The Secret of the Grunewald Forest

Deep in the middle of Grunewald forest, to the West of Berlin, lies Teufelsberg, a relic of a bygone era.  The Cold War era spy tower has long since been abandoned and is now home to some amazing views and graffiti.  Only until recently was it completely illegal to visit Teufelsberg but policy has relaxed and now you can get in to the grounds and climb the towers for less than what it would costs you to visit any of the museums in Berlin.  Thankfully it is not some attraction known to all and only a handful of normal people actually maintain the grounds and keep records of who enters.

You will find no signs, no “Teufelsberg this way,” just a small, over-grown, almost missable path, that leads you up a forested hill until you reach a barbwire fence.  Once you find the fence you know you are within reach.  Just simply follow the fence until you reach the locked entrance.  For a small fee silent walking tours are offered and the only way to get inside the complex.  Arrive only after noon if you want to get in, otherwise the fence will still be locked.  I say “silent walking tour” but they are simply there to make sure you don’t do anything stupid.  After you pay, and sign a waiver that you agree to enter at your own risk, Teufelsberg is yours to fully experience.

Signs of decay are prevalent throughout the structures and some of it has slowly been reclaimed by the land that surrounds it but it has luckily been left alone as it is.  Behold the eerie beauty of a place once used for spying now used for spray painting.  Climb the darkened staircases up concrete level after concrete level, graffiti and sweeping views over the dark forest to the city lights out in the distance all around you.