Seems an appropriate time to post this on the anniversary of being there. This was the main attraction, the top of the bill on our Germany trip as the word was that major redevelopment would be starting in the new year (of 2015). It was a tense access as we were aware that security had a very no-nonsense approach to uninvited visitors, and getting caught would almost certainly mean missing our flight home later that day 
Even though we had a map of the underground tunnel network which was supposed to link the various blocks, we spent ages underground finding ourselves back where we started or at a dead-end. Eventually we saw a good amount of cracking stuff but light was failing and it felt there was much remaining we left unseen.
However...
Its hard to put into words the awesomeness of this place. The craft and workmanship making every detail add up to an extraordinary collection of buildings. I had a few minutes to just stand and absorb the atmosphere. The weather was wet and dismal outside and the only sound was the occasional dripping of water slowly seeping in wherever it could. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to experience such a place.
A little history - It's a vast complex of 346 acres opened in 1902 for the treatment of TB. Taken over as a military hospital during WW1 and famously treated a certain A Hitler who was wounded in the Battle of the Somme. It then returned to its original use before again being requisitioned as a military facility by the Soviets who occupied it until most of it was abandoned in 1994.
Ladies and gentlemen, step this way...!
The cavernous bath house with space for 3 at a push in the bath itself
The gymnasium
Before the daylight was completely gone we ran around some of the smaller buildings grabbing a few shots:
Theatre
Morgue
Even though we had a map of the underground tunnel network which was supposed to link the various blocks, we spent ages underground finding ourselves back where we started or at a dead-end. Eventually we saw a good amount of cracking stuff but light was failing and it felt there was much remaining we left unseen.
However...
Its hard to put into words the awesomeness of this place. The craft and workmanship making every detail add up to an extraordinary collection of buildings. I had a few minutes to just stand and absorb the atmosphere. The weather was wet and dismal outside and the only sound was the occasional dripping of water slowly seeping in wherever it could. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to experience such a place.
A little history - It's a vast complex of 346 acres opened in 1902 for the treatment of TB. Taken over as a military hospital during WW1 and famously treated a certain A Hitler who was wounded in the Battle of the Somme. It then returned to its original use before again being requisitioned as a military facility by the Soviets who occupied it until most of it was abandoned in 1994.
Ladies and gentlemen, step this way...!
The cavernous bath house with space for 3 at a push in the bath itself
The gymnasium
Before the daylight was completely gone we ran around some of the smaller buildings grabbing a few shots:
Theatre
Morgue
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