Gästehaus Freundschaft, Bad Saarow
The Gästehaus Freundschaft in Bad Saarow is a building from the 1960s located at Karl-Marx-Damm 79 near the Scharmützelsee lake. The property originally included a swimming hall, shooting range, bowling alley, and guest rooms, with a pier to the lake and spacious outdoor grounds.
The building was constructed in the 1960s as lodging for military officials and East German state officials, hosting delegation visits and holiday stays for many years. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, it became federal property and remained vacant until 2008, when it was developed into a senior living center.
The place served as a retreat for military officers and government officials during East Germany, offering them a secluded break from daily duties. The lakeside setting and park-like grounds shaped the experience as an exclusive, publicly hidden location.
The grounds are directly on the lake and easily accessible on foot, with former pathways and the pier to the water still in place. The area offers space for walking, and visitors can explore the remains of the historic buildings and outdoor grounds, particularly during pleasant weather.
An underground bunker was built in the 1970s between the main building and a weekend house belonging to Minister Heinz Hoffmann, serving as a shelter for guests. This hidden structure was connected to the Ministry of Defense communication network and remains as a remnant of that era.
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