer a unique blend of history and nature, making it a perfect day trip from Berlin. Take a look at the map below to find some places to explore in the area.
Beyond the Wall: Exploring the Abandoned Döberitz Heide Bunkers Near Berlin
14624 Dallgow-Döberitz
