April 2, 2026, 8:09 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The Bunker Museum Frauenwald, part of the Waldhotel Rennsteighöhe in the town of the same name in Thuringia, offers visitors a truly unique experience. Not only can you visit the old facility, which is still partially operational, but you can also spend the night there during a 16-hour special tour. TRAVELBOOK reveals what guests can expect.
An absolutely extraordinary experience awaits guests in the Thuringian town of Frauenwald. Nestled in a spruce forest is the Waldhotel Rennsteighöhe. However, it’s not just the cozy bungalows that draw crowds, but rather the Bunker Museum Frauenwald, part of the hotel. This is a genuine old East German bunker that served as a state-of-the-art command center during the Cold War. Tours allow you to explore the facility, which remains partially functional today. But the real adventure is spending the night there, which is indeed possible.
According to the official site of the Bunker Museum Frauenwald, construction of an underground defense facility began in 1972. It wasn’t completed until 1985. Underground, 3,600 square meters were developed into a fortress that would have been protected against nuclear contamination. The Ministry for State Security of the former East Germany managed and operated the bunker, where the district operations command Suhl was to continue its leadership tasks in an emergency. Therefore, the bunker was equipped with the latest radio and communication technology, a telephone exchange, telex, and an independent power supply.
Protected Against Contamination
In addition to fans and filters, a dedicated oxygen generation system ensures the survival of the bunker crew in the event of an attack, even with chemical weapons. A sophisticated system of doors and airlocks provides additional protection. The facility could not withstand a direct nuclear attack, but otherwise, both the stationed soldiers and their highly sensitive technology were well protected. A crew could have survived underground for a whole year, and in the event of a nuclear war, up to eight days. Even today, you can see much from that era in its original state at the Bunker Museum Frauenwald.
In 1997, the former East German fortress was converted into the Bunker Museum Frauenwald, as a staff member of the Waldhotel Rennsteighöhe explained to TRAVELBOOK. Since 2007, it has also been possible to spend the night in the old facility as part of a 16-hour special tour. “Reality experience” is the modern term used on the hotel’s website. “Demand is very high; we are practically always fully booked. Guests can expect a 16-hour time travel to the year 1989.” The staff member doesn’t want to reveal much more, as they want to surprise the guests. However, the website lists various program points, such as communal cooking and a night watch.
Overnight in Barracks Beds
Guests sleep in three-tier barracks beds, with only cold water available. Of course, as with the “normal” 70-minute tour, the Bunker Museum Frauenwald is thoroughly explored. “If you want, you can also wear an old NVA uniform.” However, you shouldn’t get too comfortable, as wake-up and morning exercise are scheduled for 7:30 a.m. the morning after the overnight stay. For subsequent personal care, the hotel’s sauna area is available, where a final breakfast also takes place.
The staff member emphasizes that they deliberately do not want to hold nostalgic events here. “Our guests are a diverse mix, and we want to show history as it actually was.” Anyone who wants to experience this for themselves can visit the Bunker Museum Frauenwald daily. Opening hours vary depending on the season and can be found on the official website. Regular admission costs 15 euros for adults. If you don’t want to participate in the 16-hour program, you can also book the up to three-hour special tour. The overnight intensive experience costs 129 euros per guest for a group of four or more. Note: Participation is only possible from age 21 or from age 14 when accompanied by an adult.