Beelitz-Heilstätten is a sprawling sanatorium complex south of Berlin that is steadily deteriorating. Its 60 buildings were initially constructed between 1898 and 1930 to treat Berlin’s working-class inhabitants for TB, which had spread like wildfire following the city’s enormous expansion boom. The sanatorium was also used to heal wounded troops during both World Wars; Adolf Hitler resided here after being injured in 1916. Several structures, such as the massive Alpenhaus, were severely damaged during the assault for Berlin at the conclusion of WWII. It is now a ruin slowly being reclaimed by nature, with trees growing on the roof.
Following the Red Army’s conquest of the region in 1945, the Soviets transformed Beelitz-Heilstätten into their largest military hospital on foreign soil (Vladimir Putin was also once a patient). It was still in use until 1994, when the Russians eventually left East Germany.
Once the Soviets withdrew, the region has become a magnet for dark tourism and urbex. Formerly, it was simple to get in and out, and much was vandalized or stolen. Since 2015, the area has been well secured (it’s difficult to overlook the warning signs regarding the guard dogs, which will deter most trespassers). Several structures are open for guided tours, and if you don a hard hat, you may have a look as they tell you about the domains’ history. These photographs are made during one of the tours of the old Surgical building (Chirurgie).
