Because of its metal industry, Iserlohn produced war-related products during World War II and thus became a target for air raids. The need to take protective measures for the population became obvious by 1943 at the latest. Construction of the air-raid shelter tunnel under the Oberste Stadtkirche began at the end of 1943. With an originally planned length of 500 to 550 meters, the shelter was to be able to accommodate up to 6,600 people. By the end of the war, only a tunnel length of about 200 meters had been reached. Prisoners of war were used for the construction and were not allowed to enter the tunnel during the attacks; Jews were also not allowed to enter the shelter.
The air-raid shelter can only be visited as part of a guided tour. As a protective measure, it is necessary to wear a helmet, which is provided by the City Museum. Dates for public tours are announced on the website of the Iserlohn City Museum.
Dates for guided tours: https://www.iserlohn.de/kultur/museen/fuehrungen-und-museumspaedagogik
Dates for groups on request.