Powder bunker @museum.de

Former powder bunkers can be found all over the Königshain Hills. The oldest ones date back to the 19th century, when explosives, or gunpowder as it was also known at the time, were first used to blast large blocks of stone out of quarries. Explosives had to be dry, which is why such deposits were necessary around the granite works. One main depot was located in Arnsdorf. The quantities required for one or more days were collected there by the blaster and taken to the bunkers. Powder bunkers are robustly built and integrated into the forest in such a way that they are barely visible. They are also always located away from the main working areas to ensure safety in the event of an explosion.

You can't get in there. Powder bunkers are solidly built - nothing can be done.

Yeah, what do you want in there? Explosives are super dangerous. The walls are so thick because explosives can also explode in a bunker. Imagine you're in there. The thick concrete walls can absorb the force of an explosion quite well. At least they prevent the blast wave from reaching the outside.

There are shelves and lockers inside. This is where the explosive material is stored safely. Only the employees had access. There are no windows, of course, but ventilation shafts are installed here and there. They prevent explosive gases from being released during storage. The powder bunkers were still in operation until the late 1950s. They were guarded at night, well, only when explosives were stored, of course. To deter curious foxes. But also to deter thieves who kept trying to get their hands on the dangerous material.