Truppenübungsplatz Bombodrom
Exploring the Abandoned Wittstock Military Training Area ‘Truppenübungsplatz Bombodrom’. It was first used by the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (GSSD) from 1952 until their withdrawal in 1993. After that, the Bundeswehr took over, but their plans for further military use were met with resistance. Today, it stands as a relic of Cold War military power, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
In the dense forests of Brandenburg lies the abandoned Wittstock Military Training Area, also known as Bombodrom. This vast site, once controlled by the Soviet military, has a long and controversial history.
A Soviet Legacy
The Soviets built barracks, training facilities, and even entire residential areas in the Russian architectural style. Many of these buildings still stand, though stripped of almost all their original contents. Prefabricated DDR-era structures mix with classic Soviet designs, creating an eerie but fascinating scene. The area was home to an artillery brigade, along with a tactical training center. Bombers, fighter jets, and helicopters once dominated the skies above this place.
During our exploration, we found rows of abandoned houses, some used by the Bundeswehr for training after the Soviets left. Inside, only remnants of their past use remain. Most rooms are empty, with peeling paint and broken windows as the only witnesses to their former occupants. A few strange objects, whose function remains a mystery, hint at the daily life of soldiers stationed here.
Forgotten Structures and Hidden Gems
Among the ruins, we discovered a shop, a theater, and even secluded spots that may have served as retreats for officers. It was easy to imagine the soldiers unwinding in these places after long training sessions. The barracks, once filled with life, now stand silent, slowly crumbling under the weight of time.
The land itself tells a tragic story. Farmers and landowners were forced to lease their land to the Soviet Army in the 1950s and later had to sell it at extremely low prices. Even after reunification, hopes of reclaiming their property faded when the Bundeswehr marked the area as a military zone.
The Future of the Bombodrom
The struggle over Wittstock’s future lasted for decades. The German government abandoned its plans for military use in 2009, and the Bundeswehr finally left in 2011. Local activists fought to turn the area into a nature reserve or tourist destination, but the process has been slow. I visited the site in 2022.
One of the biggest challenges today is the enormous amount of unexploded ordnance left behind. It is estimated that over 1.5 million grenades, bombs, and other munitions remain scattered throughout the site. Due to the dangers of unexploded ordnance, entering this site is strictly forbidden. Always respect local laws and safety warnings when exploring abandoned places.
