History - Charged and Dynamic

Associations with military history can often be quite ambivalent, and yet other times they provide impressive proof of an area's potential for change. Within the space of a few years, Wünsdorf developed from a strategically significant military base to a peaceful place with all administrative facilities and civic services, where cultural life flourishes. In Buildings, museums and historical sites, which often serve as locations for cultural events, present and past demonstrate peaceful coexistence.

In 1872, German Emperor Wilhelm II launched the era of militarism by founding the largest artillery range and testing site in Prussia. In 1910 a training area followed, and in 1924 the construction of a military sport school commenced, which was later to be requisitioned by the Nazis. Their communication facilities were housed in the bunker called 'Zeppelin', while bunker 'Maybach' were headquarters for the commander-in-chief of the Nazi armed forces. Today both bunkers are tourist attractions.

During the 1950s, Wünsdorf became known as "Little Moscow". In the course of time around 35.000 people from Russia settled at Wünsdorf. However, for the Germans living in the surrounding communities, it remained a "forbidden town". Until the withdrawal of the Russian troops in 1994, Wünsdorf was strictly off-limits.

Waldstadt Wünsdorf/Zehrensdorf mbH (EWZ), an initiative promoting the development of this forest town, took over, heralding in a new era. In 1996, the first administrative facilities were opened, providing new job opportunities. Two years later, Germany's first 'Book Town' was inaugurated. Nowadays Wünsdorf has infrastructure which is tailored for the special needs of families. Its kindergartens, elementary and intermediate schools, sport and leisure facilities are predominantly situated in the residential northern part of town. The beautiful buildings found in the southern part of Wünsdorf are, in contrast, still slumbering, waiting for visionary investors to awaken them into new life.