German WWII air raid shelters opened for public tours

During the 2026 ‘Tag des offenen Denkmals’ (Open Monument Day), historical World War II air raid shelters in Solingen and Karlsruhe were opened to the public for guided tours.

In Solingen, visitors toured a ‘Winkelbunker’ located in Max-Leven-Gasse. Built in 1940, this high-tower type bunker was designed by architect Leo Winkel and was capable of protecting approximately 500 people during Allied bombing raids.

In Karlsruhe, tours were held at a secret bunker located beneath platforms 11 and 12 of the main railway station. Originally built to protect travelers and station staff from air and gas attacks, the facility now serves largely as storage space or remains vacant.