Although the Cold War is a distant memory despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s best efforts to make Russia a threatening world power with his war on Ukraine, there continues to be Cold War-era memorabilia bought and sold across the eBay platform. Now, a Cold War bunker built in Germany is up for sale on the auction website and is listed for sale at nearly $1.65 million.
The bunker was built to survive a nuclear attack during the Cold War. It includes ten-foot thick walls to keep out radiation from an atomic bomb. The shelter also features 9,150 square feet of open space within its thick walls that can offer protection to anyone who might want to shell out $1.65 million to purchase the German bomb shelter.
The amazing piece of real estate is located in the German town of Xanten, which in turn is located in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The bomb shelter initially made headlines in Germany but has now gone viral across the globe as people from around the world are keeping tabs on the auction. The classified ad posted on eBay describes the bomb shelter as being located “in the middle of beautiful Xanten is a highly secure haven for you, which will withstand the challenges of protecting a family under the most extreme conditions.”
The ad continues, “The huge bunker system extends underground for 850 square meters [9,150 square feet] and convinces with the protection of its three-meter-thick concrete walls. At the time, the bunker was used for various operations by the Bundeswehr [the German Armed Forces].”
The nuclear fallout shelter was built on 8,000 square meters of land. The land is reportedly buildable so long as the purchaser obtains the correct permits to do so. In addition to containing its own sanitation system, Daily Mail reported that the German bomb shelter includes a generator, an electrical system, a control panel, water, and oil tanks as well as strong steel doors, and a warehouse.
According to the estate agents, “The technical facilities and atmosphere of the bunker will take you straight back to an earlier time that few can speak of.”
The sellers also articulated that a fallout shelter is a great option for “security” in the event that Russia or another country like China brings “war in Germany.”
However, the German Cold War-era bomb shelter also serves other purposes. It could be used as “a paintball facility” and would also do well in “commercial operations” given its size and construction.
Although the property is in good condition, it might need a bit of maintenance work like a fresh coat of paint.
“A conversion and a change of use to create living space must be examined.”
The estate agents explained: “The bunker is generally in good condition, but needs to be cleared out due to items left by previous tenants. Many of the systems would need to be overhauled and checked as the electrical connections were also severed. This facility is therefore considered to be in need of renovation. The documents include various circuit diagrams, cable harnesses, documentation, site plans, and cross-sections.”