Beelitz Heilstätten is a place for urban explorers, ghost hunters and anyone with an interest in abandoned history and buildings. I am the third one and when I first heard about this place it immediately took a place in my ‘’must-see” list. So, on one sunny day, I drove to Beelitz Heilstätten and found a place full of interesting history and abandoned buildings.

SOME SMALL HISTORY

Beelitz Heilstätten (on the internet also called Hitler’s hospital) was a sanatorium/hospital complex for patients with tuberculosis. The best architects were working on this hospital and in 1898 Beelitz Heilstätten was completed. It included luxury balconies, beautiful hallways, and platforms and 600 bed places for patients. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough and very soon the capacity was doubled.

From the beginning World War I till the end of World War II Beelitz hospital was used as a military hospital for the German army. Immediately after World War II, the Russians took it under control. It was known as the biggest military Russian hospital outside of Russia. Beelitz hospital was occupied until 1995.

After 1995 there were many attempts to privatize hospital, but they all were unsuccessful. Some parts of the hospital complex were used as a neurological rehabilitation center and as a center for Parkinson’s patients. But most of the complex was just abandoned.

With a time Beelitz Heilstätten became damaged, overgrown and scary. Teenagers were making their parties and drawing graffiti, but some film studios were trying to film some masterpieces. There happened also several murders and suicide. Maybe that’s why there are steps sounds, strange voices and sometimes doors are self-opening and closing?

VISITING BEELITZ FROM OUTSIDE

In 2015 September ‘’Tree and Time’’ (‘’Baum und Zeit’’) opened unique treetop path and observation tower. The path is 23 meters high, it leads you through treetops and abandoned overgrown hospital complex parts. The observation tower is about 36 meters high and it takes you to the most impressive panoramic views over Beelitz Heilstätten and Brandenburg (a federal state in Germany, around Berlin).

‘’Tree and Time’’ have done a good job. Beside treetop path you, your friends and family can take a walk enjoying abandoned views from the ground, there are a lot of rest areas and benches, entertainment zone for children, cafe with foods and drinks, information stands… This place is really made for a great and a little bit unusual Sunday walk, also with children and old people.

Today visiting Beelitz Heilstätten for entrance we need to pay. One entrance ticket for adult cost 9,50 EUR. But unfortunately, with this ticket, you are not able to go inside of buildings. In a case you want to do that, you will need to take a guided tour. It costs more but I think it can be worth that! More information (also in English) you can find here:
www.baumundzeit.de

WHY IT’S CALLED HITLER’S HOSPITAL?

Actually, there is no reason to call Beelitz Heilstätten hospital in Hitler’s name. At least I don’t see a reason for that. Hmm…I think it’s… how it’s called? The popularization of the blog post with a noisy, misleading name? Hmm. I think YES!

In 1916 between October and December Adolf Hitler was recovering in Beelitz Heilstätten hospital. He had been injured in his leg after the Battle of the Somme. In that time Hitler was a nobody. He hadn’t luxury care but at least he had a place where to sleep. After recovering in Beelitz hospital he visited Berlin for the first time.

And that’s it! There are no more facts about Hitler and Beelitz Heilstätten. So, if you are hearing or reading ‘’Hitler’s hospital’’, then don’t deceive yourself. It’s just another person trying to make some noise with ‘’cool’’ post name. If it truly would be Hitler’s hospital, we all would know about that! I am sure about that!

But this fact doesn’t make Beelitz less attractive! It’s still one of my favorite abandoned places. Perfect weekend walk through the ghostly and historically Beelitz Heilstätten, not Hitler’s hospital. 🙂

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