3D scan of the tunnel © Jakob Floess

The Schibli Tunnel was operated by the Bergedorf-Geesthacht Railway (BGE) from the start of construction in 1923 until 1956. Among other services, this railroad company operated the Vierländer Eisenbahn, which gave its name to the line between the Hamburg stations of Bergedorf Süd and Zollenspieker. After the National Socialists came to power in 1933, production in the Hamburg factories increased, and traffic on the Bergedorf-Geesthacht Railway increased significantly. Workers' trains ran from Krümmel to Hamburg Central Station. A siding branched off from the Vierländer Eisenbahn at Curslack to the Neuengamme concentration camp. This siding was used to transport the prisoners, mainly to work in Hamburg, but also to transport goods produced in the concentration camp to mostly companies in the inner city. Of the 100,000 concentration camp prisoners, only half survived to the end of the war. From 1954, BGE operated under the name VHH, short for "Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg Holstein," and since 2024, the company name "VHH Mobility" has been used. VHH is the second-largest transport company in northern Germany. Starting from one of the most insignificant locations (the tunnel was unused until 1976 due to the Second World War), the activities of the companies involved point to their complicity in the crimes of the Third Reich, which in countless cases were deliberately suppressed and forgotten.

© Robert Schmiedeknecht

Moisture penetrates through cracks in the concrete. On rainy days, a slight splashing sound can be heard. A characteristic feature is an opening in the ceiling of the tunnel halfway along, which provides natural light and casts clear shadows. Long tendrils wind their way down to the floor of the tunnel. Because of the curve of the tunnel, the end is not visible.

The line is considered closed. The trains running above cause a beguiling, recurring noise; the earth shakes. Only the echo of the rattling rails above remains briefly, and there is a nervous wait to see if the track is really empty. The alternating play of light and shadow gives the path a feeling of excessive length. At night, however, it is quiet, except for the occasional freight trains. Since the tunnel has no artificial light, visits should take place during the day. Entering the tunnel constitutes a criminal offense of trespassing. It is recommended to wear a reflective vest to adapt to the environment and as a precautionary measure due to possible train traffic. The audio guide (4:56) will take you through the tunnel's creation and ownership history, accompanied by the location's repetitive sounds.

© Robert Schmiedeknecht