The Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel is a key feature of the iconic housing complex called Autobahnüberbauung Schlangenbader Straße, located in Berlin’s Wilmersdorf district. It showcases the ambitious urban planning of the 1970s.
This architectural marvel, which blends residential living with a major traffic artery, has recently become the center of a complex debate about safety, urban design, and the evolving needs of a modern city.
I first visited this place by accident back in 2014, and I loved its architecture. I remember thinking about going back there to take some pictures. It took me 10 years to return, and it only happened because a friend shared some photos from the closed Schlangenbader Strasse Tunnel. I remember reading about it, but I didn’t know how accessible it was.
The pictures here are from the area around the Schlangenbader Strasse Tunnel. I took them on different visits in January 2025. Most of it was completely empty, giving it an interesting “28 Days Later” feeling. But the tunnel was locked and fenced. There was also a set of cameras around the parameter, so I wouldn’t try to jump the fence there unless you want to deal with the police.
But before I discuss the tunnel, let me share what I learned about this iconic housing complex in Wilmersdorf.
Navigating the Schlangenbader Strasse Tunnel: History, Closure, and Reopening Plans
The Schlangenbader Strasse complex, often called “die Schlange” (the snake) due to its elongated shape, is a fascinating example of post-war German architecture. Designed by Georg Heinrichs, Gerhard, and Klaus D. Krebs, this structure sought to solve the pressing housing shortage in West Berlin while simultaneously addressing the challenges of integrating a busy motorway into a residential area. Which was something that was planned for Kreuzberg as well but never put into practice.
The project’s unique selling point was its ability to combine urban living with a high-traffic route while prioritizing ecological concerns through noise reduction and emission control. The centerpiece of this ambitious project is the 600-meter elevated stretch of the A104 motorway, the Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel, seamlessly integrated into the residential complex. This integration was a bold experimentation, aiming to minimize the motorway’s disruptive impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
The complex, completed in 1980, represented a unique approach to urban planning, demonstrating a commitment to multi-use traffic areas and ecological protection.
However, the Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel’s future has been thrown into uncertainty. In April 2023, the tunnel was closed indefinitely due to critical deficiencies in fire protection systems, including ventilation and emergency call systems. This closure, prompted by a technical inspection and reinforced by concerns raised during a Berlin Fire Department exercise, has had significant repercussions for the surrounding area.
Schlangenbader Strasse Tunnel: Berlin’s Urban Experiment Faces Renovation and Debate.
The closure of the Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel seems to have led to considerable traffic congestion in Wilmersdorf’s residential areas. Initial attempts to mitigate the traffic flow proved insufficient, and the entire situation has sparked a debate about the tunnel’s future, with officials initially questioning the viability of a costly renovation.
The Senate Transport Administration has since announced plans for a comprehensive renovation, with a projected reopening date of 2029. However, based on the history of project delays in Berlin, this might never happen. You know what I mean here if you remember the entire BER Airport fiasco.
The renovation project aims to address the identified safety deficiencies and tackle other structural issues, including road surface and ceiling plaster damage. A crucial aspect of the renovation will be the removal and replacement of hazardous building materials, ensuring the tunnel meets current health and safety standards.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel has also become a focal point for discussions about urban planning and the legacy of car-centric infrastructure. Critics have labeled the overpass a “relic of a bygone car-friendly era,” arguing that it diminishes the quality of life in the area. And I couldn’t agree more with them.
Citizen-led organizations have advocated for the structure’s demolition, proposing redesigning the area with more green spaces and pedestrian-friendly zones. Which would be way more valuable to the area than a tunnel crossing a building, even though I love it.
These organizations argue that removing the tunnel would not disrupt local traffic flow and create opportunities for a more sustainable and livable urban environment. The entire debate surrounding the Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel echoes a broader shift in urban planning, with a growing emphasis on pedestrianization, green spaces, and sustainable transportation. As you can see in Paris, other European capitals are tackling these issues better than Berlin.
The Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel, listed in December 2017, represents a unique chapter in Berlin’s architectural history. Its closure and planned renovation highlight the challenges of maintaining and adapting infrastructure from a previous era. As Berlin continues to evolve, the future of the Schlangenbader Strasse tunnel will be closely watched by many, including me. It will serve as a case study for balancing historical preservation, safety, and the changing needs of a modern city. And nobody knows what will happen there.
The resolution of the tunnel’s situation will shape the urban landscape of Wilmersdorf for decades to come, showing the constant battle between the past and the future of urban planning.
If the Schlangenbader Strasse Tunnel looks like an interesting adventure, follow the map below and look before construction work starts or something else blocks the roads that lead there. When you are there, don’t forget to look at the Bierpinsel nearby.
Understanding the Schlangenbader Strasse Tunnel: A Guide to Berlin’s Controversial Structure
14197 Berlin-Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
