Hamburg BUNKER — Attraction in Hamburg

Other reviews mention the staff being rude/badly trained, but the attitude of the security staff was really extreme. It seems we were the latest targets of a guy on a power trip.

We spent a few hours spending money at different businesses in the bunker, then wanted to take group pictures.

There's a few concrete blocks in the open-air walking area between businesses. They aren't art or anything we would know to leave untouched. We decided to sit on the blocks to take pictures. There were no signs or warnings of any kind (in German OR English) so we figured it was fine, since we were in a public walking area.

We were taking pictures for a few minutes when a security guard approaches us and tells us to get off. We comply immediately and apologize, as we didn't know we couldn't take pictures there. He responded "you aren't sorry." which was REALLY weird and needlessly rude. It's like he wanted to start an argument with us, but we aren't going to do that, obviously - we just apologized again and asked what we did wrong, which he ignored.

Again, we were NOT in a restricted area - we were only a few steps from the elevator. He then asked us to get on the elevator & leave. I figured he was just having a bad day and we did what he asked, again, with no resistance.

After we boarded the elevator, he held the door open and said, "you are banned for life. We have your faces on camera." then let the doors close before we could ask any questions.

I'm truly shocked by the behaviour of this guard. We stopped taking pictures on the concrete and moved the moment we were asked. We wouldn't have done it at all if we knew it was prohibited... if we aren't supposed to go into an area that is clearly open to the public (only a few steps from an elevator!) that needs to be marked.

It really seems like he just wanted to shake up some tourists. It's sad when security officers use their position to go on...

Nestled in St. Pauli, this WWII-era Flakturm has been reborn, literally topped with a futuristic urban jungle and a touch of “boutique Berlin vibes meets concrete Cold War.”

From the outside, it still looks like it could survive an air raid but inside, it’s part bunker, part hotel, part rooftop Eden, part marketing experiment.

Architecture & Atmosphere: There’s a strange cognitive dissonance here. The raw remnants of war, crumbling concrete, massive structural slabs, and leftover war scars, are juxtaposed with glossy elevators, neon signs (“ROCK SHOP” anyone?), rooftop greenery, and trendy venues like Reverb by Hard Rock.

It’s like a fortress got a facelift and joined Instagram.

La Sala (on deck 5) offers a breakfast buffet that isn’t just for hotel guests, but €29 per person might raise an eyebrow unless you’re in it for the experience and the view. The rooftop jungle is undeniably impressive. It almost distracts from the eerie weight of the concrete below. Almost.

They’ve cleverly leaned into the musical branding. Karo & Paul offers a stylish bar/restaurant, while Rock Shop makes sure the Hard Rock DNA is alive and kicking. Whether that feels authentic or commercialized is a matter of taste.

There’s a nod to the bunker’s original identity, especially with preserved walls and visible remnants.

But unless you’re staying at the hotel or hitting one of the bars, the historical experience is a bit superficial.

Bonus points for the panoramic view. You don’t often get to look down on a football pitch from a repurposed anti-aircraft tower.

Final Verdict: A fascinating place that walks the tightrope between commemoration and commercialization.

Whether you find it genius or jarring might depend on your expectations: come for the views and vibe, not for a deep dive into...

We have truly enjoyed our week long stay here! We were fortunate enough to get to try 3 room options while here: a standard room with a double bed, a shared room with bunk beds & a king bed room. 2 of our rooms had a small balcony. The beds were comfortable & the atmosphere of the rooms offered a modern, unique flare. The showers gave a choice of rain-head or hand held depending on your preference. All rooms offered a hairdryer as well, so there is no need to pack one. You can get extra supplies by going to the 3rd floor utility room (with your card access). This is an honor system of sorts - take what you need & sign the items out on a clipboard. The utility room offers extras of what is in your room plus items not found in your room such as shave kits, shower caps, ice & an iron/ironing board, among other things. Be sure to take your room card with you everywhere you go within the hotel as the security is at many check points & a simple flash of your card is all they require to allow you in & out of areas that a restricted to hotel guest only. Visitors & hotel guests alike are able to take advantage of the shared spaces here. Those include a coffee bar, drink bar, restaurant & roof top terrace. There is also a section of open bunker for a piece of its history. The roof top terrace offers spectacular views of the surrounding city as well as beautiful plants, flowers & trees. It's a must-see while you're here. The staff & security have all been very friendly & accommodating as well. The train station & multiple bus stops make traveling to other sights a breeze. It is also a short walk to the marketplace for grocery needs, eateries & much more. I would highly recommend staying here if you are planning a...