Berlin is a city of many contrasts and contradictions. It’s also the capital of one of the most creative countries in Europe, but there’s one thing that doesn’t quite fit – Berlin’s Gruselkabinett.
This walk-through horror house is based on disturbing stories from German folklore, and its haunted rooms are both claustrophobic and unsettling!
The Gruselkabinet – The Cabinet of Horrors
Of course, a Nazi-era air raid shelter brings about its own images of horrors. Still, the Gruselkabinett, Berlin Story Bunker, or The Cabinet of Horrors has designed specific horrors to engage each visitor.
There’s a disclaimer on the website that says the old World War II bunker isn’t suitable for children…but they’ll let in anyone who dares to take the tour!
Gruselkabinett is a museum located in Berlin, Germany. It is known for its collection of frightening and horror-themed objects and artifacts. The museum was opened in 1975 by Erich Ohser, who was better known by his pen name, E.T.A. Hoffmann.
The bunker is home to various items, including wax figures, paintings, and sculptures. Many of the objects on display are said to be cursed or haunted. Visitors to this bunker museum have reported feeling uneasy or even scared while walking through its halls – a supposed telltale sign of the paranormal!
You’ll find several different scenes in the Chamber of Horrors:
- There’s a lone skeleton who is playing the piano.
- There are spooky graveyards.
- There’s a 3D wall image of some occult members coming after you…or is it just an image?
It’s essentially a maze that you’ve got to navigate independently, and as Gruselkabinett says, the only way to adequately get through the Chamber properly is by running and screaming. Huzzah.
This is where hidden workers will pop out of seemingly nowhere and scare you as you look at these sometimes frightening, sometimes pretty cheesy images.
That said if you didn’t grow up hearing the German language every day as a child, being spooked by this aggressive-sounding tongue can give you the willies!
Still, all in all, it’s better than the average Haunted House that you’d find on Halloween!
And hey, if it’s your kid’s birthday, you can invest a paltry €1.50 to let them go on a treasure hunt throughout the museum and keep their reward – trauma! Yay!
History of Gruselkabinett
Gruselkabinett, or the Berlin Story Bunker, was initially an air-raid shelter built-in 1942 during World War II. It was used to protect civilians from the bombings in Berlin. The bunker is located about 15 meters below street level and can accommodate up to 1,000 people.
In 1933, the museum was taken over by the Nazi regime and renamed “Großdeutsches Freilichtmuseum der Horrorgeschichte” (Great German Open-Air Museum of Horror Stories).
Today it was known for its disturbing and gory exhibits. The bunker was popular with tourists and locals alike, and it was often described as being one of the most haunted places in Berlin.
How to Get There
Alexanderplatz station or taking the U8 subway line to Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz and then getting out at the Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse stop.
The museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and provides an audio-guide tour. Admission is €8 for adults, €6 for children under 12, and €4 for students and seniors.
See Related: 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary
What to See at Gruselkabinett
When you enter the museum, you will be given a guide that tells you about the different exhibits in Berlin Story Bunker. There are three floors in the bunker, and each floor has various exhibitions.
The first floor has shows about monsters, ghosts, and vampires.
The second floor has exhibits about witches, zombies, and werewolves. The third floor has exhibits about ghosts, monsters, and zombies.
The museum also has a gift shop to buy souvenirs such as t-shirts, hats, and keychains.
Best things to do at Gruselkabinett
There are a few things that you can do when visiting Berlin’s Frightening Gruselkabinett.
Some of the best things to do:
- Explore the haunted houses and dungeons.
- Check out the creepy clowns and monsters.
- Ride the roller coasters and experience the thrills and chills.
- Enjoy the food and drinks at the Frightening Gruselkabinett.
- Take photos with spooky props and decorations.
- Experience the frightening fun of the Frightening Gruselkabinett!
Best Attractions Nearby
Madame Tussauds Berlin
“Madame Tussauds Berlin” by pasa47 is marked with CC BY 2.0.
If you’re in the mood for a little bit of Germany and Berlin history and some scares, then a visit to Berlin’s Gruselkabinett is a must and among the best things to do in Berlin. Located in the heart of the city, this frightening attraction is home to some of the most famous wax figures in the world.
There is something for everyone at Madame Tussauds Berlin, from political leaders to movie stars. It is also close to Hotel Palace Berlin and nearby rentals to book.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Northern Germany
The DDR Museum
For those who want to learn about the dark side of Berlin’s history, the DDR Museum is a must-see. This chilling attraction details the city’s time under communist rule and features exhibits on life in the East German secret police and the Berlin Wall. The museum tickets are available here.
Panoptikum Hamburg
The Panoptikum Hamburg is a museum of oddities and wonders. It is full of bizarre and fascinating exhibits, including a two-headed cow, a collection of shrunken heads, and a vampire hunting kit. It’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to see the strange and unusual.
Spreepark
Spreepark was once a famous amusement park located in the Berlin district of Treptow-Köpenick. However, it closed down in 2001 after years of financial difficulties.
In recent years, the park has become a popular destination for urban explorers and thrill-seekers, drawn to its eerie abandoned buildings and spooky atmosphere.
The park is haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Karlheinz Krug. Krug was a convicted child molester found dead in the park’s haunted house in 2004. Some visitors have reported seeing his ghost wandering the grounds of the park.
See Related: Reasons to Visit Germany
Drachenburg Castle
Drachenburg Castle is a beautiful example of German Gothic Revival architecture. It’s also home to some spooky legends.
According to one, a dragon once lived in the castle and terrorized the locals. Supposedly, the dragon was killed, and its blood still stains the castle walls. Visitors have also reported seeing strange lights and hearing footsteps when there’s no one else around.
Is it haunted?
Who knows! But it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for a little bit of fright book your tour visit now.
Berlin Cathedral
The Berlin Cathedral, also known as the Berliner Dom, is a Protestant cathedral located on Museum Island in the Mitte borough of Berlin, Germany.
It is the largest church in the city and one of the most important symbols of German identity. The current building was completed in 1905 and is the third church on the site.
Spy Museum
It is a museum in Berlin, Germany, dedicated to the history of espionage. The museum is located at Wilhelmstraße 113-114, in the former headquarters of the Reichs Security Hauptamt (Reich Security Main Office), responsible for all internal and external security during Nazi Germany. Rainer Hildebrandt founded the museum in 1996.
The museum has a collection of over 3,000 items on display, including spy equipment, weapons, documents, and photos.
There is also a recreation of a Stasi interrogation room. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission ticket is €8 for adults and €4 for children under 12 and offers tours and audio guides.
Final Thoughts
Sounds pretty interesting, right? It’s definitely one of the more exciting and unusual attractions in Berlin.
Speaking of Berlin, it really is an incredible city to spend a vacation sightseeing, visiting the countless museums and galleries, and lapping up some German beer!
If you’re thinking about an extended stay in Berlin, we’ve got a wealth of information to aid your planning, including where to stay in Berlin.
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