U-Boot-Bunker Valentin

Plans for bomb-proof shipyards began in late 1942 under Armaments Minister Albert Speer, as Allied air raids severely hampered German U-boat production. Bremen-Farge was chosen as the location due to its favorable connection to the Weser River and the availability of forced laborers. The construction of Bunker Valentin, which took place from 1943 to March 1945 under the supervision of the Organisation Todt, claimed thousands of lives among the forced laborers. Despite the planned production of 14 U-boats per month, the bunker, which was 95 percent complete, could no longer fulfill its function due to the course of the war. In late March 1945, the bunker was bombed by the Royal Air Force, with two Grand Slam bombs penetrating the 4.5-meter-thick ceiling, bringing construction to a definitive halt. After the war, a complete demolition of the bunker was rejected due to fears of massive damage to the surrounding area.

The U-Boat Bunker Valentin is located in the Rekum district of the city of Bremen in the state of Bremen, Germany, at an altitude of approximately 15 meters above sea level.

Today, the bunker is an impressive monument and a memorial site with a visitor center hosting exhibitions on its history. Although a large interior space is accessible, extensive parts of the ruin are closed for safety reasons. A full tour of the bunker is not possible.

• Jagdschloss Elsfleth (Castle), approx. 3.3 km away
• Burg Blomendal (Castle), approx. 6.4 km away
• Herrenhaus Neuenhuntorf (Mansion and Manor House), approx. 6.6 km away
• Schloss Wätjens (Castle), approx. 7.1 km away