L-88 is the road to Beelitz Heilstatten, the haunted German sanitarium

Located in the Potsdam-Mittelmark district in Brandenburg, Germany, Beelitz Heilstätten is a former sanatorium complex built at the start of the 20th century, originally for tuberculosis patients. While parts of the complex have been restored or repurposed, it still retains a fascinating historic atmosphere and is a popular site for photography and exploration.

Beelitz Heilstatten,

What’s Beelitz Heilstätten?

Built in 1898 and designed by architect Heino Schmieden, more than 100,000 patients were treated here over its first 25 years. Between 1898 and 1930, it served primarily as a sanatorium for lung diseases, especially tuberculosis.

During both World Wars, the complex was used as a military hospital. Notably, Adolf Hitler was treated there for an injured leg in 1916. Some parts were damaged during the wars, and after WWII, the Russians used it as a military hospital, making it one of the largest outside Russia. The last patients left in 1994.

Today, Beelitz Heilstätten has been partially restored, and visitors can safely explore and photograph much of the site without legal risk. While it’s no longer fully abandoned, its long history gives it a unique and eerie character.

Can I drive to Beelitz Heilstätten?

To access the complex, take the L-88 national road at Fichtenwalde. From the intersection, drive 4.5 km (2.79 miles) on a paved road to reach the site.

While the site is now accessible and legal to visit, it still carries its historical reputation. Some visitors report feeling a strange atmosphere due to its haunted past, but these experiences are anecdotal.
Road suggested by: Matthias Urlichs
Pic: Uli Stollberg

 

 

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