AEG Tunnel

At the end of the 19th century, Berlin became an industrial centre. Apart from an increase of the number of factories there was a significant rise in population with more people moving back and forth in the city. The need for new infrastructures was met by a competition that called for new transport options. The 'Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft' (AEG) (General Electricity Company) based its approach on the London subway model. Below the AEG site at Humboldthain, a test track with a length of 295 m was built, connecting two AEG buildings. Siemens finally won the competition with the less expensive concept of an elevated railway, today's U1. AEG used its underground electric tunnel railway to transport people and material between the two locations. In the First World War, the tunnel was used for ammunition production, and in the Second World War, the employees found shelter during air raids.

The AEG site was closed in 1984, but the tunnel remained intact. In 2016, Berliner Unterwelten e.V. began repairing the AEG test tunnel, supported by the Gewerbesiedlungs-Gesellschaft (GSG). Thus, the historic track could be uncovered. The Berliner Unterwelten e.V. offer guided tours to explore the tunnel and trace the historical development of the area. 

AEG Tunnel
Voltastraße 5-6 (Hof neben Treppe 12.1)
13355 Berlin
Germany
+49 (0) 30 - 49910518
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