The vast sanatorium complex known as Beelitz-Heilstätten, located south of Berlin, is gradually losing its quality. Its sixty buildings were first built between 1898 and 1930 to treat working-class residents of Berlin for tuberculosis (TB), which had spread like wildfire during the city’s massive growth boom. During the two World Wars, the sanatorium was also used to treat injured soldiers; Adolf Hitler lived here following his injuries in 1916. A number of buildings, including the enormous Alpenhaus, suffered significant damage during the latter stages of the Berlin Assault. Trees are now growing on the roof, and the ruin is gradually being reclaimed by the natural world.
The Soviets converted Beelitz-Heilstätten into their largest military hospital abroad after the Red Army conquered the area in 1945 (Vladimir Putin was once a patient there). Up until 1994, when the Russians finally left East Germany, it remained in operation.After the Soviets left, urbex and nighttime tourism became increasingly popular in the area. It used to be easy to enter and exit, and a lot of things were stolen or vandalized. The location has been well-secured since 2015 (most trespassers will be discouraged by the obvious warning signs about the guard dogs). A few of the structures are available for guided tours; if you put on a hard hat, you may take a look as they explain the history of the domains. These pictures were taken during one of the historical tours of the Surgical (Chirurgie) building.
