Originally built during World War II as a fortress to shield Hamburg residents from Allied air raids, the St. Pauli Bunker, once a symbol of Nazi ideology, has undergone a huge transformation.
Constructed in 1942 and originally known as Flakturm IV, the St. Pauli Bunker was a Hochbunker, or High Bunker, built by forced laborers. Despite its official capacity of 18,000, it provided refuge for up to 25,000 people during the war. After the war ended, the Allies considered demolishing the bunker as part of their denazification efforts. However, the structure’s robust walls and central location in Hamburg made demolition unsafe, leaving the building intact.
In the years after the war, the St. Pauli Bunker found new life as a cultural and artistic hub, hosting events and serving as a music venue. Now, the bunker has been transformed. The extension, supported by 16 massive steel pillars, adds five new floors to the original structure, increasing its height from 35 meters (114 feet) to 58 meters (190 feet). These new levels house a hotel, restaurants, a cafe, and various social spaces.
“The public recreational space combines several ecological, cultural, and historical aspects,” notes the press release. The redeveloped site includes an urban garden, spaces dedicated to local culture, exhibition areas, and facilities for urban gardening.
Additionally, the bunker now features accommodation for scholarship holders and artists, a modern sports hall, and a hotel. For the first time, a memorial and information center has been established within the bunker, commemorating the victims of the Nazi regime and World War II.
The green transformation extends beyond the building’s interior. Approximately 23,000 trees and plants, including fruit trees, shrubs, pines, maple, ivy, and rose bushes, now adorn the bunker’s exterior. Visitors can explore a 2.5-acre rooftop park, accessible via 335 steps or a winding 560-meter (1,900-foot) “mountain path” that encircles the bunker, offering breathtaking views of Hamburg. For those unable to make the climb, an elevator is available. The plants are securely anchored to withstand wind, and a team of landscapers, including industrial climbers, is responsible for maintenance. The entire system is supported by a temperature-controlled irrigation and drainage setup that effectively manages rainwater.
The redevelopment of the St. Pauli Bunker was spearheaded by Matzen Immobilien KG, with a budget of approximately €100 million (US$110 million).
This project follows a similar initiative in Hamburg, known as the Energy Bunker, further highlighting the city’s commitment to repurposing historical structures into modern, functional spaces.
