Kaserne Krampnitz - Feb 2012 (Very Image Intensive)

[Priority 7]

The Krampnitz barracks were built betweem 1937 and 1939 for the army riding and driving school. . The architect Robert Kish was responsible for the design. The sprawling complex consists of exposed brick buildings and an imposiing entrance tower on the north side. Behind the tower on the mountain, sits the officers' mess.



Amongst the other buildings there is a staff dormitory building with an attached officer and a cadet's block. In addition to these the crew quarters , stables for the horses, garages and a number of technical facilities were also located on site. A small housing estate for officers and married couples with semi-detached houses was located on the South side of the barracks giving a very village feel to them.



Until 1937 the cavalry school was located in Hanoverit had been there since 1872 and been responsible for the equestrian training of the army but it was now too small, Army High Command made the decision to relocate it Krampnitz.



The barracks were not fully completed until 1939 and at that time, Krampnitz was still used for the training of cavalry and motorized troops, later it was also responsible for the armoured cavalry. In 1941 the name was changed to "School of fast troops", in 1943 there was a second name change to "Panzer troops Krampnitz School II".



In the last months of the war, the tank school was used for preparation of the motorized units for combat missions over Berlin. However by 26th April 1945 the barracks was completely vacated by soldiers. On 27th April Krampnitz was occupied by the Russain Red Army and would remain so until 1992.
Since the withdrawal of former Soviet army in 1992, the buildings have stood empty. Recently some parts have been used for film sets and television productions. Enemy at the Gates was filmed in part here because parts were seen as a perfect replica of Red Square in Moscow.
In 2006, the barracks served as the backdrop for the film "Mein Fuhrer" with Helge Schneider in the title role.



















































Major thanks to TeeJF & Tonto for help on what transport links to use on this one and best places to hit while there...thanks too to Noboy for joining.

[Rebel]

I always wonder whether this is original or added later by an "artist".

[simonix]

Fantastic, great historical write up as well. Graffiti is cool as well as your photos. Well done!

[Priority 7]

Thanks simon this place is immense...160+ foto's and there is still loads we didn't see. Have to say though once you have seen one of the camps "dorm rooms" the only thing you miss by not seeing another is the graffiti if there is any

[Clough]

Wow that's ace mate, well done!

[myke]

nice pics not one for grafitti myself but have to confess in this case it was stunning . the one sat on the steps was my favourite thanks

[Priority 7]

Had a second mooch here before heading home there is far more to this place than the Adler, Kasino and Theatre...sure they are some of the best spots but the gym, building of arches and even a cherno style block of flats are worth taking in. here are a few from my second visit..

















And just as we gave up hope of finding the gym tada!!!!!

[oneandsix]

missed this the 1st time,very nice,looks huge.

[Nicola]

That is just ace!

[kitajgorod]

Great! I was planning to visit Berlin in Spring, so there's another good reason to go.