Tunnel Escapes

Since the SED regime erected the Berlin Wall in August 1961, there have been repeated attempts to dig tunnels under the deadly barriers and thus reach freedom. In total, there were more than 70 escape tunnel projects that were actually started, but only 19 of them were successful. Through them, more than 300 GDR citizens were able to flee from East to West Berlin. There were spectacular successes, betrayals, and bitter failures.

During this two-hour tour, we tell the story (or stories) of the escape tunnels. Special attention is given to “Tunnel 57.” After a thematic introduction in our exhibition rooms in the civil defense shelter at Blochplatz, we head to Bernauer Strasse, a focal point of the Berlin Wall’s construction and the site of “Tunnel 57.” In addition, as part of this tour, we are able to present the exhibition “Tunnel 57: An Escape Story as a Comic” by Susanne Buddenberg and Thomas Henseler.

8 to 16 November 2025
Times for guided tours in different languages can be found in our online shop.

Duration: approx. 120 minutes
Price: €20 (reduced €15)
Languages: German, English, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch
Meeting point with ticket: Badstraße / corner Hochstraße, 13357 Berlin

Notes:
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is required to participate.
We recommend bringing warm clothing, as the indoor temperature on part of the tour is around 10°C all year round.
Children under the age of 7 cannot take part in this tour. The content and level of the tour are aimed at an adult audience, from grade 12 upwards.
Due to structural conditions, the facilities are not barrier-free.
There are no visitor toilets on site.