768,000 vs 150,000: Battle for the Seelow Heights 1945

Here your guide will provide a detailed overview of the Berlin-Seelow offensive operation and highlight key exhibitions, including a 3D model of the Soviet 1st Belorussian Front bunker and trench network which will be visited later in the tour. Guests will be able to explore the museum at their own leisure following the introduction.

After the museum, it is a short drive to the next town of Reitwein. This small and unassuming town played a vital role in the Soviet advance and was the starting point for the 1st Belorussian Front assault on Seelow and the future advance on Berlin. The Soviet’s amassed a force of 768,000 Infantry (including 78,556 soldiers of the Polish 1st Army), 3,059 tanks, 16,934 artillery and mortars as well as 3,279 combat aircraft.

A short walk from the town through the forest the tour will come to the bunker and trench network systems, the remnants of which can still be seen today, including Marshal Zhukov’s command bunker and observation point where he commanded the battle.

Following a small excursion through the trench network the tour will continue to Dolgelin Railway station. It was here that Colonel Scheunemann, commander of the 303rd Infantry Division set up his command post in defence of the heights. Here the tour will take stock of the German defensive positions and highlight the immense difficulties the Russian and Polish troops faced in crossing the aptly named ‘shooting gallery’.

From there the tour begins the journey back to Berlin following the original route of the Soviet advance. Passing through the town of Lietzen, the tour will briefly stop at the German field cemetery. It is of meaningful importance as this site has been significantly extended since Unification, as newly found remains are constantly added to the wartime graves. The town also hosts what is said to be Germany’s oldest barn and a manor house built by the Knights Templar dating back to 1252.

The final stop at the town of Jahnsfelde underpins the brutality and desperation of the fighting. Showcasing a sports field, the once site of a German field hospital mercilessly attacked by Soviet aircraft targeting the red cross markings and the last stand of the 3rd Battalion of the Artillery Regiment 18. Caught at the crossroads by advancing Soviet armor during the withdrawal, the Battalion hastily set up defensive positions destroying an estimated 100 tanks at the cost of 8 officers, 163 killed, over two-thirds of the battalion wounded, and all guns lost.

Once back in Berlin your guide will drop you back at your hotel or a central point of your choosing.