Anhalter Bahnhof, located in Berlin's Mitte district, stands as a significant historical remnant of what was once among Europe's grandest railway stations. Opened in 1841 and impressively rebuilt in Neo-Renaissance style by 1880, it served as the "Gateway to the South," a vital connection for trains traveling to cities like Leipzig, Munich, Vienna, and even further destinations. Its colossal trainshed, an engineering marvel, and direct underground tunnel to the luxurious Hotel Excelsior underscored its importance as a bustling travel hub. However, the station's role tragically shifted during World War II. From 1942 to 1945, Anhalter Bahnhof became a grim deportation point, from which an estimated 55,000 Jews, including elderly individuals, were forced onto trains bound for Theresienstadt and other concentration camps. These "old peoples transports," though disguised as regular departures, were a chilling part of the Holocaust.
Berlin GermanyAnhalter Bahnhof is located at Stresemannstraße, 10963 Berlin, Germany. Once one of Berlin’s grandest railway stations, it was heavily damaged during World War II and later closed in 1952. Today, only a portion of its facade remains, serving as a historical landmark. Nearby, visitors can explore the Berlin Story Bunker, which offers an immersive exhibition on Berlin’s history, including the Nazi era and Cold War. The Topography of Terror, a museum documenting the crimes of the Nazi regime, is just a short walk away. The German Museum of Technology, featuring exhibits on aviation, rail transport, and industrial history, is also close by. Potsdamer Platz, a vibrant area with shopping, entertainment, and modern architecture, is within walking distance. The Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, is another significant site nearby.